New York is one of the most vibrant cities in the world, with some of the most fashionable people living within its borders. Fashion is super important in NYC, especially with the NY Fashion School, as well as an array of fashionable and trendy people.
Thrifting has become super popular, with people wanting some of the best vintage clothing and accessories. There are so many places to get vintage steals in New York, and some may be relatively undiscovered.
In this article, we will tell you about some of the best thrift stores in New York City, and what you’re likely to find.
1. Cobblestones, 314 E 9th St, New York, NY 10003, United States
Cobblestones is a vintage store in the perfectly placed location of the East village. There is a large selection of vintage clothing and accessories in Cobblestones, and it remains a popular choice with the locals and tourists alike.
The cute store has a small front, with a homely window presenting the most intriguing vintage goods. At Cobblestones, you can pick up the most fashionable and fun vintage shoes as well as gorgeous, colorful scarves and hats.
They sell handmade leather shoes from the 1970s, as well as some breathtaking shirts and blouses from the 1950s and beyond. They also have Japanese vintage fans as well as a wide range of vintage children’s clothing.
Metropolis Vintage has some of the best and unique vintage items, as well as an online Etsy store. They are known for their extensive vintage t-shirt collection, and Metropolis is a favorite amongst celebrities such as Kanye West, Scarlett Johansson, and Keanu Reeves.
The store is super popular, with only the most fashionable and trendy pieces, hence why it is so popular with celebrities. The store is big, with hundreds of vintage t-shirts and jackets filling the store.
Metropolis also runs a t-shirt exchange trading extravaganza, to bring people together in the vintage world as well as support independent businesses alike.
With four locations, Beacon’s Closet is one of the most popular vintage and modern clothing stores in the city. The store buys, sells, and trades vintage goods, and they are known by models and locals with a great fashion sense.
Their prices are inexpensive, with some absolutely great steals available. The store sells branded items as well as vintage unbranded items. They sell various items, from the 1940s and older, all of which are easy to incorporate into contemporary dressing.
Buffalo Exchange is a vintage, thrift, and designer store with several locations in the country. In New York, there are six in the entire state, including the East Village, Queens, and Noho. The first store was opened in 1974 in Arizona, and it has been bustling all over the country ever since.
There are now almost fifty stores in the US. Buffalo Exchange specializes in exchanging pre-loved clothing, from boutique designer, to early 2000s sportswear. You can take your clothes to help out the environment and earn a little extra money.
Housing Works is a non-profit organization that donates to homeless people living with HIV/AIDS. By buying pre-loved clothes and thrifting at Housing Works, you are funding the help for people living with HIV/AIDS.
The charity has provided services for over 30,000 homeless people in New York who were living with HIV/AIDS, or at risk. This includes housing, livelihood, and healthcare. Housing Works has thrift stores, as well as an online store and a bookshop café.
Housing Works sells a range of items, such as vintage clothing, accessories, and everyday items.
6. The Attic, 231 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211, United States
The Attic is a thrift and vintage clothing store in Brooklyn that sells some timeless vintage pieces and accessories. The Attic sells true vintage pieces from every decade, from denim to vintage hats. They have some amazing floral blouses as well as Bohemian style bags and accessories.
They are very active on social media, and you will be sure to find some of the best deals. Sustainability is at the forefront of The Attic’s image, as they recognize that the fashion industry is one of the leading contributors to pollution.
The Attic aims to show their love for second-hand and pre-loved clothing.
The Grand Strip is one of the leading vintage stores in New York City, created by CC McGurr. CC McGurr was raised on the French Riviera in the 60s, hence the French-inspired name of the shop.
CC McGurr had a fascination with vintage magazines and clothing, and she later moved to New York, becoming involved with high-fashion moguls and punk rockers. Le Grand Strip perfectly encapsulates french-inspired vintage fashion as well as romantic timeless pieces.
They have some excellent pieces such as vintage Louis Vuitton bags, and colorful earrings from the 80s. This store is perfect for those who like to look classy.
8. Awoke Vintage, 688 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222, United States
Awoke Vintage is a stylish and modern vintage store in Brooklyn that specializes in earrings and treasured pieces. The store actively collaborates with designers, stylists, production companies and others to make unique pieces for events and projects.
They do this by using their current vintage collection to create outfits from any period. The store has some amazing steals, such as vintage silk scarves and sunglasses. If you’re looking for modern vintage style clothing, Awoke Vintage is the place to go.
Dusty Rose Vintage is a vintage store with a passion for vintage pieces as well as sustainability. They have been open since 2008, and they have hosted fundraisers and humanitarian events. Their founder has over two decades of experience in the fashion industry and vintage clothing in particular.
Dusty Rose Vintage aims to combat the fast fashion crisis by refurbishing and selling vintage clothing. They also offer services such as textile and design inspiration, wardrobe styling, photoshoots, and private parties.
They have an extensive range of vintage clothing such as shirts and vintage comic t-shirts.
L Train is a family owned and operated thrift store with several locations across New York City. They have some amazingly unique finds that you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
They have been operating and selling vintage clothing since 1999, and they have buyers all over the country. The store has some modern products, and their prices are consistent and affordable.
Feng Sway is one of the unique thrift stores in the city, selling plants and general gifts, too. The store is modern and trendy, with a plant section, a beauty and wellness section, as well as art and oddities, and pillows and socks.
The store is very much like an independent vintage Urban Outfitters. They also have a large variety of ritual accessories such as crystals and incense. They sell some excellent pieces of vintage clothing such as satin tops, cowboy style shirts and 1970s fleece jumpers.
This store is a luxurious vintage store that sells some great clothes and accessories. The store has a lot of fur, leather, and timeless vintage pieces. The store is beautiful, with vintage posters, concert t-shirts, and exposed brick walls.
The store has vintage jewerly, exquisite printed scarves, 80s style pop art t-shirts, and 70s style flowing trousers. The store also has a authentic and expensive vintage selection in a separate area of the store, containing amazingly detailed dresses and big leather jackets. This store has an eclectic mix of everything.
Tokio 7 is a big and modern vintage store, selling Japanese inspired vintage goods as well as second-hand designer and general clothing. The store is simple and effective, selling some staple goods such as Marsell boots and Ralph Lauren leather jackets.
Their range is super and extensive, with zip-up knitted jackets, and expensive vintage designer pieces. Tokio 7 is one of the biggest consignment stores in New York City, and it is a familiar and popular store amongst locals and budding fashion enthusiasts.
East Village Vintage Collective is one of the most popular vintage thrift stores in the city, and they have some excellent vintage clothing. They have an obscene amount of clothes, and their prices are super affordable.
They have vintage jumpsuits and rompers, dresses, blouses, homeware, vintage art exhibits, and gift certificates. The store has it all, and they love to commission special vintage pieces made by local artists to sell in their store such as a handpainted spam hand bag!
Final Thoughts
New York City truly is the hub for all things fashion-orientated, and they have so many vintage stores. There are designer vintage stores, vintage stores specializing in elegant French pieces, and inexpensive boutiques selling basic vintage clothing.
We hope this list has whittled down some of the best vintage stores in New York City.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Thrift Stores Are There In New York City?
There are over two hundred thrift stores dotted around New York City, with many based in Brooklyn and Manhattan.
What’s The Difference Between A Thrift Store And A Vintage Store?
A thrift store generally receives items from donations, whereas a vintage store may receive items from donation but as well as traded items. Consignment and vintage stores usually provide a financial benefit to the shop owner as well as the item owner.
Is Thrifting In NYC Expensive?
New York City is generally an expensive city, and thrifitng is as expensive as you want it to be. Some stores will sell basic thrifted items for a cheap price, whereas specialized vintage stores may sell antiques that will sell for thousands.
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