15 Best Thrift Shops in New York City

In the heart of the Big Apple, where fast fashion often takes the spotlight, a quieter, eco-conscious revolution is thriving. Thrift shopping in New York City isn’t just about finding incredible deals; it’s about embracing sustainability and championing a zero-waste lifestyle. Join us as we explore the best thrift shops in New York City, each a unique portal into a world where fashion gets a second chance to shine. Whether you’re searching for thrift shops in Manhattan or thrift shops in NYC as a whole, we’ve compiled a list of the best clothing thrift stores for you to explore.

Website: Housing Works

Location: Multiple

Housing Works is a thrift shop that stands out not just for its carefully curated selection but also for its noble mission. Housing Works aims to end homelessness and AIDS through advocacy, services, and entrepreneurial businesses. With multiple locations across the city, this is undoubtedly some of the best thrift shopping in NYC. When you shop at Housing Works, you’re finding hidden gems and contributing to a compassionate cause.

Website: Goodwill NY/NJ

Location: Multiple

Goodwill is a household name for thrift shopping in NYC, and the NY/NJ branches live up to the reputation. With a staggering number of donations and goods repurposed annually, Goodwill’s impact on sustainability is undeniable. Plus, their commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities through employment makes every purchase even more meaningful. Goodwill is genuinely one of the best thrift shops in New York City to find retro clothing brands for a reason.

Website: Buffalo Exchange

Location: Multiple

Buffalo Exchange is a pioneer in the resale fashion industry, offering shoppers a chance to buy, sell, and trade retro clothing brands and accessories. With over 40 stores, they provide an ever-changing inventory of current trends, vintage finds, and designer pieces. It’s the perfect place for those who love to keep their style fresh and eco-friendly. It’s definitely one of the best clothing thrift stores in NYC.

Website: Beacon’s Closet

Location: Multiple

Offering a blend of vintage and modern retro clothing brands, shoes, accessories, and jewelry, Beacon’s Closet is a budget-friendly boutique that caters to all fashion tastes. Plus, with their commitment to charitable donations, your purchases go beyond style – they support humanitarian causes—a top choice among the best thrift shops in New York City.

Website: L Train Vintage

Location: Multiple

For those searching for the “cool factor,” L Train Vintage is your destination. With a passion for thrifting dating back to 1999, this family-owned business is dedicated to bringing the best quality vintage merchandise to NYC. Their stores receive new merchandise at least three times a week, ensuring a fresh thrift shopping experience every visit. It’s no wonder they’re considered among the best thrift shops in NYC.

Website: AuH2O Thriftique

Location: 84 E. 7th Street East Village

AuH2O Thriftique offers a unique blend of secondhand, vintage, and upcycled clothing. They believe that sustainable thrift shopping in NYC shouldn’t be prohibitive – they want vintage, secondhand, and recycled clothing for everyone. Don’t forget to check out their permanent $5 and $10 racks for unbeatable deals at one of the best thrift shops in Manhattan.

Website: Crossroads Trading

Location: Multiple

Founded in 1991, Crossroads Trading has been a pioneer in the secondhand clothing industry. They offer an alternative to the environmental impact of fast fashion or the inaccessible-to-most luxury market. Sell your gently used clothes and find new-to-you pieces to extend the life of your wardrobe, all while shopping sustainably at one of the best thrift shops in New York City.

Website: Cure Thrift Shop

Location: 91 Third Avenue Manhattan

Cure Thrift Shop in Manhattan’s East Village is a unique destination that benefits juvenile diabetes research and advocacy. Founded by Liz Wolff, who has a personal mission to find a cure for type 1 diabetes, this store quickly became a thrift shop star. With a team of artists and designers, Cure Thrift offers a magical thrift experience in the heart of the big apple – truly one of the best thrift shops in New York City.

Website: Friends NYC

Location: 56 Bogart Street Brooklyn

Friends NYC, founded by Mary Meyer and Emma Kadar-Penner, started as a buy-sell-vintage and gift shop. Over the years, it has grown into a thrift shopping destination in Brooklyn, offering unique gifts, home decor, vintage clothing and retro clothing brands. They proudly support local makers and artisans, adding a touch of quirkiness to your wardrobe with one of the best thrift shops in New York City.

Website: Vintage Thrift Shop

Location: 286 Third Avenue Manhattan

Vintage Thrift Shop is different from your typical thrift store; proceeds benefit the United Jewish Council of the East Side. When you donate here, you receive a tax deduction and can explore a boutique setting filled with quality merchandise. The selection changes daily, so you never know what treasures await you at one of the best thrift shops in New York City.

Website: Grand Street Local

Location: 154 Grand Street Brooklyn

If you’re in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, don’t miss Grand Street Local. This family-owned and operated vintage store is hand-curated with clothing and accessories from the 1940s to the 1990s. Their dedication to finding unique, rare, and fun items sets them apart as a must-visit vintage destination in one of the best clothing thrift stores in NYC.

Website: Awoke Vintage

Location: Multiple Brooklyn Locations

Awoke Vintage, established in 2007, specializes in vintage denim and carefully curated unique pieces. They have three thriving stores that offer affordable finds and expert assistance, especially in finding the perfect pair of jeans. With a celebrity clientele, Awoke Vintage is the go-to place for vintage denim enthusiasts in one of the best thrift shops in New York City.

Instagram: 10 Ft Single by Stella Dallas

Location: 285 North 6th Street Brooklyn

This modest store offers a sizable assortment of men’s and women’s vintage clothing, shoes, and more. While they don’t buy clothing or accept donations, 10 Ft Single by Stella Dallas is a treasure trove for vintage enthusiasts looking to expand their wardrobe with unique pieces at one of the best clothing thrift stores in NYC.

Website: Chickee’s Vintage

Location: Women’s: 135 Wythe Avenue Brooklyn; Men’s 97 N7th Street Brooklyn

Launched in 2019, Chickee’s Vintage offers a wide range of vintage clothing from every era. They also feature pieces from local, sustainable designers. Kathleen Sorbara, the founder, aims to share love and create a sense of community through her store in one of the best thrift shops in NYC.

Website: Church Street Surplus

Location: 327 Church Street Manhattan

Church Street Surplus specializes in military collectibles and surplus clothing. You’ll find a large assortment of U.S. Army/Navy and European camouflage gear and original 1960s-1980s leather, denim, and suede jackets. They also offer vintage clothing, dresses, plaid skirts, shirts, and antique textiles – a hidden gem among the best thrift shops in Manhattan.

New York City’s thrift shops are a testament to the city’s diverse culture and history. Each store tells its own story, offering an array of retro clothing brands and accessories that cater to all tastes and budgets. Whether you’re looking for sustainable fashion, unique vintage finds, or just a budget-friendly “thrift shopping in NYC” experience, these thrift shops have you covered. So, go ahead, explore these hidden gems, and let the thrifting adventure begin!

Is there another store in NYC that you love and we missed? Let us know in the comments! Happy thrifting!

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