Thrifting in New York City is one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon (you never know what you’re going to find! Some stores are highly curated with designer pieces and vintage gems, others are packed with bins to dig through, and a few are so tucked away you almost miss them if you’re not looking closely. That’s where I come in, this guide covers the best thrift stores in NYC from a local’s perspective.
I’ve included places where I’ve found my favorite jackets, unique home goods, and unexpected surprises I still think about. These aren’t fast fashion replacements, they’re stores where you can build a wardrobe slowly and find things that feel personal. If you love the hunt, appreciate quality, or just want to try something different, these thrift shops are worth adding to your NYC itinerary.
Best Thrift Stores in New York City
Table of Contents: Best Thrift Stores in New York City
Housing Works
Website: Housing Works
Locations: 10 Thrift Stores in New York City
Good for: Good old fashion rummaging, a little bit of everything
Housing Works is one of the most reliable and rewarding thrift stores in New York City. I stop in often, especially at the West Village and Chelsea locations, and almost always walk out with something. It could be a great denim jacket, a vintage lamp, or a stack of secondhand books that somehow all match my mood.
The prices are reasonable and it always feels like there’s something new waiting on the next rack. Beyond the finds, I love that Housing Works supports a good cause. The proceeds go toward fighting homelessness and HIV/AIDS, so shopping here feels like supporting a good gause.
The stores are clean, well organized, and full of hidden gems if you’re willing to browse. It’s not overly curated, which I actually prefer. You never know what you’ll come across, and that’s part of the fun!
Awoke Vintage
Neighborhood: Brooklyn
Address: Three Thrift Stores in Brooklyn
Good for: Women’s clothing
Awoke Vintage is one of those stores that always feels styled without trying too hard. Every time I walk in, I’m met with perfectly broken-in jeans, oversized blazers, statement bags, and vintage tees that somehow feel completely on trend. The Williamsburg location is my usual go-to, but the Greenpoint shop is also beautifully arranged and easy to browse.
It’s definitely a more curated experience than your typical thrift store, and that’s part of the draw. The inventory leans toward wearable vintage, with an emphasis on color, texture, and fit. I’ve picked up everything from structured leather jackets to delicate slip dresses, and the prices feel fair for what you’re getting. I like stopping in when I’m in the neighborhood just to see what’s new.
If you’re into vintage fashion with a little polish and personality, Awoke Vintage has become one of the most dependable stops on my NYC thrifting circuit.
Beacon’s Closet
Website: Beacon’s Closet
Locations: Four Thrift Stores in New York City
Good for: Clothing for both men and women, finding pieces to repurpose
Beacon’s Closet has been a go-to in my rotation for years. The Williamsburg location is big, a little chaotic, and always full of interesting pieces. It’s the kind of place where you need time and a bit of patience, but you’ll be rewarded. I’ve found vintage boots, silk button-downs, and even the occasional designer piece hidden in the racks. There’s also a Park Slope location that’s slightly smaller but just as full of treasures.
I like that Beacon’s strikes a good balance between thrift and curated resale. It’s not overly edited, so it still feels like a hunt, but everything is clean and well sorted. The buy-sell-trade setup makes it easy to bring in clothes I no longer wear and swap them out for something new. The pricing is reasonable, and the inventory is constantly turning over.
I make a habit of checking in every few months, especially at the change of seasons. Beacon’s Closet is one of the best places in NYC to find stylish secondhand pieces that still feel wearable and current.
The Vintage Twin
Website: The Vintage Twin
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
Address: 543 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
Good for: High-end, luxury accessories
The Vintage Twin feels more like a boutique than a thrift store, but everything on the racks is secondhand, reworked, or upcycled in some way. I first found it during a pop-up event and was immediately drawn to the one-of-a-kind denim and graphic tees. The pieces feel thoughtfully chosen and often redesigned, so even basics like flannels or jeans have a little extra personality.
I’ve picked up some of my most-worn pieces here (things I wouldn’t have known to look for but instantly loved once I tried them on!). If you’re trying to build a wardrobe that feels intentional and unique without buying brand new, The Vintage Twin is a great spot to know.
Buffalo Exchange
Website: Buffalo Exchange
Locations: Five Thrift Stores in New York City
Good for: A wide variety of clothing
Buffalo Exchange is where I go when I want to browse without a plan and still walk out with something great. The setup is clean and organized, and the inventory is always changing. I’ve found leather boots, everyday dresses, designer jeans, and the occasional vintage jacket that looks way more expensive than it is. It’s one of the easiest places in New York to thrift when you’re short on time but still want options.
I also appreciate how easy it is to sell or trade here. The staff is efficient and honest about what they’ll take, and I’ve traded in enough over the years to build an entirely new wardrobe one piece at a time. The prices are somewhere between thrift and resale, which feels fair given the quality and variety. T
here’s a little bit of everything here, and I like that it never feels too polished. If you’re looking for a dependable place to shop secondhand in NYC, Buffalo Exchange is a great bet. It’s approachable, well-stocked, and always worth a visit.
Hamlet’s Vintage
Website: Hamlet’s Vintage
Neighborhood: Greenwich Village
Address: 146 West 4th Street, New York, NY 10012
Good for: Authentic pieces from the 1940’s through the 1990’s
Hamlet’s Vintage is filled with beautiful vintage pieces that feel wearable and intentional. I’ve found suede jackets, flowy silk tops, and well-loved leather bags here that feel like they’ve lived a interesting lives before coming home with me.
The store is tightly curated, but not in a way that feels intimidating. There’s a strong focus on quality fabrics and timeless silhouettes, so even trendier finds still feel grounded. Hamlet himself is often around and has an incredible eye, always ready with a recommendation or styling tip. If you’re building a vintage wardrobe with pieces that will last and stand out, Hamlet’s Vintage is a must-visit in New York’s secondhand scene.
Mr. Throwback
Website: Mr. Throwback
Neighborhood: East Village
Address: 437 E 9th St, New York, NY 10009
Good for: Collectable sportswear & vintage memorabilia
Mr. Throwback specializes in vintage athletic gear, ’90s-era streetwear, old school jerseys, and pop culture pieces that instantly take you back. It’s packed wall to wall with character, and even if you’re not shopping for anything specific, it’s worth stopping in just to look around.
I’ve seen vintage Knicks merch, old Starter jackets, and graphic tees from brands I forgot existed until I saw them hanging on the wall. You can tell the people running it really love the culture they’re curating (most items are in great condition).
If you’re into retro sports, hip-hop style, or just want something with personality and a story behind it, Mr. Throwback is one of the best vintage spots in NYC. It’s like walking into a perfectly preserved time capsule from the ’80s and ’90s.
Screaming Mimis Vintage
Website: Screaming Mimi’s
Neighborhood: Greenwich Village
Address: 240 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011
Good for: Loud, colorful, “look at me” pieces
Screaming Mimis is where I go when I want to see fashion that’s loud, theatrical, and completely unforgettable. This isn’t a store for basics — it’s a treasure chest of sequins, metallics, costume pieces, and statement vintage that leans into fun.
You’ll find statement coats, ’70s jumpsuits, and designer pieces here that feel like they belong on stage. It’s not a bargain bin kind of place, but the quality is top notch and the inventory is clearly chosen by expert hands. I recommend this shop to all my friends in search of their Sex and the City outfit.
L Train Vintage
Website: L Train Vintage
Locations: Eight Thrift Stores in New York City
Good for: A slightly curated selection of clothes
L Train Vintage is a classic New York thrift spot. It’s not curated, styled, or polished — and that’s exactly what makes it fun. When I want a real hunt, this is where I go. The prices are low, the racks are packed, and you have to be ready to dig a little, but the payoff is worth it. I’ve found vintage Levi’s, flannels, graphic sweatshirts, and sturdy jackets that I still wear years later.
There are a few locations across the city, but my favorites are in Williamsburg and Bushwick. Each one has its own personality, and because the inventory turns over so quickly, I try to stop by often. It’s a great spot to shop by feel and see what catches your eye. The mix is wide — some items are decades old, others feel more recent — but it’s all secondhand and full of character. If you like the idea of thrift without the markup, L Train is one of the most reliable spots in NYC. It’s affordable, unpretentious, and always an adventure.
Tokio7
Website: Tokio7
Neighborhood: East Village
Address: 83 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003
Good for: Name brand designer goods,
Tokio7 is a sleek, consignment-based store in the East Village that focuses on high-end fashion and designer resale. It’s not a thrift store in the traditional sense, but it’s still secondhand — and the finds can be incredible. I’ve seen pieces from Rick Owens, Comme des Garçons, Prada, and Y-3 all hanging on the same rack. The prices reflect the labels, but everything is priced below retail and in excellent condition.
The clothing is organized by style and color, with shoes and accessories displayed in glass cases throughout the store. I like coming here when I want to treat myself or find a standout piece that feels a little more elevated. The selection always feels sharp and current. If you’re into fashion, love Japanese designers, or just want a curated secondhand shopping experience that still feels cool and accessible, Tokio7 gets my vote.
Best Thrift Stores in New York City (Post Summary)
- Housing Works
- Awoke Vintage
- Beacon’s Closet
- The Vintage Twin
- Buffalo Exchange
- Hamlet’s Vintage
- Mr. Throwback
- Screaming Mimi’s
- L Train Vintage
- Tokio7
Frequently Asked Questions: Top Vintage Shops in NYC
Absolutely, thrifting in New York is a fantastic experience, offering a diverse range of high-quality and unique fashion finds across the city’s eclectic thrift stores.
Williamsburg and the East Village are often considered to have some of the best thrift stores in NYC, known for its eclectic mix of curated vintage shops and unique second-hand fashion finds.
Absolutely, buying vintage clothes is not only a sustainable and environmentally friendly choice but also a fantastic way to express personal style with unique and timeless pieces that carry a rich history.
When buying vintage, pay attention to the garment’s condition, authenticity, and fit, while keeping an eye out for unique details, quality materials, and timeless styles that resonate with your personal taste.
And there it is folks! My list of the best thrift stores in New York City. Let us know if we forgot one of your favorite!
Cheers!
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