Thrift store shopping can be a lot of fun in Brooklyn, but the competition to find the best vintage clothes can be fierce. The inventory in a Salvation Army here tends to be more picked over than its counterparts in less populated areas. These well-curated thrift shops feature an interesting mix of items and are well worth the patience required of a seasoned thrift store shopper.
Atlantis Attic
There are many treasures to be found at this huge, haphazardly organized warehouse, whether you’re talking a perfect denim jacket for $12 or a sweet vintage wrap skirt for $9. Atlantis Attic is one of the many stores in the L Train Vintage family.
This could be your closet | via Beacon’s Closet
Beacon’s Closet
With four locations around the city — Greenpoint, Park Slope, Bushwick, and Manhattan — you really can’t talk about thrift store shopping in Brooklyn without talking about Beacon’s Closet. You can get anything and everything here, from work clothes at low prices to fab vintage lamé hot pants and the hot pink fishnets to wear under them.
Very designer-focused at Fox & Fawn | via Yelp
Fox & Fawn
With locations in Greenpoint and Bushwick, Fox & Fawn has a slightly more curated, designer-oriented inventory. It’s the kind of place you could build a serious wardrobe from, with regular visits to their racks.
You can find just about anything in here | via Buffalo Exchange
Buffalo Exchange
There’s more lightly worn modern clothing than vintage at this national chain, and their shoe selection tends to be especially impressive. The Boerum Hill location is a bit quieter than the Williamsburg and Manhattan locations, and tends to have some real finds.
Vintage furniture in Housing Works | via Yelp
Housing Works
When you shop at Housing Works, your purchases help support advocacy and direct action for New Yorkers living with HIV and AIDS. So many people donate their gently used clothing, furniture and housewares to the organization, that their thrift stores are always stocked with great stuff. In Brooklyn, you can find locations in Park Slope and Brooklyn Heights.
Vintage outside, vintage inside | Zorro Z. via Foursquare
10 Ft. Single by Stella Dallas
If you’re after a specific vintage item — a 50s ballgown, a leather jacket, a band t-shirt — head to 10 Ft. Single by Stella Dallas. Their selection of men’s and women’s clothing is unbeatable, and it’s fun even if you’re just looking. There’s a textiles store next door called Stella Dallas living that’s worth checking out as well.