The 31 Best Thrift Stores in Boston for Vintage and Designer Finds
When:
Saturday, Jan 13, 2024 9:00a -
Saturday, May 31, 2025 8:00p
Saturday, Jan 13, 2024 9:00a -
Saturday, May 31, 2025 8:00p
Where:
Boston
Surrounding areas
Boston, MA
Admission:
$Pay as you go
Categories:
Good for Groups, Meetup, Shopping, Social Good
Event website:
https://joyraft.com/event/the-26-best-thrift-stores-in-boston-for-vintage-and-designer-finds-boston-445969
Shop sustainably, support a good cause, and help the Earth become a little greener by recycling goods. This list is your all-in-one for thrifting, consignment, and vintage in and around Boston. Happy treasure hunting!
by Yelena Nicolle Salvador
VINTAGE
1) FOUND (pictured)
Where: Central Square
Info: From the three-person team that runs the successful series of pop-up vintage markets in Fenway, the Tall Ship, Arsenal Yards, and more, FOUND is a collection of vintage stores that stock new items every week. Find two stores along the same street in Central Square for your sustainable shopping needs.
Where: Union Square
Info: Apart from their store in Somerville, you can find this local shop at pop-ups around Boston. Here, you’ll find ‘40s - ‘90s clothing, old video games and cameras, as well as records and horror VHS favorites. The owners handpick every item at this old-school collection treasure trove.
3) We Thieves
Where: Inman Square & Porter Square
Info: This woman-owned business just opened a new location in Porter Square. Its specially curated vintage collections are housed in small boutiques that also have handmade products from local artists and designers.
Where: South End
Info: Happening every Sunday and the first Friday of every month, this vintage market in a brick warehouse has guest vendors and more. It is full to the brim with antiques, clothes, furniture, art, and postcards. When you’re done, check out the SoWa galleries upstairs.
Where: Allston
Info: This vintage store started as a cart that was made to look like a tiny house by the man known as “Le Pants King.” He ventured on his “Tour de Pance” with pop-up vintage stores across Boston and has launched this brick-and-mortar store of eclectic finds.
Where: Allston
Info: This vinyl record store is full of show-stopping tunes. But many don’t know that it also has tons of vintage clothes too. Now, you know, so go search in the “underground” of Comm Ave.
Where: Central Square & Somerville
Info: This store started as an army/navy surplus store. Now, the Central Square and Somerville locations have lots of costumes, western garb, jewelry, and clothing full of personality.
Where: Jamaica Plain
Info: This vintage boutique has been voted as a “must go” by many Boston magazines. You’ll find handpicked ‘60s - ‘90s clothing. Purchase an item here, and you can say that you supported a local business owned by female punk rocker and star of a Green Day music video, Hilken Mancini.
9) Vico Style
Where: Beacon Hill
Info: This Asian, woman-owned small business blends data, technology, and fashion to specially curate their store in Boston. Here, you'll find vintage buttons, neckwear, brooches, sweaters, and other beautiful pieces!
10) Groovy Thrifty
Where: Allston
Info: Show some love to this woman-owned vintage and up-cycling store that just opened last year. You'll find ~groovy~ items from curated vintage sports and college clothing, patchwork pants, art, houseware, and more.
11) Retrospect
Where: Cambridge
Info: Vintage finds from elegant wedding and evening dresses, bags, and jackets, to home goods and other eclectic treasures - Retrospect will be your favorite retro shop for one-of-a-kind pieces.
Where: Harvard Square
Info: This woman-owned, curated vintage store has everything from designer shirts, watches, and sweaters to sports jerseys, handbags, jeans, and even textiles. The Attic Vintage is a sweet sister store whose other location is operated by the owner's sister in NY!
13) friends + family
Where: Cambridge
Info: This vintage store is very under the radar, so you can boast to friends that you know this top secret hidden gem. Shop for curated vintage finds at this store in Cambridge.
14) Keezer's & Le Couturier House of Alterations
Where: Cambridge
Info: This store is the site of a lot of history - rumor has it that JFK used to sell his old suits here after his Harvard days. So, come by and take a look around. You'll find funky suits, business suits, fancy shirts, dresses, and jackets - if you want formalwear, this is your stop!
Where: Union Square
Info: A rainbow wonderland that will make your treasure hunting experience even better. Yes, stop by Lexie Butterfly Vintage, a store that radiates happiness, funk, and grooviness and explodes with color - from jewelry and cowboy boots to jackets and hats, you'll find something you didn't know you needed at this one.
Where: Union Square
Info: This shop is all about vintage Americana and industrial chic. Find novelty items like vintage cowboy boots, college apparel, sweaters, flannels, and more. It's a "mantique" wonderland where everyone is welcome.
THRIFT
17) Garment District
Where: Cambridge
Info: Costume shop on the first floor (perfect for Halloween and themed parties) and peruse on the second floor that’s categorized by the decade, what more could you want? Well, there is more. They offer $2 “By the Pound” too! Get lost in the color and the funk of this old soap factory. They also recycle and pass on anything after seasonal rotations to keep the world greener.
Where: Roslindale
Info: Looking to support a good cause? All proceeds of this almost-a-century-old non-profit help The Home for Little Wanderers, an organization in MA that helps children and families through direct care and community-based programs.
19) Boomerangs by More than Words
Where: Central Square
Info: Boomerangs is back with a new mission. With More than Words spearheading this revitalized thrift store, you'll be able to find fashion, books, home goods, and other treasures. Plus, by supporting this local business, you'll be helping empower youth who are looking to gain hands-on job experience for long term employment opportunities.
20) Thrifty Threads
Where: Brookline
Info: An initiative through the United Parish, the proceeds from this gently used clothing and homeware store helps fund social justice initiatives and community care efforts in and around Boston. They partner with nonprofits to make sure donations never go to waste and it is completely run by volunteers.
Where: Cambridge
Info: Not one, not two, but FIVE floors of treasures. Need I say more? They claim there are “1 million finds,” but I guarantee there are plenty of clothes, trinkets, and goods to exceed that already big number.
22) Urban Renewals
Where: Roslindale
Info: A color-coordinated store! Explore the rainbows in this big warehouse full of things. Take advantage of their daily sale where you’ll always find certain items 50% off.
23) Sister Thrift
Where: Watertown
Info: This store takes almost all donations as long as they aren’t severely damaged. And proceeds will help support the nonprofit Metrowest Humane Society, an MA no-kill animal shelter. Do your part in sustainability and help animals by shopping at this thrift store run by a pair of sisters.
Where: Brighton
Info: This thrift shop is run by the United Church of Christ in Brighton. You’ll find plenty of home goods, clothing, children’s books, and more! All proceeds are used to support the Food Pantry.
25) SwapIt
Where: Medford
Info: This local, woman-owned business is centered on fun sustainability. For a yearly fee (the price of ONE dress!), you can trade in your clothes for stylish finds as many times as you want throughout the year. Plus, your first swap is FREE if you sign up on their website.
26) Global Thrift
Where: Waltham
Info: Sometimes the best finds are right outside the city. The few extra minutes on the bus can bring you an even greater selection of treasures. So stop by this beloved local store that hangs 1,500 new items every day.
CONSIGNMENT
27) Castanet Designer Consignment
Where: Back Bay
Info: Located upstairs at 175 Newbury Street, this hidden gem offers high-end clothing from the wardrobes of the city's best-dressed women, featuring labels that cater to various price points.
Where: Jamaica Plain
Info: This store is dedicated to providing options for all genders, backgrounds, and identities. Their mission is rooted in anti-racism, and they provide a platform for local artists, designers, and musicians.
29) Covet
Where: Back Bay, Southie, & Beacon Hill
Info: This woman-owned store is always looking for new finds. They have a wide selection ranging from business attire to luxury goods, and you’ll never find an item made from real/exotic furs.
30) Raspberry Beret
Where: Cambridge & Allston
Info: A consignment store that carries in great condition modern flare, Raspberry Beret is the place to find clothes from Anthropologie, Free People, and Madewell. When you shop, you’ll be supporting this small business that is woman-owned. This beloved store has just expanded to another storefront in Allston!
31) Vintage Taste
Where: Beacon Hill
Info: This high-end consignment store is stocked with men and women’s designer clothing and office attire. You can find goods from Gucci, Balenciaga, and more.
BONUS
Chartreuse Microbus Collective
Where: Porter square
Info: Step into this funky pop-up vintage market that's open until March 2025. You'll be transported to a chartreuse wonderland of art, house goods, jackets, vinyls, and other fun goodies. Everything is guaranteed to be colorful and fun since the mind behind Lexie Butterfly Vintage is running this one!
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Am I missing your favorite store full of treasures? Tell me about it by sending me an email at [email protected].
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