Thrifting is a very rewarding way to shop for a few reasons. By purchasing items that have been previously owned, you can contribute to reducing waste. It's also a great way to save money. Often, you'll find used goods at a great price, sometimes even really expensive designer clothing that won't hurt your wallet as much. So, it's a great way to refresh your closet on a budget. If you live in the Boston area or you're just visiting and are on the hunt for some good thrifting, here are the best thrift stores in Boston.
Vivant Vintage
Vivant Vintage is a super fun thrift store located just outside of Boston in Allston, Massachusetts. It has gorgeous murals on the outside of the building, so you can't miss it. And it's truly an experience as soon as you walk in the doors. There are so many cool vintage items like vintage cameras and, of course, great second-hand clothing like denim jackets, shoes, accessories, and more.
Retrospect Central
If you're looking for some good clothing vintage finds, Retrospect Central is worth a visit. Also just outside of Boston in Cambridge, you'll be able to find some cool vintage art and furniture. It is a smaller shop but very curated and has a cute and cozy environment.
Castanet
If you're looking for good re-sale designer finds, check out Castanet. Although this is a resale store, some of the designer clothes still have a larger price tag as there are designers like Balenciaga, Chanel, and more. Castanet was awarded the Boston Magazines Best of Boston 2023 award. It is a worthy stop, so make sure to add it to your list.
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DIVERSITY
Diversity is an amazing consignment shop known for having a great selection of men's and women's clothes. Located in Jamaica Plain, Diversity is a community-oriented shop with curated clothing, instruments, vinyl, local art, and more. You can stay connected with them on their podcast called “The Basement Buzz Podcast.”
We Thieves
We Thieves is a great woman-owned shop in Cambridge. It's a small and intimate shop that is super curated to get one-of-a-kind items. Expect to find accessories, shoes, and clothing, as well as body care like lotion, soap, oils, bath salts, and more. Not only do they have their storefront, but you can shop with them online as well.
40 South Street
40 South Street, located in Jamaica Plain, is a super vibey store owned and run by Hilken Mancini, a local who also is co-founder of Punk Rock Aerobics and Girls Rock Campaign Boston. She will play classic punk music while you look through the curated collection of clothes from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Expect to find vintage denim and leather jackets and vests, as well as fancy evening dresses.
The Garment District
The Garment District offers one of the biggest selections of both contemporary and vintage clothing for men and women. You'll find clothes from the 1950s to the 90s. They even have what you could call a “sale section” where you'll find a large pile of clothes and only pay $2 for a pound of clothes. Not only will you find women's and men's clothing, but you can also find kids' clothing.
Thrifty Threads
Thrifty Threads is located inside a church in Brookline and is run by a team of volunteers. This thrift store has been open since 1993 and sells clothing, household items, shoes, purses, jewelry, and other accessories. They also have a section of special offers where you'll find some unique items, just at a higher price than some other things in the store. Thrifty Threads gives back and gives about half of their earnings to nonprofits.
The Thrift Shop of Boston
The Thrift Shop of Boston is another shop that gives back to the community. Located in Roslindale, it's been open since 1926 and gives proceeds to The Home For Little Wanderers. This is an organization that supports families in at-risk circumstances to check on their emotional, behavioral, social, developmental, and physical well-being.
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Buffalo Exchange
There are Buffalo Exchanges all over the country, and if you've visited one, you know it's worth a look. Here, you'll find women's and men's clothing, which has low and high-end options. Often, you'll find trendy clothes from places like Urban Outfitters, Zara, Calvin Klein, and more. Buffalo Exchange also supports local charities. So, shop here and support a good cause.
Boomerangs
Boomerangs has multiple locations. At Boomerangs, you'll find clothing, furniture, house items, art, books, jewelry, accessories, and more. If you visit the Cambridge or Jamaica Plain locations on a Wednesday and you are a student or teacher, you'll receive 20% off your purchased items. On Mondays, Veterans can receive 20% off with Military ID. The proceeds of these stores benefit the AIDS Action Committee.
Great Eastern Trading Company
At Great Eastern Trading Company, you'll find classic accessories, vintage clothing, vinyl records, and costumes. Opened in 1969, this shop was one of the very first thrift vintage shops in the Boston area. You can find items ranging from the 20s and the 80s. It is especially a great place to find costumes for themed parties. You'll be able to find items like suede jackets and corsets.
Covet
Covet has some great eclectic options, and this store is for true shopping and fashion lovers. As you enter, you'll notice the quote from Carrie Bradshaw stating she likes her money where she can see it, which is in her closet. Well, you can find a ton of great items for your closet at this store. With great clothing options, you'll find vintage items as well as designers like Louis Vuitton and Dior. They are receiving inventory updates everyday, so always expect to find something new.
Raspberry Beret
Raspberry Beret has a mixture of used and new clothing for women. Here, you'll find items around the $30 price point, so although it is a thrift shop, you won't be paying low prices like $5 or $10 for certain items. You will find a mix of designer and non-designer clothing, but all styles that are trending. Make sure, though, that you plan to spend some time here to look through all the inventory and find items you like. Although the focus is women's clothing times, there is a small rack of men's clothing.
High Energy Vintage
High Energy Vintage is a great place for some retro treasures. The vibe is fun as owner Andrew Wiley plays 1980s electro-pop music. Here, you'll be able to find women's and men's vintage clothing from the 40s to the 90s, as well as shoes, cameras, video games, vinyl records, and other electronics. They also have a trunk near the door where everything is $5. Don't miss it!
The Vintage Underground
Visiting The Vintage Underground is like taking a time machine to visit the 90s. With Vinyl punk rock music playing, you'll find vintage band t-shirts, denim, and posters of Madonna and Queen. You'll also find items for sale at the front entrance; these are typically items from local vendors. The Vintage Underground is two companies together, one we've already heard of today, Vivant Vintage, and another called Cheapo Records.
Blessing Barn Beacon Hill
Blessing Barn Beacon Hill is the perfect place to look for furniture, home decor, curated clothes, jewelry, glassware, and more. With its Anthropologie vibes, it's hard to believe this is a thrift store. All proceeds support a nonprofit called Room in the City, which gives short-term housing for outpatients from Mass General Hospital.
Goodwill
We can't forget good ‘ole Goodwill. Although there are many locations in each city around the world, you can usually always find something good at the Goodwill. Here you'll find amazing deals on clothing items, usually $10 or less. At this location, there's also a boutique section that has more expensive items from higher-end brands, as well as some cool vintage items.
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