Looking for some vintage gems to add to your wardrobe? Get ’em secondhand!
Thrifting is one of the cheapest and most sustainable ways to shop for clothes (and costumes as Halloween approaches!), and Boston has no shortage of super-cool thrift shops where you can browse around. Our list of 11 thrift stores includes boutiques and chains of all price ranges and styles, but no matter where you go, you’ll be certain to leave with a unique find!
1. Vivant Vintage, Allston
At Vivant Vintage, western flair meets rock-and-roll vibes to create the perfect spot to curate your new aesthetic. Vivant Vintage boasts a great assortment of affordable second-hand apparel, accessories, and housewares, as well as local artist-made products. You really can’t miss it when you walk past, either—the exterior has two massive and colorful murals, perfect for a photo op after your shopping trip!
Find Vivant Vintage on 318 Lincoln Street in Allston.
2. The Garment District, Cambridge
Just a short walk from the Kendall/MIT Red Line T station in Cambridge lies The Garment District, a thrift shop that calls itself an “alternative department store.” It certainly lives up to the name, as it contains a massive collection of secondhand clothes for reasonable prices. Not only does this building also houses Boston Costume, one of the area’s biggest costume rental locations, but it also has its very own ‘subway station’ that’s perfect for a mini-photoshoot!
Find Garment District at 200 Broadway in Cambridge.
3-5. Boomerangs, Multiple locations
Boomerangs is a popular choice for thrifting in Boston for a reason! With a selection featuring a variety of high-quality new, vintage, and gently-worn clothes and accessories, Boomerangs has a very large range of clothes to choose from. Plus, all proceeds from Boomerangs directly help fund work to prevent new HIV infections and improve the lives of thousands of people already living with HIV/AIDS in Massachusetts. You’ll look good and feel good after shopping here!
Find Boomerangs at 563 Massachusetts Ave. in Cambridge, 716 Centre St. in Jamaica Plain, and 1407 Washington Street in Boston.
6-8. Great Eastern Trading Company, Multiple locations
Founded in 1969 as an army surplus store, Great Eastern Trading Company is one of the very first vintage stores in the Boston area. With two locations in Cambridge and Malden, Great Eastern offers vintage clothes, classic accessories, fun costumes, and a vinyl record shop at each of their stores.
Find Great Eastern Trading Company at 49 River Street in Cambridge, 258 Highland Avenue in Malden, and 236 Pearl Street in Somerville.
9-10. Raspberry Beret, Multiple locations
Named after the classic Prince song, Raspberry Beret has been offering a great selection of high-quality, women’s consignment apparel for over 15 years. Their Cambridge and Maynard locations have hundreds of vintage and contemporary pieces in a wide range of styles and sizes, and for any occasion, you can think of!
Find Raspberry Beret at 2302 Mass Avenue in Cambridge and 8 Nason Street in Maynard.
11. 40 South Street, Jamaica Plain
40 South Street is great thrifting gem, with a fun and a down-to-earth vibe. Formerly called Gumshoe, this shop has been in business for 30 years, and its vintage collection is perfectly curated as a result. The aesthetic here is more punk, which means you’ll be able to find killer vintage tees and bold statement shirts galore!
Find it at 40 South Street in Jamaica Plain.