The best thrift stores in New York

While the second hand store has locations across the US, their NYC locations in SoHo, Dumbo and the Lower East Side offer a true taste of New York's sense of style. Find new and vintage pieces with a wide range of prices to suit every type of shopper—baller or not. Browse the designer bags behind the counter, try on some studded pumps from a retired Studio 54 attendee and reinvent your look with ease. 

Beacon’s is where all the cool kids in NYC take the clothes they’re over after one wear or have yet to even take the tags off of. Find never-worn sneakers, heals and slides, trendy handbags and designer-inspired coats to keep you warm all winter long. Each location reflects the neighborhood they’re situated in, so keep that in mind when you choose between Union Square or Bushwick. 

Thrift hounds, get ready to rifle: This consignment chain, which buys, sells and trades its inventory directly with customers carries a mix of designer-label and vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories, priced much lower than retail cost. How about a pair of Tory Burch midthigh leather-and-tweed boots, a Marc Jacobs mustard-yellow purse with gold studs or a Burberry men’s wool coat with resin toggle closures? Make sure to hit up any of the five Buffalo Exchange locations in the city on Earth Day when the brand hosts its annual $1 sale. Yes, you read that right—select styles go for a buck apiece. 

Dig and ye shall find: The booty at this crazy-packed vintage store includes 1960s–1990s options for both guys and girls, plus a considerable costume jewelry and funky housewares selection. Not only is it chock full of great finds but it's really fun to look at.

We went on a recent Saturday and found so much amid its racks, including a barely used sleek Michael Kors purse for $50 and a pair of never-worn, black velvet combat boots for $25. Even cooler, I found out that they take donations and you get 25% off your next purchase.

Time Out Tip: The store spans two floors at 496 Driggs Avenue and 197 North 9th Street, so plan accordingly and bring some friends (and reusable bags) for a hunt to remember.

L Train is easily one of the most visited thrift stores by those who have recently relocated to New York city from their far off hometowns. The rapidly restocked store possesses everything you need to dress like a true New Yorker. From belts and loafers to workwear jackets and distressed denim, you’re sure to find your new favorite piece on their racks. 

Urban Jungle is exactly as the name suggests, a massive jungle of racks filled with pieces that offer a glimpse into what NYC style has looked like over the years. Conveniently located in Bushwick directly beside L Train Vintage, you’re in for a day spent between stores and exploring the smaller shops on the block. 

This Australian brand, which began as a market stall in 2007, opened a store in Brooklyn in 2012, and offers pretty good deals, from $5 and $10 boxes of vintage pieces to dig through to more curated selections from Brooklyn-based brands. More specifically, its denim selection is impressive and includes a lot of different styles, patterns and fits. The store says Malia Obama, Jenna Ortega, Olivia Rodrigo and Robert Pattinson have all perused its wares.

Time Out Tip: On a recent visit, we picked up some darling dangling star earrings and a watch ring—it was very busy, so we plan to go back on a week day.

This clothing exchange with locations in Flatiron and Williamsburg is filled to the brim with slightly worn sartorial treasures. Northern California’s Crossroads—already a West Coast mainstay—packed its first NYC shop with affordable clothing, shoes and accessories, not to mention some serious designer-label scores. Merchandise turns over fast, but scour the no-frills space and you’ll find some good deals such as ladies’ suede chunky platform Jeffrey Campbell boots and men’s YSL leather sneakers. In the clothing department, you might stumble upon a guy’s sleek zippered G-Star jacket or a Marc by Marc Jacobs smock dress with leather detailing. You can also unload your own gently worn items.

It's cool to donate your old duds and furniture to Housing Works, so the shelter-oriented charity's thrift stores are among the city's best. The prices aren't the lowest, but the stock is quality. If you're lucky, you can score designer pieces (in clothes and furnishings) that might be out of your budget brand new. You just have to do a little rummaging.

This pair of vintage shops in Brooklyn hawks affordable furniture, dishes, books, art, clothing and accessories—if you have the time to look. Sift through more than 5,000 square feet of merch to uncover treasures. Highlights include a slate of cheap vinyl records and a mezzanine full of artwork, in case you want to vamp up your walls.

While walking through Greenpoint on a Sunday afternoon following a delicious brunch at Rule of Thirds or Eavesdrop, make your way over to Dobbin to browse some sweet second hand pieces. The co-op has an eclectic selection of clothing, accessories, furniture and glassware. There’s no way out of there without something new, whether it be a coffee table book or the coffee table itself. 

There’s a rotating mix of astoundingly well-preserved designer and non-vintage clothing here, as well as one-of-a-kind housewares, shoes and accessories. We’ve found vintage Yves Saint Laurent blouses, striped skinny ties for and a pair of classic Salvatore Ferragamo pumps with bows on them. Pretty much everything is a find, but you still get that thrill-of-the-hunt feeling.

At Vintage Thrift West, the shop’s second location, you can sift through men’s and women’s clothing and browse accessories displayed in an original Tiffany jewelry case. Finds include Versace and Pucci neckties, Fendi leather handbags and Givenchy platforms. The threads pack the same designer punch, with items like 1990s Betsey Johnson grunge dresses, an Etro military jacket and a vintage Nick Cave concert tee.

Both donate all proceeds to the United Jewish Council of the East Side, which works to preserve the Lower East Side community.