In a city filled with models and millionaires, building a wardrobe on a budget can feel like a daunting task—but it doesn’t have to be. Second-hand shopping is not only a resourceful way to revamp your personal style, but it is also an incredibly sustainable act. By rejecting fast fashion, the entire Earth benefits, not just you and your closet. And with affordable options like these in business, you may never have to shop retail again. From Brooklyn to Manhattan to Queens, here are five New York City thrift stores that won’t break the bank.
1. AuH2O Thriftique
Located at 84 East 7th Street in the East Village, AuH2O is truly a hidden gem. Small in square footage and unassuming in nature, it’s rather easy to overlook from the outside. However, this tiny “thriftique” is teeming with some of the best second-hand deals in the entire city. With an array of vintage jewelry, an abundance of accessories, clothing, and shoes, and $5 and $10 racks, AuH2O is the perfect sustainable one-stop shop.
Not sure if you want to make the trip to a store so tiny? Not a problem. You can shop AuH2O’s Etsy, Instagram, and Depop accounts from the comfort of your own home.
2. Housing Works
With multiple locations stretching from Brooklyn Heights to Soho, Housing Works gives back to the community in more ways than one. Their mission is paramount: “End the dual crises of homelessness and AIDS.” Proceeds from Housing Works’ respective businesses fund supportive services for New Yorkers in need and enable aggressive advocacy and lifesaving efforts.
There is usually something for everyone at Housing Works. Art, clothing, furniture, houseware, records, you name it—you can find it here. And if you’re a diehard lover of books, be sure to stop by the Housing Works Bookstore at 126 Crosby Street for their selection of $1 books and cozy cafe.
3. Urban Jungle
Perhaps the biggest thrift store in all of Brooklyn (and possibly the entire city), one can easily spend an entire day sifting through the seemingly endless clothing supply at Urban Jungle. Located at 118 Knickerbocker Avenue, the L Train Vintage subsidiary boasts a colossal warehouse of button-downs and bags, cowboy boots and coats, leather jackets and Levi’s, the list goes on and on.
Most pieces at Urban Jungle fall under $10, but heavy-duty items can cost anywhere from $20 to $30. This thrift store is by far the best option if you’re looking for a wide selection of high-quality clothing for a low price point.
4. East Village Vintage Collective
While technically not a thrift store per se, the prices and products at East Village Vintage Collection are too good to pass up. Head to 545 East 12th Street to find yourself transported straight back to the 1980’s. Browse their meticulously curated collection of velvet blazers, oversized sunglasses, vintage denim, floral dresses, funky jewelry, graphic tees, and so much more.
With two floors chock full of killer finds, it’s unlikely you’ll leave here empty handed. Prices seldom exceed $25—most sit around the $12 mark—which is rare for a vintage store in the city. Even if you don’t end up buying anything, the store’s electric ambiance is worth the trip.
5. Goodwill NYNJ Outlet Store & Donation Center
This last thrift store recommendation is for anyone who loves a challenge. The final destination for Goodwill’s second-hand clothing, the NYNJ Outlet Store contains bins upon bins of rejected items. Located at 47-47 Van Dam Street in Queens, this outlet is as affordable as it gets, clocking in at $1.69 per pound.
However, to find worthwhile pieces, one needs to exercise patience of the utmost degree. The bins are refilled frequently and there are a lot of them. Also, consider bringing a pair of disposable gloves…some of the clothing can be slightly soiled.