Manhattan's 10 Best Vintage Clothing Stores
Vintage Clothing Store | © Anilakeo/WikiCommons
In
New York City, people take pride in what they wear. The streets are a constant fashion show, and there’s always a new trend taking over the city. But it’s no secret that looking great can cost you, so we’ve rounded up a list of some of the best places in Manhattan to score vintage clothing. From funky thrift shops to upscale consignment stores, there’s something for everyone if you’re willing to do some digging.
Ladies And Gentlemen
Store, Shop
Ladies And Gentlemen is located in the
East Village and is the place to go for vintage T-shirts and varsity jackets. There are vintage designer items and accessories as well, but their bold, colorful casual pieces are what makes this place unique. Stop by and stay a while, as you’ll find more gems the longer you browse the shelves.
Local Clothing
Shop, Store
Local Clothing packs a lot of style into a small space – this East Village boutique is bursting with bright, eccentric pieces from the ’80s and ’90s. They have more subdued options, too, so come in for a peek no matter what your style is.
The Quality Mending Company
Shop, Store
Men need vintage options too, and that’s where
The Quality Mending Company comes in. This isn’t a place for T-shirts and baseball caps; it’s a fine vintage menswear store located in
Nolita. Since 2010, the owner of the store introduced their own, original line of menswear which is now sold alongside the vintage items in the shop.
What Goes Around Comes Around
Shop, Store
Opened in 1993,
What Goes Around Comes Around has become famous for its luxury vintage options. The team hand-selects each piece from designers around the world, and WGACA now has the largest collection of vintage
Chanel in the world. If you’re shopping SoHo (which you probably are), add this spot to the list.
La Petit Mort
Art Gallery, Store
A
French idiom for ‘orgasm,’
La Petit Mort‘s style and clothing are just as bold as its name. They specialize in items from the ’90s, and they believe that fashion should evoke emotions and reactions. Also, there’s an art gallery within the store showcasing local artists.
Pilgrim New York
Shop, Store
Another shop in the heart of the
Lower East Side (a neighborhood filled with artists and boutiques),
Pilgrim New York is on the higher end of the vintage store chain, specializing in handbags and costume jewelry. Make an appointment or walk in; this store has an incredible collection of rare, unworn items that are not to be missed.
Tokio7
Store
Located in the East Village – a vintage store hot spot –
Tokio7 is a super funky
Japanese vintage store that you must see. It’s one of the largest vintage stores in New York and has everything from Chanel to local East Village designers to hard-to-find Japanese designers.
Housing Works
Bookstore, Store
Housing Works is a favorite of New York vintage stores, and upon entering, you’ll see why. It offers so much more than a small boutique clothing store – come here for home accessories, unique objects, and even a bookstore and café (in the
SoHo location). Housing Works is the sort of place you can get lost in, so allow yourself ample time.
Nomad Vintage
Shop, Store
Nomad Vintage is owned by Katie McDonnel, a woman who sold vintage clothing at other stores for ten years before opening her own shop in 2013. Nomad Vintage store reflects her love of travel, pattern, and color, so don’t expect the all-black New York styles you might be used to.
Mr. Throwback
Shop, Store
Mr. Throwback is a world away from some of the boutiques selling Oscar De La Renta on this list. Instead, they specialize in racks on racks of T-shirts, sweatshirts, and jerseys from the ’80s and ’90s. If you’re looking for a new pair of Nike Jordans, this is your spot, but be prepared to do some sifting. This place is overflowing with good stuff, and you’ll have to be patient to find what you want.
These recommendations were updated on October 13, 2016 to keep your travel plans fresh.
