Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
Style > Fashion

Let’s Not Gatekeep Good Manhattan Thrift Stores

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at FIT chapter.

NYC girlies love thrifting and that’s a fact! Unfortunately, thrifting has gotten so expensive and it is harder to find good vintage finds rather than used fast fashion items. Personally, I thrift in Manhattan the most, but that’s only because there are so many good ones in NYC that treking to other boroughs might not be worth it.

  1. L Train Vintage

Likely one of the most well known thrift stores in Manhattan’s East Village. If you are looking for fun vintage dresses or a great denim options, going here is a must.

2. Beacon’s Closet

I have gone to Beacon’s in Brooklyn for at least 10 years, but since moving to Manhattan I have gone to the location in Union Square religiously. Beacon’s is probably my favorite thrift store because of how many good finds I have gotten over the years. Warning: there might be a line outside, but it moves quickly.

3. Buffalo Exchange

There are multiple Buffalo Exchange’s throughout the city and although they are usually a hit or a miss experience, it is a fun shop. They have a lot of accessories options and the locations are by NYC Universities so they assortment is very much trend oriented.

4. Crossroads Trading

Although there is only one location in Manhattan, it is one of the best thrift shops in NoMad. There is always fun and funky items to rifle through.

5. Goodwill

Do not sleep on Goodwill. There are many locations around the city and they have so many amazing options at low prices.

6. East Village Thrift Shop

If you find yourself in the East Village, this store is a must. Although it is easy to miss because it is so small, this store always has great finds and a great shoe assortment.

7. Vintage Thrift Shop

Located in Gramercy, this store has the best antique and vintage finds. If you want to feel like you have traveled back to the 20th century, this is your store!

8. Housing Works

This is by far the best thrift store in Manhattan. There are multiple locations all over the city, so no matter what neighborhood you are in, you will find one near you. I have found the best items in the past year at different Housing Works and find myself planning a day around shopping at one nearest the original plan just to see their new inventory. They also do auctions for designer items in their display window that you can shop online!

My name is Joely Pasetsky and I am a Senior at the Fashion Institute of Technology. I currently live on campus in New York City and love living here. I am studying Fashion Business Management with a minor in Ethics and Sustainability. I love shopping, obviously, hanging out with friends, and experiencing New York City.