11 Best Thrift Stores in Boston for One-of-a-Kind Finds

Welcome to Boston: a city of academia, baseball, and bars—and that quintessential New England aesthetic. Looking to channel the feel (or simply passing through the city? A visit to one (or several) of the best thrift stores in Boston provides a solid and sustainable starting point.

Boston has a noteworthy selection of well-loved

secondhand stores that offer eye-catching

vintage clothing and high-end designer brands at affordable prices. Basically, if you’re on the hunt for a hunt—and one that keeps the environment in mind—you've selected the right city.

Honing your personal style is great, but the fashion industry is a particularly wasteful one—in fact, it's responsible for

20% of all industrial water pollution worldwide—not to mention

the emissions.

Fast fashion is something of an epidemic, too, the cheaply and unethically crafted clothing purchased in bulk and just as

quickly discarded into our landfills.

Whether you're in want of a wardrobe overhaul, a new piece of furniture, or the pleasure that comes with a shop well done, one of the 11 best thrift stores in Boston is sure to have what you seek—sustainably.

Location: 200 Broadway

The Garment District is a unique retail experience that houses men's and women's clothing, shoes, and accessories—both new and used—at reasonable price points.

Considered something of an alternative department store, this thrifting space is freckled with Instagramable photo spots like its own subway station and its striking pink walls.

Location: 312 Harvard St.

Like all of its national outposts, Boston's Buffalo Exchange sells women’s and men’s clothing for low prices. The space also makes selling your own used items simple, the cash or store credit you'll receive turning the retail exchange into a

clothing swap.

Location: 318 Lincoln St.

Vivant Vintage boasts a collection of retro clothing and housewares items curated to make your wardrobe and physical space a little more special.

Need a hand? Vivant's expert and enthusiastic staff will make scouring the store all the easier.

Location: 965 Commonwealth Ave.

As in most major cities, Goodwill is a staple for bargain secondhand clothing, as well as higher-end brands in their pricier boutique section. A mindful search through the packed racks is sure to result in striking vintage finds.

Location: 563 Massachusetts Ave. 

This popular thrift shop—owned and operated by

AIDS Action—has a notable selection of gently-used clothes and accessories to choose from. Your secondhand shopping supports a great cause—all of their proceeds help fund work to prevent HIV and improve the lives of those affected.

Location: 175 Newbury St.

If you love high-end designer brands and don’t mind splurging (at least in regard to secondhand), you’ll love Castanet. The small and intimate boutique is filled with noteworthy designer brands like Balenciaga, Chanel, Isabel Marant, and more.

Location: 3202 Massachusetts Ave. 

Raspberry Beret has been cultivating its collection of consignment apparel for nearly two decades. The wide variety of secondhand pieces reflects the current fashion landscape, allowing customers to test-drive trends without harming the planet (or their budget).

Location: 1307 Cambridge St.

We Thieves is a woman-owned boutique specializing in vintage apparel and housewares. The store also features works by independent artists and even an apothecary, all of the elements combining in a shared (and infinitely shoppable) aesthetic.

Location: 49 River St.

One of the very first vintage stores in the Boston area, the Great Eastern Trading Company has grown into a must-shop for fans of thrifting. Great Eastern features vintage clothing, accessories, and costumes, as well as its very own vinyl record shop.

Location:  40 South St.

40 South South Street has been in business for over 30 years—so you know you’ll find some hidden gems here. Stock up on quality jackets, cowboy boots, graphic tees, and other throwback staples.

Location:  391 W. Broadway

Covet is a consignment boutique where you can find affordable apparel and high-end clothing and accessories. They offer stylish tops, dresses, and pants that you can wear for any occasion, and also sell designer brands like Dior, Louis Vuitton, and (of course) vintage Levi's.