Houston, Texas: the home of NASA, the Astros, and Beyoncé. The city boasts the fourth-largest population in the U.S., so when it comes to thrift shops—well, let’s just say they’re both abundant and well-stocked.
Houston houses a varied collection of vintage stores, with selections ranging from colorful sportswear and sneakers to full-tilt ’70s retro treasures. Whatever piece that you’re searching for (or perhaps didn’t even know you need), can be found on a hunt through Houston.
It’s no secret that the fashion industry is a major climate culprit, responsible for 20% of all industrial water pollution along with copious carbon emissions. And with fast fashion continuing its meteoric (and ethically nonsensical) rise, our landfills are taking on more and more waste—making shopping used a stylish act of rebellion.
Should you find yourself in Texas and in want of a funky piece of furniture or a new pair of kicks, head to one of the best thrift stores in Houston for a sustainable shopping session.
11 Best Thrift Stores in Houston, Texas
1. My Flaming Heart
Photo: My Flaming Heart/@myflamingheartLocation: 3622 Main Street Suite C
Colorful and eclectic, My Flaming Heart is everything you could want in a vintage store. Concert tees and cowboy boots are featured alongside handmade jewelry, curated crystals, Mexican folk art, and much more.
2. Petty Cash
Photo: Petty Cash/@pettycashLocation: 1643 Westheimer
For a wardrobe refresh, buy, trade, and sell gear at Petty Cash. The store centers streetwear from the ’80s and ’90s, playing up color, graphics, and nostalgia. Look for jerseys, rare tees, and coveted sneakers.
3. Full Court Houston
Photo: Full Court Houston/@fullcourthoustonLocation: 610 Alabama St. Suite B
This sportswear-centric store is a celebration of all things ’90s and ’00s. The store is well-known for its archives, even consulting with magazines and brands around the influence of vintage pieces on current trends.
4. Cheeky Vintage
Photo: Cheeky Vintage/@cheekyvintageLocation: 2134 Richmond
If you like your vintage experience to feel more like a curated boutique than a pile-style search, Cheeky Vintage is the shop for you. Owner Tina Davis favors pristine (often high-end) designer pieces—and offers champagne to sip while you shop.
5. Leopard Lounge
Photo: Leopard Lounge/@leopardloungexoLocation: 1657 Westheimer Rd.
True vintage lovers would do well to head to Leopard Lounge. In terms of decades, the store doesn’t discriminate, showcasing pieces from the 1920s through Y2K. A well-seasoned staff can help guide you—or just geek out with you over your next score.
6. The Little Bird
Photo: The Little Bird/@thelittlebirdincLocation: 1121 Uptown Park Blvd. Suite 11
Looking for more modern trends and pieces? The Little Bird houses a thoughtful selection of consignment that will feel like perusing the closet of your most stylish friends.
7. Lo-Fi Vintage
Photo: Lo-Fi Vintage/@lofiatxLocation: 1629 Westheimer Rd.
Tees, sweatshirts, jerseys, and denim reign at Lo-Fi. Swing by to ramp up your collection of cool.
8. Area 52
Photo: Area52/@area52htxLocation: 1802 Yale St. Suite F
Similar to Lo-Fi, Area 52’s funk can be found in its wide selection of prints and graphics, those showcased on tees and hoodies. Also search for staples like Carhartt, Levi’s, and more.
9. Out of the Closet
Photo: Out of the Closet/@outoftheclosetLocation: 1435 Westheimer Rd.
Shop for a good cause at Out of the Closet. Purchases of the store’s vinyl, clothing, and more benefit the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, supporting HIV prevention and treatment.
10. The Cottage Shop
Photo: The Women’s Home/@thewomenshometxLocation: 40 South St.
Another store that comes with community benefits, The Cottage Shop is run by The Women’s Home, with 100% of proceeds helping women and families as they find solid footing.
11. The Fashion Time Machine
Photo: The Fashion Time Machine/@thefashiontimemachineLocation: 3622 Main St. B3
Hunters who prefer their pieces one-of-a-kind will find their place at The Fashion Time Machine. Shop for wearable era accessories and items, vintage costumes, nostalgic toys, and more—all with some appealing funk and flair.