By: Julia Oatey, Haley Bosselman By: Julia Oatey, Haley Bosselman | September 22, 2023 | Style & Beauty, Feature,
Vintage shopping is the epitome of fashionable and sustainable. In fact, secondhand shopping is becoming a big trend as people are starting to realize just how valuable this can be for acquiring a killer wardrobe— and all while saving money and helping be a little more kind to the environment. Excellent thrift stores are swarming the Los Angeles area, so we’ve helped you narrow your selection by gathering a roundup of 19 of its best.
Website/ Various
Hunting for fashion-buried treasure defines the experience at American Vintage. Whether on Melrose or in Sherman Oaks, the shop brims with wearable relics like leather jackets, as well as kitschy conversation pieces. Venture through the space filled with old-school tees, jeans and more and it becomes clear American Vintage keeps its pulse on what vintage hunters want.
Website/ 777 S Alaneda St 90021
At Row DTLA, Arcade invites shoppers in with expansive windows that flood the space with warm, bright light. The trove of finds spans from the 1970s to the early 2000s. Beyond the racks and shelves stocked with designer pieces, exhibition cases flaunt rare accessories. Shoppers can ogle Dior sunglasses as well as Hermès scarves in pristine condition.
Website/ 8214 Melrose Ave 90046
Decades has earned its reputation as an elite source for vintage fashion in Los Angeles. Located in West Hollywood, the luxury shop curates museum-quality clothing and accessories from the world’s top designers. For those with champagne wishes, you may discover Chanel handbags, as well as tour jackets once worn by music legends. Beyond the wares, the minimalist space resembles an art gallery more than a thrift store.
Website/ 6150 Wilshire Blvd 90048
Happy Isles in Miracle Mile lives up to its blissful name. The airy boutique overflows with women’s clothing from the 1930s through the early 2000s. Racks showcase vintage bridal and designer gowns that are truly one-of-a-kind.
Website/ Various
Iguana Clothing began as a modest vintage store in Sherman Oaks in 1990s. Since then, the shop has blossomed with various locations across Los Angeles. Iguana stocks throwback styles for with standouts like Hawaiian shirts and boho dresses. Beyond the racks, the walls showcase artwork and photography for an immersive experience.
Website/ 777 S Alameda St 90021
Those serious about expanding their vintage wardrobe flock to the Pickwick Vintage Show. Held every few weeks at the Row DTLA, more than 70 vendors gather in place for the ultimate vintage exhibition. Attendees can browse everything from jewelry to shoes dating across different eras. Between live music and food trucks, the events make a day of discovering rare antique clothing. Pro tip: attendees like to come dressed to impress.
Website/ 111 N La Brea 90036
Recess LA stocks a thoughtfully curated mix of clothing, accessories, housewares and art. Since opening in 2013, the shop has won over fashionistas and flea market fanatics alike with its impressive curation of pieces from the 1920s and on. Here, you’ll find Versace blazers and Hollywood Regency lamps alike.
Website/ 8021 Melrose Ave 90046
Scout styles itself as a curated gallery of secondhand clothing and accessories. The boutique carries vintage fashion and modern pieces side by side. Racks display gently used contemporary brands alongside jewelry cases and shelves that offer an assortment of one-of-a-kind accessories.
See also: The Best Shopping Districts In Los Angeles
Website/ Various
You’re certain to snag some one-of-a-kind pieces at this high-end, vintage clothing store that caters to men and women. Wasteland has you set seven days a week with clothes, shoes and accessories that will have everyone drooling over your new, stylish outfit.
Website/ 825 N La Brea Ave 90038
This store has one of the best sales in all of Los Angeles— every piece of clothing is $1 every Sunday. Each item is made for you to spice up your wardrobe with that notable vintage flair. From fur and faux jackets to bright patterned dresses to 80s sweaters, you can pass the day away sifting through clothing.
Website/ Various
What’s better than saving the planet and acquiring cute clothing at the same time? At Crossroads, you can sell your own clothes to earn cash or trade right away for new clothing items to add to your wardrobe.
Website/ 2157 Sunset Blvd 90026
As all styles of fashion always come back around, retro is definitely in now. This boutique presents you with some of the coolest, retro-inspired clothing, shoes and accessories. Here you can up your fashion game when you find that funky article of clothing that you pull out once in a while when you’re feeling bold.
Website/ 7701 Melrose Ave 90046
This store is like walking into t-shirt heaven. You can rummage through some of the most rare and exclusive vintage t-shirts from a wide array of categories including concerts, celebrities, cars, cartoons, sports, schools, music and more.
Website/ 7912 Melrose Ave 90046
This thrift store has you covered with all of the clothing and accessories you need to stay up to date on the latest fashion trends. When you come to trade in your old clothes, they take items they know are in line with current or future trends, so you’re guaranteed to find some gems you’ll love.
Website/ 1001 Rose Bowl Dr 91103
The Rose Bowl Flea Market has it all. In action the second Sunday of every month, this flea market has over 2,500 vendors with items ranging from vintage clothing to art pieces to antiques. With regular admission at $10, you can make a day out of your love for shopping and head on over with some friends to acquire some rare finds.
Website/ 339 ½ East 1st St 90012
They have exquisite vintage clothing, but better yet, they have free live performances. Shop for vintage boots and t-shirts, 50s and 80s jackets, vinyls and more while enjoying the lively sounds of rock 'n roll music that really embodies the vintage style of the store.
Website/ 9044 Burton Way 90211
Lily et Cie is there for all of your wardrobe emergencies when you must attend a high-end event. This luxury vintage clothing store has items styled by famous designers including Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Gucci and Chanel. You can find exquisite gowns and suits that will unquestionably make you the talk of the town.
Website/ 7850 Melrose Ave 90046
This popular open-air market is open every Sunday with vintage fashion, antiques, handcrafted items and numerous covetable gems. Each weekend, you can pay $5 to encounter a new experience with different vendors possessing unique styles and local performers to enjoy.
Website/ 8500 Melrose Ave 90069
As the leading luxury consignment store, The RealReal allows you to buy and sell clothing, jewelry and bags from some of the top designers. Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Prada and so many more rare treasures can now be yours with the most sustainable and effective way to purchase and trade high-end clothing.
Photography by: Getty Images