The best vintage shops in New York

New York’s vintage shops are among the best in the world, spanning boutiques brimming with Y2K designer bags to bargain-filled thrift stores and hole-in-the-wall spaces crammed with band tees and pre-worn denim. These are accompanied by a selection of excellent weekend vintage markets, led by Chelsea Flea and the Brooklyn Flea (open April to December).

Vintage shops often stick together: stroll from Chelsea Flea to nearby West 26th Street for vintage at varying price points, while Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg is clustered with secondhand finds.

A local style maven highlights the best vintage stores in the city, from collectable designer finds in Soho to thrifting in East Village and Chelsea, and hidden gems in Greenpoint.

Lower East Side

Desert Vintage

Best for: a curated mix of high and low
Address: 34 Orchard Street, New York, NY 10002

For a covetable mix of unlabelled vintage and high-end designer hits, head to Desert Vintage on New York’s Lower East Side. The elegantly curated spot is perfect for those who prefer not to rummage. You’ll find 1950s frocks alongside 1990s Maison Margiela, early 2000s Issey Miyake and 1980s Claude Montana suits, always in pristine condition. Yves Saint Laurent blazers mix with hand-painted kaftans in the best possible way, all curated by co-owners and vintage veterans Salima Boufelfel and Roberto Cowan. The duo launched Desert Vintage in Tuscon, Arizona, during the seventies, before opening in New York in 2022.

Soho

Treasures of NYC

Best for: Trendy Y2K designer bags, designer vintage
Address: 69 Mercer Street, New York, NY 10012

Treasures of NYC has floor-to-ceiling shelves curated with vintage designer bags and shoes, with a focus on the early 2000s. This is the place for Paris Hilton-worthy pink Chanel, John Galliano-era Dior Saddle bags and pre-2005 Fendi Baguette styles. Located in Soho, you’ll need to make a private appointment and these book up quickly, so make sure to reserve yours at the beginning of the month (there is often a waitlist). Alongside covetable arm candy, you can browse racks of vintage Roberto Cavalli, Chanel and Gucci, alongside watches, sunglasses and jewellery.

2nd Street

Best for: Relatively new second-hand designer fashion
Address: 27 Howard Street, New York, NY 10013

Soho has become a mini epicentre of luxury vintage, and 2nd Street is always worth a stop. The Japanese chain of secondhand stores also has outposts across the city, including Dumbo, Chelsea and the Lower East Side, but the Soho location offers the greatest selection. The store is smartly ordered by designer, dating from circa 1980 to current season clothing, often still with tags on. There is a focus on avant garde brands like Comme des Garçons, Junya Watanabe and Vivienne Westwood, alongside a smattering of streetwear from labels including Nike, A Bathing Ape, Adidas and more.

What Comes Around Goes Around

Best for: Nineties Chanel, rare designer pieces
Address: 113 Wooster Street, New York, NY 10012; 351 West Broadway, New York

What Comes Around Goes Around is noted as the best place in New York to shop pre-loved designer handbags, notably including Chanel, Dior and Saint Laurent. Stepping into this shop can feel akin to a high-fashion museum: expect to see harder-to-find Chanel flap bags from the 1990s as well as rare, archival fashion from Jean Paul Gaultier and Versace. The Wooster Street location stocks more clothing, while the West Broadway spot (around the corner) is bag heaven. There is also an additional outpost in Los Angeles.

West Village

Beacon’s Closet

Best for: Affordable vintage pieces from the 1980s and earlier
Address: 10 W 13th Street, New York, NY 10011

Beacon’s Closet has locations across New York, including Greenpoint, Bushwick and Park Slope, all full to the brim with eclectic vintage. The West Village location is located next to one of the city’s top fashion schools, Parsons School of Design, which means there’s always a revolving selection of epic vintage, spanning home-sewn pieces and designer items, all at very affordable prices. Make sure to check out the bags at the back of the store for hidden gems, such as 1960s beaded styles, 1970s wooden boxes and reasonably priced leather options from Balenciaga and Bally.

East Village

Cure Thrift Shop

Best for: Bargain finds, homeware and jewellery
Address: 91 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10003

The East Village has a thrifting culture all of its own, and Cure Thrift Shop is one of the best in the area. The small space has a warm, eclectic vibe, laden with clothes, furniture and home items, with proceeds going to various diabetes charities. Rummage through the racks and leave with brooches, old feathered hats and silk printed scarves, alongside home decor objects and quirky knick-knacks.

Tokio7

Best for: Vintage Japanese designer fashion
Address: 83 East 7th Street, New York, NY 10003

Tokio7 is New York’s leading destination for vintage Japanese designer fashion, from labels including Sacai, Issey Miyake Comme des Garçons and Kapital. The majority of pieces are circa 1990s, as well as rare, lucky finds from the 1980s. The shop may be small, but it’s incredibly well curated and every piece on each rack feels intentional and special, without being overpriced.

Chelsea

City Opera Thrift Shop

Best for: Affordable vintage formalwear
Address: 513 West 26th Street, New York, NY 10001

Located in Chelsea with a distinctly old money feel, the City Opera Thrift Shop supports the New York City Opera and is one of the few places where you can score formal fashion from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and beyond. Rails are lined with luscious silk velvets, organza gowns and snazzy prints, alongside shoes, costume jewellery and accessories. There is a carefully curated selection of brands like Carolina Herrera and St. John, but the older styles with unidentifiable labels are the true scores here. There are several other secondhand shops on this block and nearby, including Housing Works.

Upper East Side

Designer Revival

Best for: Designer workwear for the office
Address: 324 E 81st Street, New York, NY 10028

For a true taste of the Upper East Side and its refined aesthetic, Designer Revival has it all. Chanel flats, Louis Vuitton bags and Gucci loafers line the shelves, alongside a smart selection of dresses, suits, ties and blazers. It caters to the prim Ladies Who Lunch aesthetic, while equally offering plenty of tailored options for the office. While you’re in the area browsing exhibition-worthy fashion, drop by some of New York’s best art galleries and museums, located nearby – Neue Galerie is hung with stunning Gustav Klimt paintings to inspire your shopping (the museum cafe is also worth a visit for the cakes).

Brooklyn

L Train Vintage

Best for: Affordable American vintage classics
Locations throughout Brooklyn

With locations throughout Brooklyn – including Bushwick, Williamsburg and a supersized warehouse on 118 Knickerbocker Avenue – L Train is one of the borough’s most-loved vintage stores. Head to the East Williamsburg location to find absolutely everything, from t-shirts to army surplus tops and football jerseys. There’s less focus on designer fashion here, and the prices reflect that. Expect a strong emphasis on Americana vibes, with plenty of college sweatshirts, cowboy boots, camouflage jackets, long fur coats and Coach bags for both women and men. Brooklyn has a handful of great vintage shops lining Bedford Avenue, like the famed Amarcord Vintage or aptly named Bedford Vintage.