As the heart of fashion today has shifted towards putting value on unique looks, one-of-a-kind pieces and a focus on environmental conscientiousness, thrift stores have come to the forefront of industry’s focus. Navigating the endless options for thrift, vintage and resale stores can be quite daunting, a time-consuming task that is better spent combing through the racks of quaint second-hand shops.
Living in a city as cosmopolitan and overwhelming as New York City, it can be arduous to find the hidden gems of thrift stores and uncover the best among them. The original integrity of thrifting aims to find one of a kind, gently used items for amazingly discounted prices. Vintage, consignment and upscale thrift stores have made finding a good old thrift store with ample pieces for all seem near impossible.
Whether you’re looking for affordable ways to expand your fall wardrobe with timeless basics, seek out unusual pieces that feel personal to you or even do your part to combat fast fashion and ceaseless trend cycles—thrifting is the remedy. Here are the top five most affordable, stockpiled thrift stores in Brooklyn where you’re sure to find stunning pieces to spark your creativity and foster your self-expression.
- Urban Jungle
This thrift store connected to L-Train Vintage is truly one of the best in Brooklyn. Located in east Williamsburg, Urban Jungle has two massive warehouse spaces with decorative bridges connecting them within the endless racks of clothing. Unlike its counterpart L-Train, this thrift store has affordable prices starting at around $5 and holds the integrity of a true thrift store. Within this store, it is plausible that there is too much inventory to browse through everything in one go. On the other hand, the sheer volume of clothing assures that there is something unique that appeals to everyone. This place is wonderfully organized with pristine maintenance and up-keep, making searching for the perfect pieces easy and enjoyable. With everything from outerwear to overalls, Urban Jungle has an incredible selection that ensures the trip is well worthwhile. Make sure to bring a tote or shopping bag, you won’t be leaving this thrift store empty handed!
2. Underground Thrift Store
On the complete end of the spectrum, located in Brooklyn Heights, Underground Thrift Store provides a more intimate, intentional thrifting experience. Warehouse style thrift stores are valuable for the adept, practiced thrifter who can scan through endless amounts of clothing without losing sight of original objectives or feeling drowned in the variety. On the other hand, a charming place like Underground allows thrifters alike to find extraordinary pieces that are curated and easy to peruse. Amazing brands are notoriously seen at Underground Thrift for prices that are difficult to beat. This store is also renowned for an annual $25 per bag event they hold, where thrift shoppers are presented with the heavenly opportunity to buy as much as you can fit in a bag for a set price!
3. Le Point Value
Found in Bushwick, this thrift store is unmatched in their system of cycling through inventory, alas you are guaranteed to see something rare every time. This store is certainly for those who love to put in the time and exertion into finding their thrifted treasures! With a wide selection and huge space, Le Point Value certainly personifies the traditional thrift store. Hardcore thrifters who do not anticipate their craft to be hand-selected for them will be delighted by the selection and quality of the pieces in this shop. Putting in the extra work to search for invaluable pieces at Le Point Value is undeniably worth the playful, chic pieces that can be discovered for jaw-droppingly low prices.
4. Domsey Express Thrift Store
This south Williamsburg thrift store is amazing for finding brand-name, gently worn pieces that start at just $2. Taking your time to look around the immense selection in this treasure trove is worth your while, with an organized, clean layout that aids this process. With truly a bit of everything, Domsey Express also provides a spacious encounter with second-hand clothing that alleviates the potentially overwhelming nature of huge thrift stores. Items are found to be in impeccable condition, with an array of pieces from vintage to trending, timeless to wonderfully garish. Domsey has multiple locations, with south Williamsburg being just a short subway ride for University students heading to Brooklyn’s abundance of thrift and vintage stores.
5. Out of the Closet
Last but certainly not least, Out of the Closet located near downtown Brooklyn, retains the nature of real thrift stores with its authentic pricing and quirky finds. With elevated quality and modest pricing, this store combines economic, environmental shopping with a non-profit ideology neatly tied into a bow. Out of the Closet stoves towards their mission of activism and supportiveness of the LGBTQ+ community through donating 96 cents of every dollar spent at their location towards HIV care and supporting AIDS Healthcare Foundation services in the New York City surrounding community. Taking this the extra length, this thrift store provides accessible, rapid HIV testing on site. This innovative idea draws shoppers into the laid-back, acquiescing ambiance of yet another boundless thrift store. As a donation center, Out of the Closet ensures that you discover vibrant, individualistic pieces that truly speak to you.
