Is there any better feeling than saying “Thanks, I thrifted it?” Thrifting has been rising in popularity recently due to being a sustainable, eco-friendly way to shop. This is in addition to the reasons long-time thrift store fans have loved hitting the racks – amazing deals and unique selections.
Buying secondhand can save you money AND save our planet. Fast fashion results in huge material waste, exorbitant emissions, and poorly made clothes that fall apart easily. In contrast, vintage clothes tend to be made very well with high-quality fabric that lasts longer. You’ll also avoid the emissions from shipping all around the world when you buy clothing sourced from your community at a local thrift shop.
Best of all, you’ll be contributing to a circular economy by giving life to someone’s old wardrobe. You can enjoy experimenting with your style and trying out different aesthetics to find out what you really like instead of what influencers might be selling.
San Francisco is known for its funky, eclectic style, and that extends to its amazing thrift finds. Here, you’ll find everything from high-end designer thrift shops to fresh new chain stores. Between Silicon Valley and the “Summer of Love,” you’re bound to find something great. Here’s our roundup of the best thrift stores in San Francisco.
The 15 Best Thrift Stores in San Francisco
1. ReLove
Image Credit: ReLove
ReLove is a female-founded vintage clothing store offering a curated mix of vintage, designer, and independent labels. Since 2014, they’ve been creating a welcoming community centered around being your best and most creative self while wasting less. Find an expertly curated mix of on-trend and unique clothing here.
Address: 1815 Polk St, San Francisco, CA
2. Cris Consignment
Image Credit: Cris Consignment
This is one the best places to find high-quality secondhand designer goods. Cris Consignments have been a fixture on the scene in San Fran for over three decades, and locals come here to shop for luxury finds like Prada, Gucci, Balenciaga, and more.
Address: 1813 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
3. Crossroads
Image Credit: Crossroads Trading San Francisco
Crossroads is a consignment chain store with locations all across California and the US. They have been operating for over 30 years, helping customers access gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories. Word on the street is they pay more than Plato’s Closet or Buffalo Exchange, so you can find some good gems here.
Address: Various Locations
4. Wasteland
Image Credit: Wasteland
This iconic vintage shop has locations both in LA and San Francisco – each one emulating the unique neighborhood and city they are in. Find a mix of vintage and modern secondhand clothing, shoes, and accessories at Wasteland. Whether you’re channeling 80s punk or Y2K, you’ll find something great here.
Address: 1660 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117
5. TheRealReal
Image Credit: TheRealReal
One of the internet’s favorite luxury consignment stores has an outpost in San Fran too! In fact, they are actually headquartered here, so you might find some exclusives. TheRealReal is known for having a curated, vetted selection of high-end secondhand pieces, like trendy Jacquemus and Bottega Veneta or timeless Chanel and Cartier.
Address: 253 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94108
6. 2nd Street
Image Credit: 2nd Street San Francisco
2nd Street is a famous consignment shop from Japan that eventually made its way over to California. They offer gently used clothing in a variety of styles, but true to Japan, you’ll find a lot of streetwear and trendy clothing here. You’ll see a mix of both high-end and affordable pieces that any “hype beast” will love.
Address: Various Locations
7. Buffalo Exchange
Image Credit: Buffalo Exchange San Francisco
The trusty classic Buffalo Exchange is a chain of consignment stores all across America. They are known for having modern, trendy secondhand clothing from well-known brands like Zara, H&M, and more. You can find a good range of styles and sizes here at a good price point.
Address: Various Locations
8. Sui Generis Consignment
Image Credit: Sui Generis Consignment
This award-winning upscale consignment boutique has been featured in Vogue, GQ, and more as the best consignment shop in San Francisco. Sui Generis Consignment started out as a men’s boutique and still has an enviable collection of designer men’s clothing, shoes, and accessories, as well as women’s. Find Ralph Lauren, Missoni, and more in their beautifully curated store.
Address: 2231 Market Street, San Francisco, California 94114
9. Held Over
Image Credit: Held Over Vintage
This is a San Francisco thrift store icon located right in the middle of the famous Haight-Asbury neighborhood. Here you’ll find everything from vintage military jackets to funky 70s dresses and more. Held Over is located in a large warehouse full of treasures, so come prepared to break a sweat.
Address: 1543 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117
10. Community Thrift
Image Credit: Community Thrift Store San Francisco
Community Thrift is a large store of secondhand goods with a hot pink exterior you can’t miss. They are well-known in the community for thrift finds and even more so for their charitable work. Each sale at Community Thrift goes toward one of over 200 charities that they support. When you donate, you have the chance to choose which one of these charities you’d like your items to support.
Address: 623 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
11. Goodwill
Image Credit: Goodwill San Francisco
The OG of the thrifting world, Goodwill, has multiple stores in San Francisco and even a Goodwill boutique. They are well-known for carrying a large assortment of secondhand clothing, shoes, accessories, and more at low prices. Every local has their own opinion about which location is the best, but many say the Haight street one can’t be missed.
Address: Multiple locations
12. Chloe’s Closet
Image Credit: Chloe’s Closet San Francisco
This is the best place in the SF Bay Area to buy secondhand children’s clothing, shoes, books, and toys. Parents continuously rave about this place to all their friends. Chloe’s Closet carries popular kids’ brands in their ever-evolving inventory. In addition to kids’ clothing, they also carry women’s clothing and have a nice inventory of maternity clothing for eco-conscious new moms.
Address: Various Locations
13. Vacation
Image Credit: Vacation San Francisco
Vacation is a cool, curated vintage and secondhand shop. You can find a range of eclectic vintage dresses, band tees, and designer apparel. Previously located in the Tenderloin, they’ve recently set up shop in the North Beach neighborhood. True vintage lovers will find great pieces here.
Address: 1499 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
14. Salvation Army
Salvation Army is a well-known thrift store chain with a big inventory of gently used clothing, furniture, and more. Many thrift hunters have found great steals in these stores, and the San Francisco locations are no exception. While they mostly carry newer secondhand clothing from the 00s and 90s, you can occasionally find rare vintage clothes from the 60s or 70s here too.
Address: Various locations
15. Alemany Flea Market
Image Credit: Alemany Flea Market
Okay, this technically isn’t a store but a monthly flea market. At the outdoor Alemany Flea Market, you’ll find tons and tons of great secondhand clothing from vendors on Sundays from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. You can find a diverse range of goods here.
Address: 100 Alemany Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94110
Final Thoughts on Thrifting in San Francisco
Overall, San Francisco has a variety of great options to find cute and quality secondhand clothing. Whether you want a curated experience full of designer goods or the classic warehouse vibe, you’ll find that and more in the Golden Gate city.
With so many options, it’s easy to find secondhand clothing that you love at amazing prices. The range of options also means that it is convenient to make the earth-friendly choice to buy used instead of new items. You can reduce your footprint while wearing something unique that you truly enjoy.
Channel that San Francisco energy and find something quirky and eclectic that’s also eco-conscious. If you come to visit, do the locals a favor and check out these curated secondhand goods – you won’t be disappointed!
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