Thrifting has exploded in popularity over the last few years, and it’s easy to see why. Not only is it the most eco-friendly option for filling your wardrobe, but often the older pieces you find are high-quality and made to last.
Buying second-hand saves you money while also saving cool, unique finds from creating waste in landfills. When you lessen the demand for new clothing by thrifting, you save not only the materials used for creating new clothing but also the energy and resources used in the production and shipping.
Finding second-hand treasures also helps you foster a sense of your own personal style with one-of-a-kind pieces. You get to avoid the polluting forces of fast fashion and the awkwardness of wearing the same thing as your friends.
Many fast fashion companies try to replicate famous trends from older eras, but can’t exactly recreate the magic of the originals. With thrifting, you can experience the joy of wearing authentic 90s clothing or your favorite sports team’s merch.
All that plus the thrill of the hunt! Los Angeles is world-renowned as a mecca of amazing thrift stores. You can find everything from Oscar-worthy vintage ball gowns to cool band tees and rare sneakers in its famous stores. Here are the best places to find the vintage wardrobe of your dreams in LA.
The 15 Best Thrift Stores in Los Angeles
1. Rose Bowl Flea
Image Credit: The Rose Bowl Flea Market
Welcome to the mothership! The iconic Rose Bowl Flea Market is the most attended and vendor-profitable flea market in the whole country. Come out the second Sunday of each month to find everything from trendy Y2K to 40’s fashion in its over 2,500 stalls.
Address: 1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena, CA 91103
2. The Way We Wore
Image Credit: The Way We Wore
If trudging through markets and warehouses isn’t your thing, try one of LA’s famous curated high-end vintage shops. The Way We Wore is known for having an expertly crafted selection of designer fashion from the 1910s to the 1990s
Address: 334 South La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90036
3. Society of St Vincent De Paul
Image Credit: Society of St Vincent De Paul
Society of St Vincent De Paul has the largest thrift store in LA. Hunt through its massive warehouse full of vintage clothes, furniture, home goods, and more to find special items. Sales from the thrift stores are used to fund its charitable missions throughout LA.
Address: Various Locations
4. Jet Rag
Image Credit: Jet Rag Thrift Store
Jet Rag is legendary in the community for its Sunday $1 parking lot sales. They have a wide variety of both modern and vintage clothing in many styles. Find great deals for men, women, and children.
Address: 825 N La Brea Ave Los Angeles, CA 90038
5. Buffalo Exchange
Image Credit: Buffalo Exchange
Buffalo Exchange is the go-to spot for reselling and finding second hand steals on modern, well-known brands. With three Los Angeles locations, you can get some of the best bang for your buck on stylish, gently worn Zara, Free People, and more.
Address: Various Locations
6. Recess
Image Credit: Recess Los Angeles
This newer vintage store opened in 2013 and has a mixture of modern secondhand designer and vintage fashion. The owner Marie Monsod hopes to bridge the gap between band t-shirts and ball gowns by selling reasonably priced, unique designer vintage goods and global finds. Find rare jewelry, statement dresses, and everything in between at Recess.
Address: 111 N. La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
7. Lemon Frog Shop
Image Credit: Lemon Frog Shop
Lemon Frog Shop is a super cute vintage store with a wide selection of clothes. They specialize in .60s and 70s hippie looks but carry reasonably priced clothing from every decade for women. They have an emphasis on sustainability as a certified Green Business.
Address: 1202 N. Alvarado St, Los Angeles, CA 90026
8. Golden Age Hollywood
Image Credit: Golden Age Hollywood Thrift Store
Ran by self-professed movie nerds with Old Hollywood taste, you can find a variety of mid-priced designer vintage pieces here. Golden Age Hollywood is known for its specialty of French workwear uniforms from the 20s to the 50s. You can also find cool t-shirts featuring Hollywood stars, vintage dresses, shoes, and more.
Address: Various Locations
9. Finders Keepers
Image Credit: Finders Keepers
Finders Keepers is well-known for its amazing variety of vintage furniture, but they also have great clothing as well. You’ll find beautiful vintage dresses and sweaters mixed with quirky odds and ends. This is one location you’ll have to dig at, but many shoppers find it’s worthwhile for the treasures.
Address: 4030 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90004
10. Goodwill
Image Credit: Goodwill
A thrifter’s best friend, Goodwill is a well-known American second-hand chain with low-priced used clothing. Its LA stores have high-quality steals and brand names peeking out from its large racks of gently used clothes, shoes, and accessories. Both men and women find great deals on clothing here.
Address: Various Locations
11. It’s a Wrap
Image Credit: It’s a Wrap
It’s a Wrap is the only place you can buy authentic wardrobes and props from major motion picture studios and production companies. Many of the clothes have never even been worn (NWT) or only worn once. Find everything from high-end brands like Chanel and Armani to lesser-known but authentic vintage pieces from each era.
Address: 3315 W. Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505
12. The Real Real
Image Credit: The Real Real
The premier online destination for selling high-end second-hand clothing and accessories has a physical location in West Hollywood. Browse curated luxury consignment goods from Gucci, Prada, and more with the help of their on-site experts. While pricier and fancier, the vibe at The Real Real is still approachable.
Address: 8500 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069
13. Wasteland
Image Credit: Wasteland Thrift Store
Started in 1985 and inspired by the punk and mod culture of the time, Wasteland is one of LA’s classic thrift shops with personality. Find a good variety of gently used clothing, shoes and accessories at budget-friendly prices. Each of its three LA locations has its own unique vibe.
Address: Various Locations
14. National Council of Jewish Women Thrift Shops
Image Credit: National Council of Jewish Women Thrift Shop
Originally opened in 1924 to serve new immigrants arriving in LA, the Council Thrift Shops have transformed into some of the most popular thrift shops in LA. They are known for having a wide selection of gently used clothing and accessories in good condition. Proceeds still help programs for women today.
Address: Various Locations
15. What Goes Around Comes Around
Image Credit: What Goes Around Comes Around
This luxury consignment shop has a well-known NYC location and is making waves in LA now too. Well-loved by Instagram stars and celebrities, What Goes Around Comes Around carries trendy and classic designer vintage goods. Find one-of-a-kind accessories like some of the rarest Hermes and Chanel bags and a great selection of vintage Levi’s.
Address: 9520 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Final Thoughts on Thrifting in Los Angeles
LA has a wonderful variety of vintage shopping for all price points. You can find second-hand steals at large chains or rare designer goods at curated boutiques.
Whether you want a movie star wardrobe straight off the lot or a trendy luxury handbag, you can find it all here. Vintage shopping in LA is also convenient, with great options spread throughout all of its neighborhoods.
When you buy secondhand, you’ll be saving your hard-earned money, keeping waste out of landfills, and lessening the impact of fast fashion production on the environment. By giving new life to older goods, you’ll also reduce the energy used in shipping products from all around the world.
Best of all, you’ll be shopping your way toward creating a more sustainable, circular economy for everyone. If you are visiting or moving to LA, enjoy checking out these great spots and finding eclectic and fun vintage clothing for every occasion.
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