Los Angeles, known for its eclectic fashion scene and sustainability trends, offers a wide range of thrift shopping experiences that cater to diverse tastes and styles. From high-end consignment boutiques to vintage treasure troves, here’s a curated guide to the best thrift stores in LA.
Vintage Clothing and Accessories
Jet Rag
Location: 825 N. La Brea Ave, Los Angeles
Vibe: Adventurous, eclectic
Jet Rag is famed for its Sunday $1 sale, where fashion hunters can dive into piles of clothing and find hidden gems at unbeatable prices. The store’s regular inventory includes a wide selection of vintage clothing from various decades, offering everything from casual wear to standout pieces for costume parties and retro fashion enthusiasts.
Wasteland
Location: 7428 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles
Vibe: Trendy, high-end vintage
Wasteland on Melrose is a destination for fashion-forward shoppers looking for premium vintage and contemporary second-hand clothing. The store’s curated selection features designer labels, unique vintage finds, and the latest trends from LA’s fashion scene, appealing to those with a discerning eye for style.
Designer Second-Hand
The RealReal
Location: 8500 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood
Vibe: Luxurious, sophisticated
The RealReal’s Los Angeles storefront offers an impressive array of authenticated luxury consignment items, including clothing, jewelry, and accessories from the world’s most coveted designer brands. Shopping at The RealReal is an experience in sustainable luxury, with a sleek, gallery-like space showcasing pieces from Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and more.
Decades
Location: 8214 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles
Vibe: Chic, iconic fashion
Decades is renowned for its exquisite collection of vintage couture and designer clothing, spanning from the 1920s to contemporary collections. The store caters to Hollywood’s elite and vintage lovers alike, offering rare and iconic pieces that capture the glamor and elegance of bygone eras.
Unique Finds and Specialty Shops
Painted Bird
Location: 4208 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles
Vibe: Quirky, bohemian
Painted Bird is a boutique thrift store specializing in vintage and second-hand clothing that boasts a colorful, eclectic aesthetic. With a commitment to sustainability and unique fashion, it offers a diverse selection of items from various decades, appealing to those looking for something different from the mainstream.
Iguana Vintage Clothing
Location: 6320 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles
Vibe: Retro, nostalgic
Iguana Vintage Clothing is a sprawling space filled with clothing from almost every era of the 20th century. Whether you’re searching for a 1950s prom dress, a 1970s disco outfit, or an 80s power suit, Iguana provides a nostalgic journey through fashion history, making it a must-visit for costume designers and vintage aficionados.
Contemporary Second-Hand and Streetwear
Crossroads Trading
Location: 7409 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles (and other locations)
Vibe: Modern, chic
Crossroads Trading on Melrose is at the forefront of contemporary second-hand fashion, offering a well-curated selection of current styles from designer and high-street brands. The store is ideal for those looking to refresh their wardrobe with trendy pieces and designer labels at a fraction of the retail price.
Buffalo Exchange
Location: 131 N. La Brea Ave, Los Angeles (and other locations)
Vibe: Youthful, eclectic
Buffalo Exchange is a staple in the LA thrift scene, known for its wide range of second-hand and vintage clothing that caters to a younger crowd. With a constantly changing inventory that includes everything from vintage denim to contemporary fast fashion, it’s a go-to for sustainable shoppers seeking variety and affordability.
Markets and Flea Markets
Rose Bowl Flea Market
Location: 1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena
Vibe: Bustling, treasure-filled
The Rose Bowl Flea Market, held on the second Sunday of each month, is an iconic LA shopping destination, drawing thousands of visitors. With hundreds of vendors selling vintage clothing, antiques, and handmade goods, it’s a paradise for thrifters and collectors looking for one-of-a-kind items.
Melrose Trading Post
Location: 7850 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles
Vibe: Hip, artisanal
The Melrose Trading Post, open every Sunday at Fairfax High School, offers a curated selection of vintage clothing, handmade crafts, and local art. It’s a community-centric market where fashion, art, and music converge, creating a vibrant atmosphere for shoppers and vendors alike.