Best Thrift stores for clothing across the USA

Why Thrift and second hand is cool‑Vintage Fashion Rules

Thrifting offers more than cost savings—it’s sustainable, unique, and allows you to curate your own style story. Here are our best picks for you. Happy Thrifting!

 Where to Go: USA Vintage Hubs & Online Goldmines

1. **New York City: Beacon’s Closet (Greenpoint, Brooklyn)**

   – Massive selection from 80s power suits to Y2K streetwear. Price range is reasonable, and quality varies—inspect seams and linings.
   – Tip: Shop weekday early for best finds.

2. Los Angeles: Wasteland (Melrose Ave)

   – Curated racks of mid-century dresses, varsity jackets, and designer denim. Better condition pieces but at modest premium.

3. Portland: Crossroads Trading Co.

   – Smart buy-sell-trade model. Seasonal lines include minimal basics and mid-century outerwear. Tellar sizing helps balance fit across brands.

4. Austin: Buffalo Exchange

   – Youthful, seasonal vintage and streetwear picks. Perfect for bold silhouettes and retro cut-offs.

5. Chicago: Antique Trove Vintage Boutiques

   – Reputed for upscale mid-20th-century pieces like silk blouses and trousers. Pricing reflects rarity; condition is key.

6. Online: Etsy, eBay, Depop, Poshmark

   – Best for curated searches by era, size, and style. Always request exact measurements and inspect wear. Use Tellar’s printable measuring tape for accuracy.

 What to Hunt For in Vintage Shops

1. Denim Jackets & Jeans (1970s–1990s)

• Origins: Levi’s, Lee, Wrangler.

• Look: Classic cuts, raw denim, selvedge trims.

• Fit tip: Denim shrinks—prefer snug oversize. Use Tellar to match hip and waist ratios to originals.

2. Tailored Trousers & Culottes

• Source: 70s and 80s high-waist tailoring or even 50s‑60s belted culottes.

• Assessment: Check for lining, waist tension, and hip darts.

• Style pairing: Longline cardigan or crisp shirt for a casual‑work hybrid vibe.

3. Silk & Rayon Blouses

• Era: 60s and 70s often feature prints, pleats, pussy-bows.

• Check: Clean seams, intact buttons.

• Fit: Tellar sizing ensures you’re selecting the right bust and shoulder size.

4. Midi & Maxi Dresses

• Look for sheath or A-line silhouettes from the 70s‑80s.

• Fabric: Crepe, satin, or textured knits.

• Use Tellar to verify bust, waist, hips—especially relevant for cinched‑waist styles.

5. Outerwear (Bomber, Trench, Leather Blazers)

• Preference: Medium‑weight wool or genuine leather for longevity.

• Fit hint: Leather blazers should hug shoulders; trench coats require sleeve length and web belt measurement checks via Tellar.

6. Statement Knitwear

• Think 80s graphic sweaters or chunky sweaters from the 70s.

• Check hand-stitched seams, natural yarns, no moth holes.

• Fit nuance: Vintage knit often is boxy—Tellar can guide you toward the intended silhouette.

 Savvy Thrift Shopping Tips

• Inspect Condition: Look closely at seams, lining, pits, or underarm holes.

• Ask Vintage Lingo: “Deadstock” = never worn; “pre-loved” = previously worn.

• Stain Removal: Light bleach soak works for collars; delicate fabrics need cold-water soak.

• Alteration Prep: You can adjust hems or waistlines—purchase with that in mind.

• Vintage Sizing ≠ Modern Size: A vintage 12 might be a modern 8. Always size by measurement, not label.

• Navigate Online Filters: Use era, fabric, and even country-of-origin filters.

 Fit Perfectly: How Tellar.co.uk Enhances Thrifting

Tellar isn’t just for new brands—it’s essential for verifying fit in pre-loved items.

• Creating a Profile: Enter bust, waist, and hip measurements once; reuse it forever.

• Printable Measuring Tape: Helps you quickly measure online items or at thrift stores.

• Size Lookup: Compare your dimensions to brand charts—even for vintage labels (e.g., Levi’s, 70s Gap, old Pendleton).

• Styling Confidence: Tellar suggests whether an item will be snug or relaxed, letting you assess alteration viability.

🔗 Related Tellar Guides

• Learn why Buying Second‑Hand or Vintage is eco-smart and stylishly savvy

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• Understand Silk, Suede & Structured Item Fit so statement thrifted pieces fit well

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• Need help finding Denim Brands & Vintage Fit? We’ve got size pointers for 70s and 80s jeans

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• Want timeless statement dresses? Our Office-Ready & Occasion Dresses

  post applies to vintage finds too.

 Curate Like a Pro: Outfit Inspirations

A. 70s Silk Shirt + High-Waist Vintage Denim

Pair a rust-toned blouse with dark denim—cinch with a woven belt. The blouse should drape without pulling, confirmed via Tellar bust match.

B. Leather Blazer + Midi Slip Skirt

Pro tip: Oversized leather blazers are flattering with slim midi skirts. Sleeve and shoulder fit verified via Tellar's outerwear advice.

C. Statement Knit + Culottes

Chunky knit over high-waist culottes gives volume and balance. Check hem alignment and hip fit with Tellar to avoid unflattering shapes.

D. Tailored Trousers + Retro Blouse

Blend tailored vintage trousers with silk pussy-bow blouses. Vintage sizes vary—use Tellar to match vintage cuts precisely.

 Where to Buy Online

• Etsy & eBay: Search by decade (“1980s silk blouse”), specify measurements, ask seller details. Buyers often share garment flat-laying photos—measure alongside your Tellar tape.

• Depop & Poshmark: Great for curated streetwear and Y2K. Sellers list chest, length, brand. Always match with Tellar data.

• Vestiaire Collective: Higher‑end designer vintage with authentication. Reliable for structured blazers or heritage denim.

 Sustainability & Thrift Culture

• Eco‑Impact: Buying second‑hand lowers demand for new production—less waste, less energy.

• Ethical Fashion: Vintage revives forgotten craftsmanship.

• Circular Economy: Resharing preloved clothes keeps them in use.

Tellar’s tool helps you avoid returns, which reduces transportation and landfill waste. Thrift better, stop the cycle of return-shipping—size once, buy once.

 Final Thrift Strategy in One Table

🌐 Stay Connected with Tellar

For daily thrift styling advice, sizing guides, and curated brand picks:

Instagram: @Tellarsizing

Twitter/X: @Tellar100

Facebook: Tellar Sizing

 Final Word

Vintage and second-hand shopping in the USA offers a treasure trove of timeless items—but fit remains key. With Tellar.co.uk, you can measure once, size accurately, and ensure each thrifted gem fits like it was made for you.

Curate a unique, sustainable, and perfectly fitted wardrobe—one vintage find at a time.

Happy thrifting!