Brooklyn is a very large borough so this is by no means an extensive list of Best Vintage Shopping in Brooklyn but these are the ones that have the most personality. I tried to spread a wide net in terms of price range and aesthetic. Mostly clothing stores, the list does include some furniture-only locations and a few options that offer both because, realistically, you don’t have to buy anything new. You just need to know where to look!
For the list of Manhattan’s best vintage stores see Abby Price’s (founder of Abbode) list here and you’ll have enough itinerary points for several vintage-filled weekends.
When you’ve saved up for a Chanel tweed jacket head to Amarcord. They have a beautiful store in Williamsburg and a by-appointment-only showroom (also in Williamsburg) for styling pulls and researching enthusiasts. It’s a top tier vintage shopping experience - extremely curated, zero digging, friendly and knowledgeable staff. You’ll want everything.
Photo by Amarcord
Mirth is like shopping the closet of your older sister that works in fashion. Some pieces will benefit from creativity and/or styling advice from the sales staff but ultimately you’ll find something that will be the most-complimented item you own because it’s unusual and wearable. The price points are good and they carry some designer secondhand too so you might get your mitts on a Clergerie shoe or Rachel Comey piece you were eyeing a few seasons ago.
Photo by Jenna Murphy
Vaux is extremely reliable if you’re looking for beautiful, well-made essentials to build the ideal, easy-but-stylish wardrobe. I always find a good knit like this one. Plus, it’s nice that the store is small and tidy so the browse is quick and you know you’ve savored every piece before choosing one (or a few) to take home.
Photo by Vaux Vintage
A bit hidden down on Grand towards the BQE, About Glamour has very well priced pieces from Jean Paul Gautlier, Comme des Garcons and Junya Wantanabe, to name a few. I saw a beautiful, navy CdG overcoat for $250. It’s an understated store (you might miss the entrance if you aren’t looking for it) that offers a great selection of wearable designer vintage. You’ll find your favorite pair of black trousers here, you know?
Photo by Jonathan Wheeler
Like walking into a 60s Hollywood starlet’s boudoir, Le Grande Strip is excess and glamour as a shop. Decorwise, there’s a healthy dose of red velvet, feathers and vintage pin up photos. If you’re looking for costume party looks this is the place but they also have a solid collection of beautiful accessories (Gucci loafers, Prada knee high suede boots, beaded wristlets), and clothing that Stevie Nicks would wear on stage.
Photo by Savage Connoisseur
This corner of Greenpoint is the jackpot. Four stores all next to each other with different personalities but equally excellent offerings, you’ll never leave the Norman Ave Dobbin Street intersection empty handed. Pick up a MCM dresser or a leather jacket at Dobbin St Co Op (they have another location in Williamsburg too). Feng Sway has vintage home goods AND plants. Shop 86 and Seven Wonders are two great vintage collectives that hand pick their vendors for a wide array of vintage fashion goods.
Photo of Dobbin St Co Op by Dayee
Americana, workwear and your favorite pair of vintage denim is to be found at Raggedy Threads. This store reminds me of vintage shops in the American Southwest with lots of layered textiles and repaired goods that are made to last through all of your rugged adventures. Great for men and women. It’s a true testament to a time when things were made better.
Photo by Raggedy Threads
Another great browse, Chikees Vintage has the perfect tee or denim or Ferragamo pump that you’ve been looking for in excellent condition. The men’s store is around the corner on the basement level that makes it feel like you’re entering a different era or maybe a really cute hobbit hole (and is somehow still really sunny). They sell books and prints too.
Photo by Chickees Vintage
One of the harder parts of shopping vintage is dealing with the often limited size range (there’s a long list of reasons for this but I have a limited word allowance). Shop Berriez counters the issue head on by curating and selling only plus-size vintage (and upcycled goods) and arranging everything by size. The brand is colorful, cheerful and heavily fruit-inspired and it’s all so cute! Their showroom can be visited with an appointment and they have an extensive ecomm shop.
Photo by Shop Berriez
Looking for that piece that will transform your living space? Head to Lichen. They have an incredible selection of vintage and small production home goods from lamps to plinths to that chair that will become the most-liked photo on your Instagram. The team has a great eye and are all-around good people building a cool community around thoughtful design.
Photo by Lichen NYC
