Coolest Vintage and Thrift Stores for Teens in NYC

These thrift stores in NYC are the perfect antidote to teens changing style whims. Seasoned parents can tell you that shopping for kids becomes a lot harder as they age. Teens are still trying to find their own unique style, so there’s no need to spend a fortune on trendy items they will outgrow or that go out of style quickly. Kicks, rocker tees, jeans, funky bags, and accessories are all in high demand and easily found in multiple at vintage stores and thrift shops in NYC. Teens have a blast browsing racks hunting for that perfect T-shirt or pair of jeans.

NYC abounds with vintage and thrift shops. We’ve rounded up a selection of thrift stores in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and the Bronx that offer a large and varied selection of clothes, shoes, and accessories for teens. Have some cash on hand and get ready for a vintage shopping spree. Find more age-appropriate activities and destinations in our NYC Tween and Teen Guide.

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1. Beacon’s Closet – Multiple Manhattan and Brooklyn Locations

Find vintage and designer brand items at Beacon’s Closet. The clothes and accessories are in very good condition because Beacon’s Closet is picky about what it accepts and trades. The store is constantly updating and swapping out its inventory. The racks are well-organized by color, which makes it easier to browse and find those treasures. Visit the website for a list of locations.

2. City Opera Thrift Shop – Chelsea

While not the cheapest on the list, this thrift shop in Chelsea carries some unique and amazing pieces from all over the world. High-fashion-minded shoppers have a blast looking through the well-organized racks of clothes, stacks of shoes, and rows of home decor items.

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Scour the racks at Buffalo Exchange for well-known brands. 

3. Buffalo Exchange – Multiple Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens Locations

There’s a great selection of T-shirts, pants, dresses, shirts, sweaters, shoes, and accessories here from many fashion brands kids will recognize. Since there’s no designated section for teens, encourage your kid to try on outfits before they buy. Visit the website for a list of locations.

4. Crossroads – Locations in Manhattan and Williamsburg

Another great place to find vintage items at affordable prices, Crossroads accepts used clothing in good condition for cash or trade-in credit at its stores. You’ll find a lot of trendy pieces, and while the stores aren’t as organized as some others, there are some gems to be found with some patience and digging. Visit the website for a list of locations.

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With a little patience, a thrift store shopping trip can yield plenty of treasures from the crowded racks.

5. L Train Vintage – Multiple Manhattan and Brooklyn Locations

Digging around to find that diamond in the rough is part of the charm when it comes to vintage shopping. No such worries at L Train Vintage because its stores are well stocked with all manner of clothes and accessories that you’ll be hard-pressed to leave without something. The prices are low across the board and the racks are well organized to make it easier to find the perfect vintage T-shirt. Visit the website for a list of locations.

6. Housing Works – Multiple Manhattan and Brooklyn Locations

Housing Works is a charity dedicated to fighting AIDS and homelessness. In addition to clothes and accessories, its chain of thrift stores in NYC carries antique furniture, housewares, and unique specialty items. We love looking through the shoes and accessories and finding one-of-a-kind earrings or sunglasses. Visit the website for a list of locations.

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The Salvation Army offers a wide range of items at its thrift stores in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and the Bronx. 

7. Salvation Army – Citywide

While shopping at a Salvation Army thrift store in NYC can be hit-or-miss, you’ll score some good finds for super cheap prices. Depending on the location, it carries a range of clothes from jeans, T-shirts and dresses to coats and handbags. Visit the website for a list of locations.

8. 10ft Single by Stella Dallas – Williamsburg

The large selection of vintage and secondhand clothing at this Brooklyn vintage shop is carefully curated. Teens can find hipster T-shirts, beloved denim brands, one-of-a-kind items and accessories, and even home goods. While the store is big, everything is very well organized and there are fitting rooms in the back.

Photos by the author