Thrift store shopping in Boston typically varies from exhilarating to frustrating. It’s a big city with plenty of used and vintage clothing stores, but due to the large number of college students with a penchant for ironic T-shirts and old man sweaters, the selection can be pretty picked-through. The key to a successful thrift store experience lies in knowing what you want and where to find it.
If you’re looking for a no-frills, Goodwill-style used clothing store with low prices and a large selection, you need look no further than Allston. The biggest and most popular Allston thrift store is Urban Renewal, located at 122 Brighton Ave. Although the store is usually crowded (especially on weekends), the selection is so large that you’ll still have a chance to snag some amazing finds. This is a great store for accessories. Almost every time I visit, I leave with a great pair of ’80s stilettos or a fabulous society-lady handbag. There’s also a huge selection of jewelry. One drawback is that there are no dressing rooms, so you’ll have to try on your clothes in front of one of the mirrors next to the aisles or just take your chances.
Another great thrift shop right in Boston University’s back yard is the Hadassah Bargain Spot (1123 Commonwealth Ave., right by the Packard’s Corner T stop). The clothing selection here isn’t large, but all the clothes are fairly high-quality. Hadassah is closed Fridays and Saturdays, so you’ll unfortunately have to wait a few days to blow your paycheck.
Those looking for a slightly more hip, quality thrift store will have to venture a little farther. Planet Aid, with a location at 306 Newbury St. and in Cambridge at 30 John F. Kennedy St., sells clothes that are somewhat nicer and therefore a little pricier than those of your run-of-the-mill secondhand store. It’s easy to find adorable, kitschy housewife dresses from the ’50s and ’60s as well as newer, more understated looks. Shopping here will help both your wardrobe and your conscience – Planet Aid is a non-profit organization that donates part of its revenues from clothing sales to a number of causes, including emergency and disaster relief in developing countries.
Another excellent vintage clothing store is Oona’s, located at 1210 Massachusetts Ave. in Cambridge. The small shop has an impressive collection of clothing and accessories from the ’70s and earlier. This is a great place to stock up on colorful sweaters, scarves and jackets to get you through the Boston winter, as the prices are very reasonable.
The Mecca for Boston thrifters, however, is undoubtedly The Garment District. Located at 200 Broadway near MIT’s campus, it’s a bit of a journey for a BU student in search of dazzling vintage finds. However, The Garment District is well worth it. The first floor houses the famous Bargain Basement, where shoppers can dig through the clothes that thickly carpet the floor and are sold for just $1.50 a pound. The upper floor houses an enormous selection of vintage men’s and women’s clothing.
But if you’re serious about vintage shopping and you don’t mind paying a somewhat high price for that perfect pair of Delman’s ballet flats or beaded cardigan you must discover Bobby From Boston, an almost-unknown gem. Bobby’s specializes in high-quality vintage clothing from the 1950s and earlier, most of it imported from Great Britain. Popular with designers, the store has supplied costumes for A Beautiful Mind and other films. To reach this beacon of retro style, go south on Massachusetts Avenue and make a left on Harrison Street, then turn onto Thayer Street when you see a large yellow sign. The store is located at 19 Thayer St..
Whether you want to uncover vintage treasure or just save a few bucks, all you need while thrift shopping in Boston is subway fare and a keen eye for style. Happy shopping!