10 Best Vintage Shops in New York

10 Best Vintage Shops in New York

Vintage shop magnolia by Junkyardsparkle from Wikimedia Commons

Some say it’s all about the cuisine in New York City. Some argue that it’s all about art and culture. And the majority of folks believe it’s all about the people. But what about the antique stores? Each of New York’s vintage shops has its own distinct personality, and it’s a delight to get to know them all.

New York’s vintage stores, which are often locally owned neighbourhood stalwarts, allow locals, transplants, and visitors alike to express their creativity, sense of style, and feeling of community. Vintage is also eco-friendly and one-of-a-kind, two qualities that the fashion industry is increasingly emphasizing.

There’s something for everyone at a vintage shop… just as there’s something for everyone in New York City. Whether you’re a full-on vintage dresser or prefer to err on the side of vintage-inspired, there’s something for everyone in a vintage shop.

1. Hamlet’s Vintage 

flea market by A.Savin from Wikimedia Commons

Hamlet’s Vintage began as a flea market and trade fair stand in 2007. It’s still one of the most popular vintage haunts in the West Village after more than a decade. It’s difficult to miss the blue awning with the orange and brown Hamlet’s lettering, which is only a few blocks from Washington Square Park. You can always depend on Hamlet’s Vintage to have a stunning dress, a daring coat, smart men’s apparel, and distinctive jewellery since all of the pieces in the shop are true vintage ranging from the 1940s to 1990s. You may also meet Dita, Hamlet’s dog, who has been dubbed “the employee of the decade.”

2. Screaming Mimi’s 

Screaming Mimi’s is a lovely combination of old stuff with real personality, funny costumes, and even some fantastic designer items, located on 14th Street between 7th and 8th Avenue. You’ll create a great first impression in an outfit from Screaming Mimi’s.

3. New York Vintage 

Vintage Factory by Donald Trung Quoc Don from Wikimedia Commons

Half archive, part store, New York Vintage maintains an outstanding collection of costumes and accessories dating from the 1920s through the 1990s for real vintage and history enthusiasts alike. From original flapper costumes to contemporary Christian Dior tanks, they have it all in their archive.

4. Le Grand Strip 

CC McGurr’s enthusiasm for life and love of style inspired the creation of Le Grand Strip. Her international experiences (and even connections with some notable celebs) were transformed into a one-of-a-kind vintage business.

5. What Goes Around Comes Around 

vintage clothing by Jan Štěpánek from Wikimedia Commons

What Goes Around Comes Around is unquestionably one of the world’s top antique luxury handbag havens. You’ll find everything there, whether you’re looking for a traditional Chanel purse or are finally ready to spend in Hermes. What Goes Around Comes Around also sells jewellery, watches, and luxury clothing in addition to bags. It’s truly a one-stop store!

6. Awoke Vintage 

Awoke Vintage started as a market stand in Perth, Australia, in 2006. Following the success of the stand, the team decided to create a shop in Brooklyn in 2012. Awoke Vintage has subsequently grown from its first Williamsburg store to two more in the Greenpoint neighbourhood of Brooklyn. It’s a must-see; it’s essentially a store filled with everything you’d have stolen from your mother or elder sister.

7. Metropolis

Metropolis is the go-to spot for vintage menswear, thanks to its unrivalled assortment of graphic shirts. Metropolis provides vintage leather jackets, denim, and Pendleton button-downs, in addition to unusual t-shirts ranging from music to the WWF.

8. Madame Matovu

Madame Matovu, located at 240 West 10th Street, is a gateway away from the city’s rush and bustle and into a haven of peace and creativity, where humble beauty and extravagant fashion coexist.

Rosemary Wettenhall, a veteran New Yorker by way of Uganda, is the curator of this stage of dream and invention. Her frequent excursions to Paris and other parts of the world to satisfy her desire for travel and beauty aid in the inspiration and stocking of her one-of-a-kind West Village boutique. The exhibits are vibrant and ever-changing, and the collection is stunning.

9. Pilgrim New York

Brian Bennett and Richard Ives founded Pilgrim New York in 2006 in Woodstock, New York. Bennett & Ives took satisfaction in presenting one-of-a-kind vintage, global accessories, and wearable wardrobe basics as veterans of the fashion business (Bennett co-founded the fashion photography agency Lambrecht & Bennett, and Ives was a fashion stylist). This antique shop-art gallery hybrid moved to New York City in 2007 and has been there ever since. 

10. Cure Thrift Shop

Tokio 7 has been a fixture in the East Village since 1996. Tokio 7 provides a unique combination of local designers, luxury labels, and streetwear staples as one of downtown’s most beloved consignment businesses. Because the proprietor is from, you guessed it, Tokyo, there is a specific emphasis on Japanese designers. It’s perfect for someone who collects unique, hard-to-find items.

Because of the ephemeral nature of fashion, most current clothing is not built with durability in mind. Vintage clothing is more durable since it was manufactured in a time when garment durability was more essential than changing your style from month to month.