Vintage Shops You Should Know About

In a world where new products are released at high quantities and even higher speed, we begin to convince ourselves that newer is better; but when it comes to fashion, there’s a strong case to be made for buying vintage. You see, the best pieces aren’t always the most recent, nor are they the most accessible. Vintage shopping allows you to pick up rare, worn-in styles from the past that can be easily incorporated into your existing wardrobe—even elevating it to more accurately reflect your personal tastes. However, hunting for these old-school garments is often the most difficult part.

In an effort to assist with that task, we’ve assembled a diverse list of American vintage shops that present a carefully curated selection of different styles—including everything from Americana to prep to hip-hop. You’re welcome.

Location: Los Angeles, Calif.

Launched by Christophe Loiron in 1990, Mister Freedom is an L.A.-based store that offers an insanely wide selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories, some of which date all the way back to the 1850s. The 3,200-square-foot space is divided by “concept islands”—designated areas for specific styles of clothes. Some of the islands include Depression-era workwear; American sportswear; madras, beachwear, and surf; rockabilly threads; as well as French gentleman farmer. So you know you’ll have a lot to choose from.

Mister Freedom also has an in-house line called MFSC, an on-going collaboration with Japanese manufacturers SUGAR CANE, Co. that combines new fabrics, vintage material, and recycled hardware among vintage-inspired clothes.

Location: New York, N.Y.

If you’re on the hunt for old-school streetwear, Community 54 is a definite must stop. The store, which has locations in NYC and Toronto, serves as a fully functional vintage arcade that also offers apparel and art inspired by the 1990s hip-hop scene. Yes, its range of new clothing is pretty solid, but the selection of vintage classics is what really distinguishes Community 54.

With an inventory that includes decades-old pieces from brands like Polo, Nike, Members Only, and Mitchell & Ness, Community 54 established itself as one of the premier retailers of highly coveted vintage streetwear. It’s also evolved into a creative hub where musicians, artists, and designers assemble to share ideas and celebrate the culture.

Location: Chicago, Ill.

Chicago-based KOKOROKOKO is a vintage store that specializes in youth-oriented garb from the 1980s and ’90s—a time when everything was bigger, brighter, and a lot bolder.

Located on Milwaukee Avenue, the shop offers men’s and women’s styles from brands like JNCO, FUBU, Tommy Hilfiger, and Hypercolor, most of which are offered at extremely affordable price points. But that’s not all, KOKOROKOKO also has a wide selection of accessories and collectibles to choose from, just in case the clothes didn’t give you enough nostalgia.

Location: New York, N.Y.

It was almost a decade ago when Melissa Howard opened the doors to Stock Vintage—an East Village boutique that offers menswear, accessories, and furniture that dates all the way back to the early 20th century. But unlike many other proprietors of vintage shops, Howard doesn’t wait for the goods to come to her; the bulk of her inventory was collected throughout her travels across the country, as she searched through various estate sales and flea markets for pieces that were well made, rare, and in incredible condition.

Horsehide jackets, Levi’s denim, tartan coats, and logger boots are just some of the gems you’ll find at Stock Vintage. There’s also an awesome selection of jewelry and accessories to complete your throwback look.

Location: Los Angeles, Calif.

Helmed by Madeline Harmon, Chuck’s Vintage is a denim boutique in L.A. that celebrates a time when clothes were simpler and made to last.

The focus on Americana workwear has proven to be the store’s strongest appeal, as it’s mostly known for its selection of jeans, work shirts, and outerwear from heavy-hitters like Levi’s, Wrangler, and Lee. But if you’re looking for pieces that are a bit more rare, Chuck’s also has garments from lesser-known brands like Hercules, Big Yank, and Boss of the Road.

Now we understand some might be hesitant to buy pre-owned denim, as it tends to loosen and form to the original wearer’s body type over time. But Chuck’s also offers its customers alteration services to ensure impeccable fits.

Location: Boston, Mass.

If you’ve ever doubted the phrase, “They don’t make ‘em like they used to,” you have to check out the Beantown vintage shop called Bobby From Boston. The South End store is like walking into a time capsule of well-made, incredibly sharp menswear surrounded by antique furniture and old-school collectibles.

The owner, Bobby Garnett, has curated a diverse selection of brands and styles from around the world, which include everything from dead-stock workwear, to vintage baseball uniforms, and sharp tweed suits. But Bobby from Boston offers more than just authentic vintage clothing; it offers an old-time experience complete with shoe-shinning stalls and antique pool tables.

Location: Houston, Texas

Leopard Lounge Clothing Exchange is the perfect fusion of Western style and rock ‘n’ roll attitude. Having established itself as a local favorite, the Houston-based shop has been a go-to source for eye-catching pieces from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s.

The majority of the selection leans toward bold, rockabilly garments, like pearl-snap button-ups, embroidered outerwear, skinny suits, and, of course, cowboy boots. But the range of graphic T-shirts is really the X factor of Leopard Lounge—especially the selection of music tees, featuring legendary bands like The Stooges, the New York Dolls, MC5, and Nirvana.

Location: Austin, Texas

New BROhemia is exactly the kind of vintage shop you’d expect to find in Austin, Texas—one that’s equal parts cowboy and bohemian, with an inherent tinge of eccentricity.

Here, you’ll find straightforward flannels, Chambray shirts, and denim jackets, balanced out by louder designs like Navajo-print knits, fringe button-ups, and embroidered vests. So there’s sure to be something to satisfy a wide range of tastes. But the best part of New BROhemia? The price points are easy on the wallet.

Location: New York, N.Y.

If you’ve got expensive taste and an appreciation for vintage clothes, Fisch for the Hip has you covered.

The NYC boutique features carefully selected high-end designs for both men and women—offering pieces from Prada, Hermès, and Saint Laurent at up to 90 percent off of the retail price. But we must warn you: Though the markdowns are pretty insane, you’ll likely be spending hundreds on a single item. After all, these styles are in excellent condition and come from some of the most prestigious fashion houses around the world. If you want to own them, expect to drop a good amount of cash.

Location: Royal Oak, Mich.

Since launching in 2003, Lost & Found has established itself as a mecca of vintage clothing. The three-story, 3,500-square-foot space is home to a vast collection of men’s and women’s styles from the 1900s through 1980s. And thanks to the store’s buy-sell platform and its staff’s continuous search for new items, the selection is always diverse and always changing.

Here, you’ll find everything from motorcycle jackets and toggle coats, to graphic tees and flannel button-ups, even Army combat shirts and suits. And did we mention Lost & Found’s killer selection of footwear and accessories? It’s a definite Midwest must-see.