The best thrift shops and clothing stores in Washington DC have an advantage over trendier boutiques: Buying second-hand clothing is always a fun and cool way to get in style. Retro trends are all over retail stores (the ‘90s are very hot right now, for example) so why not go straight to the source when it comes to finding authentic items? Happily these throwback trends have resulted in thrift and vintage shops popping up all over the place while established thrift boutiques are thriving like nobody’s business. And the city has cornered its own share of the thrift and vintage market. You’ll find no shortage of top shops to pick from. Following, you’ll find a guide to 10 of the best thrift shops and clothing stores in Washington DC – and a great many excuses to visit them.
| Name | Location | Description |
| St. Alban’s Church Opportunity Shop | 3001 Wisconsin Ave. NW | Located in the basement of St. Alban’s Church, the Opportunity Shop sells donated clothes and other items as a means to raise funds for the community – a practice it’s engaged in since 1955. Thus, anything donated is a write-off. As a buyer, you’re in for some real treats here to boot if you don’t mind doing some digging. You can walk out with some high-end jackets, dresses, and more as a reward for your patience – and do a good deed while browsing the racks. |
| Meeps Vintage | 2104 18th St. NW | Meep has a reputation as being one of the coolest vintage thrift shops in town. This is due in large part to its carefully-curated collection. Relaunched in 2012, this shop is a top place to hit in DC for throwback clothing from the ‘60s on. Looking for that psychedelic ensemble with matching wig? Prices are reasonable and the selection is vast. |
| Bentley’s Vintage Furniture & Collectibles | 810 Upshur St. NW | Before you drop some serious coin on vintage-inspired furniture, check out Bentley’s Vintage for the real thing. This spot is teeming with antique furniture and accessories at prices that deserve a double-take. It’s like walking into a real-life inventory of Craigslist and eBay combined. The treasures found at Bentley’s bring new meaning to the phrase “they don’t make ‘em like they used to.” |
| Bartered Threads | 3924 12th St. NE | Located in the Brookland area of DC, Bartered Threads has all points covered on the checklist of what makes a fantastic thrift shop. Inexpensive? Check. Lightly worn? Check. Great selection? Double check. It doesn’t take much to dig up a high-end item that would usually break the bank. The price tags here won’t do too much damage to yo,ur newly-purchased vintage wallet either. |
| Analog |
716 Monroe St. NE |
Analog is not only a thrift shop but an indie boutique that offers handmade items for sale, and you’ll greatly enjoy perusing its selection of jewelry, postcards, art pieces, and clothes. The look of the store fits in perfectly with the artsy theme of the surrounding Monroe Street Market to boot. And a funky and trendy selection of items further cements its personality as an more eclectic hot spot to hit in town. |
| Christ Church Georgetown Thrift Shop | 3116 O St. NW | Open on Wednesdays only, the Christ Church Georgetown Thrift Shop offers a variety of clothes and trinkets for fair prices. The selection and quality of items is on point too: Think crisp blazers, authentic leather gloves, and barely-worn dresses, just to name a few. Knowing that your shopping is going towards a good cause doesn’t hurt, either. Christ Church has donated hundreds of thousands to charities like Meals on Wheels from the money raised at this location. |
| Mom N’ Pop Antiques | Multiple Locations | With a name like Mom N’ Pop you’d hope that this shop was friendly and inviting – and the store does not disappoint. If you’re looking for just right the item for your home that delivers on price and personality, be sure to check in with Bill the owner, who should be able to steer you in the right direction. Bigger items are available for delivery for a small fee as well – a convenience that ensures you won’t find yourself lugging an armoire on your back up Georgia Ave. |
| Fia’s Fabulous Finds | 806 Upshur St. NW | A couple doors down from Bentley’s you’ll hit the aptly-named Fia’s Fabulous Finds. This quaint shop is ripe with quality selections. Fia’s caters to the ladies, so men, consider this option when searching for something for a significant other. Lightly-worn upscale items are sold significantly under retail value, making this a must for those looking for a deal for themselves or others. |
| Martha’s Outfitters | 2122 14th St. NW | This consignment shop is a notch above the typical thrift store. As the retail arm of the non-profit Martha’s Table, pride seems to be at the forefront, from presentation to the helpful staff. There’s plenty to choose from here including men’s, women’s and kids’ clothes as well as home goods, books, jewelry and the like. |
| Georgia Avenue Thrift Store | 6101 Georgia Ave. NW | Oftentimes it’s the atmosphere of a shop as much as its selection that draws one in. Even if we don’t buy anything, spending hours in a proverbial time machine is a delightful activity unto itself. The sheer size of Georgia Avenue Thrift Shop allows you to easily lose track of time. Peruse men and women’s clothing as well as home appliances, books, and furniture. You might stumble upon a rare antique here that you’d be hard-pressed to find even on eBay – always a nice surprise. |
CHEAT SHEET
Associate Editor Nick Gambino is originally from New York City. With a strong background in the entertainment and tech fields, he writes engaging reviews and think pieces for numerous websites and online publications. A life-long movie fiend, he hosts popular movie-centric show Get 2 the Podcast - check it out at www.get2thepodcast.com
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