An LA Girl’s Guide to Thrifting

Back in my day, thrifting consisted of hours spent combing the local Goodwill for clothing that was maybe fashionable and definitely cheap. Nowadays, I wouldn’t say I’m a *total* thrifting afficionado (the hobby has completely transformed in today’s atmosphere with secondhand and vintage goods considered elite in Gen Z circles), but I know enough about thrift stores in Los Angeles to help anyone jumpstart their journey locally.

While it’s totally possible for fashion girlies to make a living off of reselling apps like Depop and Mercari, I’m not a huge fan of the “gaslight, gatekeep, girlboss”-ing that’s caused some people to become secretive and purposefully obstructive when it comes to sharing their favorite shops. Thrifting should be a fun, accessible, and affordable experience for anyone who wants to try it out.

Los Angeles Thrift Stores and Consignment Fashion by Budget

So whether you’re looking to dip your toe or plunge head-first into the thrifting scene, here’s a few of the best LA thrift shops to get you started based on your budget.

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2^nd Street

If you’re looking for high fashion or rare vintage finds, check out any of the four locations 2^nd Street has in the LA area. While not my first choice for affordable thrifting, I’m trying not to yuck anyone else’s yum. Shopping secondhand isn’t always about finding the cheapest piece, but something you’ll love and treasure for years to come. I’d say this is a guaranteed spot for well-worn leather jackets and a unique luxury statement piece for your wardrobe. 2nd Street also has locations in several other major US cities.

Wasteland

With there LA shops (and one in San Francisco), there’s no shortage of designer fashion offered at Wasteland. They specialize in designer, vintage, and independent labels and are more carefully edited than the more budget-friendly options below. If you love to stay on top of the latest trends, Wasteland is the place to shop.

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Buffalo Exchange

With multiple locations in LA, Buffalo Exchange feels like the elevated version of a Goodwill. They tend to have hip cashiers and mid-range priced clothing, but sometimes you can find something unique if you’re willing to dig (case in point, I’m pretty sure I found the original scarf from the 2006 classic, Penelope, like 10 years ago). I’d say the style skews slightly kitschy compared to the more generically appealing vibe or Crossroads.

Crossroads Trading Co

For those that like the prices of Goodwill and Salvation Army, but dislike the idea of spending hours thrifting at either, Crossroads is probably your best bet. Crossroads is a similar price point (gone are the days where Goodwill priced everything under one umbrella—they know a good brand when they get it), without as much rummaging to get there. With 9 locations in the LA area, chances are you’re right near one, but don’t be afraid to venture to the others when your neighborhood shop falls short.

Silverlake Flea

If you want to look cool and get a good pic for your IG, Silverlake Flea is the spot. While there are some good finds (like my favorite pair of vintage Levi’s I snagged for $30), it’s a mixed bag of small business owners and bulk resellers. Silverlake Flea very much gives me the “hip” vibe, and is probably what most people would imagine when thinking of what a flea market in LA is like—trendy, curated, but still full of surprises.

Rose Bowl Flea Market

People travel from miles away to experience LA’s Rose Bowl Flea Market. The whole market is MASSIVE, and you can find almost anything you could possibly imagine: funky windbreakers, brass chandeliers, and even 5ft tall Monstera plants. You’ll spend at least two hours there (or half the day if you’re really hunting), scooping up everything from reworked vintage clothing to home goods to artwork from local vendors. Bring cash for admission and vendors, although most also accept Venmo.

And a word of warning: if you don’t get there early you’re basically as likely to get a parking spot as you are to win the lottery. But despite that *very* LA-esque problem, the Rose Bowl Flea Market is definitely an experience I’d recommend.

Melrose Trading Post

The other most popular LA flea market is the Melrose flea at Fairfax High School every Sunday. This is an impressive market to have access to every single week! You’ll see some of the same vendors from the Rose Bowl here, though this market is a much more manageable size. Spend the morning combing through Levi’s cutoffs, vintage décor, and local art before heading over to brunch on Melrose. Admission is $6 and if you live in LA it’s worth stopping by every few months to see new offerings. 

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Out of the Closet

Out of the Closet is like the gay-friendly version of Salvation Army. Their mission to support the LGBTQIA+ community means that all 4 LA locations offer free HIV testing, and that the business donates 96 cents of every dollar to AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s HIV prevention and treatment services. Like most of the LA thrift shops on this list, they have several locations throughout the city and beyond, and are one of the few chains that still feels like a true thrift store.

In my experience, the prices were pretty reasonable, and I scored a decent amount of clothing the last time I went.

Valley Value Center (& Thrifting in the Valley)

You know that a thrift store is a hidden gem when they have no website to speak of. While I’ve never been to Valley Value Center in Van Nuys, the number of TikTokers I’ve seen try and gatekeep this store leads me to believe it’s a thrifting heaven for anyone willing to wade through the racks. The Van Nuys and Reseda areas both boast a handful of thrift stores if you’re willing to spend a day driving around the Valley. The perk? Most, if not all, of them will be cheaper than anything you find in town. Map out your route beforehand and make a big loop before heading back into the city.

St. Vincent de Paul of Los Angeles

Another store I’ve head of secondhand, that IS right in the city is St Vincent’s. St. Vincent de Paul of Los Angeles is apparently a treasure trove of clothes, furniture, and accessories located in the heart of LA. And while I can’t 100% vouch for the prices, St. Vincent de Paul’s are usually known as some of the more affordable thrift stores you’ll find.

Which Los Angeles thrift shops should we add to this list? No gatekeeping here!