Best Cheap Secondhand Clothing Stores in Brooklyn NY (Verified Local Picks)
By My Local Thrift Store ·
Your Guide to the Best Cheap Secondhand Clothing Stores in Brooklyn NY
Brooklyn has always had a personality all its own — gritty, creative, endlessly stylish, and refreshingly unpretentious. It's no surprise, then, that it's also one of the best boroughs in New York City for thrift shopping. Whether you're a seasoned secondhand shopper hunting for a rare vintage find or a first-timer just trying to stretch your wardrobe budget, Brooklyn's thrift scene has something for everyone. And the best part? You don't have to spend a fortune to look like a million bucks.
The demand for cheap secondhand clothing stores in Brooklyn NY has exploded in recent years, fueled by a growing awareness of fast fashion's environmental impact, rising cost of living in the city, and — let's be honest — the pure thrill of the hunt. Thrifting in Brooklyn isn't just shopping; it's a weekend ritual, a social activity, and for many locals, a way of life. From Bed-Stuy to Carroll Gardens, Crown Heights to Bay Ridge, you'll find racks packed with everything from designer cast-offs to quirky vintage pieces that simply don't exist anywhere else.
To save you the legwork, we've put together this verified, up-to-date guide to the top secondhand clothing stores across Brooklyn. Every store listed here is real, local, and worth your time. Let's dig in.
Top Cheap Secondhand Clothing Stores in Brooklyn NY
Unearth Vintage — Carroll Gardens
📍 159 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY | 📞 +1 929-244-0435
Unearth Vintage is a beloved fixture on Smith Street, one of Brooklyn's most charming and walkable shopping corridors. As the name suggests, this shop specializes in carefully curated vintage clothing — the kind of pieces that feel like genuine discoveries rather than recycled mall rejects. Expect to find well-preserved denim, retro outerwear, flannels, band tees, and accessories that span decades of American style. The curation here is notably strong, meaning less digging and more finding. It's a great stop for anyone who wants vintage quality without the overwhelming warehouse experience. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter if you prefer browsing at your own pace.
Jackmili Thrift Store, Inc. — Crown Heights
📍 239 Kingston Ave, Brooklyn, NY | 📞 +1 917-414-1482
Tucked into the vibrant Kingston Avenue strip in Crown Heights, Jackmili Thrift Store is a neighborhood staple that delivers serious value. This is the kind of no-frills, community-rooted thrift shop where the prices are genuinely low and the inventory turns over regularly — meaning repeat visits are always rewarded. You'll find a wide mix of everyday clothing for men, women, and children, making it a practical choice for families or budget-conscious shoppers who need real wardrobe staples, not just statement pieces. Head in early in the week for the freshest stock after weekend donations.
Thrift Fit — Bensonhurst / Bath Beach
📍 7106 18th Ave, Brooklyn, NY | 📞 +1 917-775-7890
Thrift Fit on 18th Avenue brings a more fashion-forward energy to the secondhand scene in the Bensonhurst and Bath Beach area of southern Brooklyn — a part of the borough that doesn't always get enough thrift-shopping love. The shop has a knack for stocking pieces that feel current and wearable rather than purely nostalgic, making it a solid pick for shoppers who want secondhand style that fits into a modern wardrobe. Think trendy basics, casual separates, and the occasional standout piece at prices that won't make you wince. Saturdays tend to bring fresh arrivals, so plan your visit accordingly.
FHCSF Thrift Store — Brooklyn
📍 123 John Warren Ave, Brooklyn, NY
The FHCSF Thrift Store is a community-oriented shop that serves a meaningful dual purpose: offering affordable secondhand goods to local shoppers while supporting a charitable mission. Stores like this are the backbone of the thrift ecosystem — they keep clothing out of landfills and provide accessible options for people across all income levels. While detailed information about this location is still being gathered, it's worth a visit if you're in the area. Community thrift stores often carry surprisingly good finds, and your purchase directly supports the neighborhood. If you're the owner, you can claim your store on mylocalthriftstore.com to share more details with shoppers.
The Salvation Army Thrift Store — Bed-Stuy
📍 22 Quincy St, Brooklyn, NY | 📞 +1 718-622-5686
The Salvation Army needs no introduction in the world of thrift shopping — it's a national institution with a well-earned reputation for volume, variety, and wallet-friendly prices. The Brooklyn location on Quincy Street in Bed-Stuy is no exception. Spread across a generous floor plan, you'll find racks and racks of clothing for every age and gender, along with housewares, accessories, and more. It's the kind of place where patience pays off — the more time you spend, the better your odds of unearthing something special. Donation drop-offs happen frequently, so visiting mid-week often means you're browsing newly processed stock before the weekend crowds arrive.
Fulton Brand Name Clothing — Bed-Stuy / Crown Heights
📍 1589 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY | 📞 +1 347-413-9848
The name says it all. Fulton Brand Name Clothing is a go-to destination for shoppers who want recognizable labels at secondhand prices. Located on the bustling Fulton Street corridor, this shop caters to a style-conscious crowd that refuses to pay retail. If you're on the hunt for name-brand pieces — think athletic wear, denim from well-known labels, or popular streetwear — this is a strong contender. The inventory skews toward practical, everyday fashion that people actually wear, which keeps the selection feeling fresh and relevant. Stop by on weekends when foot traffic is high and the energy on Fulton Street is at its best.
Housing Works Thrift Shops — Brooklyn Heights
📍 150 Montague St, Brooklyn, NY | 📞 +1 347-644-2269
Housing Works is one of New York City's most respected thrift chains, and the Brooklyn Heights location on Montague Street is a standout. What sets Housing Works apart is the quality of donations they attract — the organization's reputation and mission (supporting people affected by HIV/AIDS and homelessness) draws generous contributions from the community, including some genuinely high-end pieces. Shoppers regularly report finding designer clothing, barely-worn shoes, and premium accessories at a fraction of retail price. The store is well-organized and clean, making the experience feel closer to boutique shopping than traditional thrifting. All proceeds go directly to Housing Works' programs, so every dollar you spend does double duty.
Tips for Thrifting in Brooklyn NY
- Go early and go often. Thrift store inventory changes constantly. The best finds go fast, especially at high-traffic locations like Salvation Army and Housing Works. Try to visit within a day or two of a store's restock schedule — many shops process new donations mid-week.
- Dress for the occasion. Many Brooklyn thrift stores have limited or no fitting rooms, or fitting rooms with long lines on busy days. Wear form-fitting layers you can easily try clothes over so you can get a sense of fit without the wait.
- Set a budget — but stay flexible. One of the joys of thrifting is the unexpected find. Go in with a general budget in mind, but leave a little wiggle room for that one-of-a-kind piece you didn't know you needed.
- Think beyond your size. Vintage sizing runs differently than modern sizing, and oversized silhouettes are very much in style. Don't skip a rack just because the tags don't match your usual number — try things on (or hold them up) before moving on.
- Explore beyond the tourist corridors. Smith Street and Montague Street are great, but some of Brooklyn's best thrift values are in neighborhoods like Crown Heights, Bed-Stuy, and Bensonhurst. Don't be afraid to venture off the beaten path — your wallet will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Secondhand Shopping in Brooklyn
What are the best cheap secondhand clothing stores in Brooklyn NY?
Some of the top-rated cheap secondhand clothing stores in Brooklyn NY include Housing Works Thrift Shops on Montague Street in Brooklyn Heights, The Salvation Army on Quincy Street in Bed-Stuy, Unearth Vintage on Smith Street in Carroll Gardens, and Jackmili Thrift Store on Kingston Avenue in Crown Heights. Each offers a different shopping experience, from curated vintage finds to high-volume, budget-friendly everyday clothing.
How do I find the best deals at Brooklyn thrift stores?
The key to finding great deals at Brooklyn thrift stores is timing and frequency. Visit mid-week when new donations have been processed and before weekend shoppers clear the racks. Many stores also run weekly color-tag sales or discount days — ask staff about current promotions. Shopping in neighborhoods slightly off the main tourist corridors, like Crown Heights or Bensonhurst, can also yield better prices and less competition for the best pieces.
Are thrift stores in Brooklyn good for vintage clothing?
Absolutely. Brooklyn is one of the best places in New York City for vintage clothing, thanks to a dense population of style-conscious residents who donate high-quality pieces regularly. Dedicated vintage shops like Unearth Vintage on Smith Street offer curated selections, while larger charity thrift stores like Housing Works and The Salvation Army often have vintage gems mixed into their general inventory. Patience and regular visits are your best tools for building a great vintage wardrobe on a budget.
Find Your Next Thrift Treasure in Brooklyn
Brooklyn's secondhand clothing scene is one of the richest and most diverse in the entire country — and it just keeps growing. Whether you're after vintage statement pieces, everyday basics, brand-name bargains, or just the satisfaction of a great deal, the stores in this guide are a fantastic place to start. Bookmark your favorites, visit them often, and remember: the best thrift find is always the one you weren't expecting.
Want to explore even more options? Check out our full Brooklyn thrift store guide on mylocalthriftstore.com for an expanded directory of secondhand shops across every neighborhood. And if you're a store owner not yet listed, don't miss out on free visibility — thousands of thrift shoppers search our directory every day.
Find more thrift stores near you at mylocalthriftstore.com — the largest thrift store directory in the US, with 27,000+ verified locations and growing.