Watch CBS News

Boston's Best Vintage Clothing Stores

Boston has the best vintage clothing selection in eastern Massachusetts. There are shops in virtually every neighborhood that feature secondhand and vintage clothing. They represent a cornerstone of fashion in the city, allowing shoppers to find everything from upscale vintage clothing to great costume pieces from bygone eras. Find shoes, hats, dresses, suits and much more from these independent stores around Boston.

SoWa Open Market
(Photo Credit: New England Open Markets Facebook)

SoWa Vintage Market
450 Harrison Ave.
Boston, Ma 02118
www.sowavintagemarket.com

SoWa Vintage Market is open in the SoWa art district every Sunday, except specific holidays. It features a range of vendors who sell everything from jewelry to shoes. The market does not accept vendors who sell new clothes or imports. This place is all about vintage materials, including furniture and other antiques, so there is no confusion. Because the market is also something of an art show, vendors are not allowed to display the same items week after week and are expected to have interesting goods. This is a boon for shoppers who love to come back again and again.

Related: Boston's Best Places To Buy Vintage Video Games And Accessories

Castanet
(Photo Credit: Castanet)

Castanet (Formerly The Closet)
175 Newbury St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 536-1919
www.theclosetboston.com 

Shoppers who want upscale vintage consignment clothing in the heart of one of Boston's most famous shopping districts should check out Castanet. This is where to shop to scour for vintage Chanel and Prada. Of course, much of the merchandise is modern upscale clothing, but shoppers who want special pieces can make an appointment to shop on Tuesdays. Otherwise, the store is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

40 South St.
40 South St.
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
(617) 522-5066
www.fortysouthst.com

40 South St. is a chic vintage store in Jamaica Plain. Vintage pieces from 40 South St. span the 60s, 70s and 80s, so expect funky selections from some of the most fun eras in fashion. Cropped tops, A-line dresses, vintage punk wear and more are all hanging on the racks at this popular Boston shop. Anyone who enjoys shopping online or doesn't have the time to head into the city can also check out 40 South St.'s amazing Etsy shop.

Bobby From Boston
(Photo Credit: Bobby From Boston)

Bobby From Boston
19 Thayer St.
Boston, MA 02118
(617) 423-9299
www.facebook.com

Bobby From Boston is invariably among the most popular and well-stocked vintage clothing shops in the city. Men who love vintage clothing have to check out this cool store with all of the best in timeless style. While the shop does carry some vintage handbags, the real draw is sharp men's fashion. From full suits to handsome hats, Bobby stocks everything. Every Bostonian who loves style must check out Bobby From Boston at least once to see what all the fuss is about.

Related: Best Vintage Stores South Of Boston

Garment District
(Photo Credit: Garment District)

Garment District
200 Broadway
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 876-5230
www.garmentdistrict.com

Garment District is a rather large store stocked with both vintage and current clothing. It has been operating in Cambridge for three decades, making it a well-known hotspot for shoppers. The selection at Garment District is among the best in Boston. It is easy to get caught up browsing all of the sections for that special addition to a vintage wardrobe. Garment District even has a designer section with names like Oscar de la Renta and Armani. Designer styles on this store's rack range from vintage to modern.

Shelly Barclay is a professional freelance writer and amateur author. She writes on a variety of topics from food to mysteries. She loves to share the culture and rich history of her birthplace and home, Boston, with the rest of the world. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.