Austin has a vintage and thrift scene that rewards a little digging, with curated boutiques, hidden gems, and regular markets spread across the city. It's a popular weekend activity for anyone hunting one-of-a-kind pieces, and the shops tend to cluster by neighborhood, so it's easiest to pick a corner of town and work your way through it.
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North Austin and the North Loop are a good place to start. Big Bertha's Paradise, tucked away in the North Loop IBIZ District, is the kind of spot that stylists travel to: owner Henry Tarin has spent decades combing the fashion industry to build what he calls a "Designer Landfill," and trying things on is free. Nearby, Ermine Vintage leans into retro T-shirts, jeans and funky accessories, while Room Service Vintage mixes mid-century furniture and décor with vintage clothing, and Revival Vintage keeps to true vintage pieces.
Central Austin and the university area are more about the staples. Blue Velvet Vintage has been going for over 15 years, run by a mother and daughter, and has picked up a string of Austin Chronicle and Austin American-Statesman readers' poll wins for best vintage store; expect men's and women's clothing, accessories and white go-go boots. Buffalo Exchange is the college-district mainstay, with one location on Guadalupe across from Spider House and another on South Congress, both buying clothing seven days a week if you bring a government ID. Out of the Past Collectibles leans into retro western wear and boots, and Pavement is a larger shop with a wide range of styles.
East Austin is where the more eclectic finds live. Charm School Vintage on East 11th Street carries hand-selected clothing and accessories from the Victorian era through the 1990s, and it doubles as a shop for sustainably made jewelry, apothecary products and crystals, with workshops on plant magic and crystal healing. Take Heart Vintage pairs curated clothing with handmade goods, Treasure City Thrift is a community nonprofit for affordable finds, and Passport Vintage is the place for vintage denim and tees.
South Austin is the western-wear hub. American Drifter is a true vintage store with men's and women's western wear, cowboy boots, Native American sterling jewelry, concert T-shirts, workwear, military gear, pearl-snaps, dresses and Levi's and Wrangler jeans, with separate categories for men's, women's, jewelry and homegoods. Austin Pets Alive! Thrift sells fashion, furniture and home goods to benefit animal rescue, and Uncommon Objects, now on Fort View Road, deals in curated antiques, oddities and vintage curiosities.
If you're looking to sell as much as shop, the resale and consignment side is well-covered. Uptown Cheapskate on South Lamar buys brands like Adidas, Free People, Lululemon and Madewell on the spot, with an Insider Club for discounts and early sale notices. Pavement Modern & Recycled Fashion, with locations on South Lamar and Guadalupe, specializes in vintage and costume finds and pays cash or trade. For something more upscale, MOSS Designer Consignment on South Lamar handles luxury women's pieces by appointment, and Second Looks on South Capital of Texas Highway has been Austin's leading men's resale shop since 1981. Still in Style on Burnet Road focuses on high-end women's designer apparel, handbags and jewelry, while SparkleKids and Plato's Closet round out the more casual end of the market.
Published Date
1 September 2026
