We all know that there are a lot of reasons to wear secondhand clothes like the fact that textiles make up over 7% of municipal waste, that American households spend nearly $2,000 per year on clothes, that Americans only actually wear 20% of what's in their wardrobe, or that it can take 2,700 liters of water to produce one new t-shirt. But let's be real, spending hours sifting through old clothes at the thrift store in search of the elusive gem might sound a little painful. If the thought of "thrifting" sparks anxiety and dread, secondhand and vintage boutiques might be right up your alley. And if you find yourself in central San Diego, you have your pick of more than a few! Read on for a list of San Diego boutique shops carrying a curated (easy to sift) selection of secondhand and vintage clothes.
Neighborhood | North Park
Store Name | Hunt and Gather
Location | University Avenue west of 30th Street
What's in the shop | Vintage men's and women's clothing, accessories, and costumes
Best for | Unique pieces from the '70s & '80s and costumes
Price range | ~$20+
Store Name | The Girl Can't Help It
Location | Grim Avenue between University and North Park Way
What's in the shop | High-quality vintage men's and women's clothing and accessories
Best for | A selection of meticulously cared-for mid-century dresses
Price range | ~$60+
Store Name | Frock You
Location | Park Boulevard just south of Sprouts
What's in the shop | High-quality vintage men's and women's clothing and accessories
Best for | Affordable curated vintage for men and women that's super on-point
Price range | ~$20+
Neighborhood | University Heights
Store Name | La Loupe Vintage
Location | Park Boulevard just south of Adams Avenue (there's a location in Normal Heights too!)
What's in the shop | New and vintage men's and women's clothing and accessories, new bath & home goods
Best for | An easy shopping experience for affordable curated women's vintage
Price range | ~$20+
Neighborhood |South Park
Store Name | Bad Madge
Location | 30th Street just north of Ivy
What's in the shop | Women's and men's vintage clothes and accessories, vintage home goods and furniture
Best for | Affordable and well-preserved men's and women's mid-century through '70s dresses, jackets, and accessories
Price range | ~$30+
Neighborhood |Hillcrest
Store Name | Buffalo Exchange
Location | 5th Avenue between Robinson and University (there's a location in Pacific Beach too!)
What's in the shop | Secondhand women's and men's clothes and accessories
Best for | Current trends
Price range | ~$10+
Store Name | Flashbacks
Location | 5th Avenue between Robinson and University
What's in the shop | Secondhand and vintage women's and men's clothing and accessories
Best for | Quirky and unique items, and an impressive men's collection
Price range | ~$10+
Store Name | Lost and Found
Location | 5th Avenue between Robinson and University
What's in the shop | Secondhand women's and men's clothing and accessories
Best for | Affordable every-day clothing for someone who doesn't mind a bit of a hunt
Price range | ~$10+
If you have a favorite vintage or secondhand shop that's not on the list, let us know so we can go check it out!
