Chicago is filled with thrift shops in all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re looking for decade-specific clothing or designer brands, you’ll find everything you want and even things you didn’t know you wanted at thrift stores in Chicago.
We’ve curated the list of the top thrift shops in Chicago to make your thrifting easier!
1. Knee Deep Vintage
Knee Deep Vintage brings you the best treasures from around the world. They stock the best vintage clothing spanning all genres. You’ll find everything from jeans to dresses and everything in between. They are in a 1,500-square-foot historic building. They’ve got the perfect finds for every shopper whether you’re a seasoned thrifter or this is your first time.
You can come to browse the shop or have a personal shopper help you find the perfect outfit for your special event.
Address: 1219 W 18th St
Chicago, IL 60608
Phone: 312-850-2510
Hours: Monday – Thursday 12 PM – 8 PM; Friday – Saturday 11 AM – 8 PM; Sunday 12 PM – 6 PM
2. Family Tree Resale
Family Tree Resale has everything you need whether you’re looking for clothing for the family or items for your home. Everything is secondhand and priced at amazing prices to help you buy the treasures you desire.
The proceeds from Family Tree Resale go back to the community to help those in need. The name Family Tree is indicative of the owner’s desire to make the store a place where everyone feels welcome and that helps the community in any way possible.
Address: 5066 Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60625
3. The Brown Elephant
Brown Elephant sounds like a funny name but it’s fitting for all of the items they sell from clothing for the family to home decor and everything in between. All proceeds from the sale benefit the LGBTQ health fund to help the uninsured and underinsured in the community. Shop around the store, have some fun and know that you’re benefiting from a great cause in the meantime.
Address: 3020 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: 773-549-5943
Hours: 11 AM – 6 PM
4. Una Mae’s
Una Mae’s located in Wicker Park sells a unique and exciting selection of men’s and women’s clothes. You’ll find both vintage and contemporary clothing options at Una Mae’s making your shopping adventures even more fun. Whether you’re looking for one special item or you want to add more to your wardrobe, you’re sure to have fun at Una Mae’s.
Address: 1528 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: 773-276-7002
Hours: Monday – Wednesday 12 PM – 6 PM Thursday – Saturday 12 PM – 7 PM and Sunday 12 PM – 6 PM
5. Buffalo Exchange
You’ll find the designer clothes you’ve always wanted at Buffalo Exchange. They offer the lowest prices and brands that everyone loves and even dreams of owning. The large selection of women’s clothing and accessories is sure to make your shopping day filled with joy as you find treasures that you wouldn’t find anywhere else.
Address: 1478 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 6022
Phone: 773-227-9558
Hours: Monday – Saturday 11 AM – 8 PM and Sunday 11 AM – 7 PM
6. Richard’s Fabulous Finds
Richard, the owner of Richard’s Fabulous Finds has an extensive history in men’s luxury wear. His love for clothing prompted him to open the vintage shop to give more men the opportunity to fall in love with clothing too. He is known for his 20th-century finds and his way of creating incredible outfits out of several pieces to create a look every man loves.
Address: 2545 West North Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
Phone: 773-943-0710
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 12 PM – 7 PM and Sunday 12 PM – 5 PM
7. Ragstock
Ragstock was founded in Minneapolis but now has locations around the country. It sells both vintage and recycled clothes along with new clothes giving you the best of both worlds.
Address: 1459 Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: 773-252-4880
Hours: Monday – Wednesday 11 AM – 7 PM; Thursday – Saturday 11 AM – 8 PM and Sunday 12 PM – 7 PM
8. Monarch Thrift Shop
Monarch Thrift Shop sells clothes for the entire family. The proceeds benefit youth homelessness and they work hard to give back to the community. They’ve been nominated for several awards including Best Women’s Thrift shop and Best Thrift Shop overall. If you’re in the neighborhood be sure to stop in.
Address: 2875 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
Phone: 773-797-2090
Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 11 AM – 5 PM; Friday 11 AM – 6 PM and Saturday 11 AM – 5 PM
9. Mr. and Mrs. Digz
Mr. and Mrs. Digz isn’t your normal designer vintage shop. You’ll get one-on-one personal attention when you shop here as all hours are by appointment only. This gives you more time to browse the designer items without feeling rushed. You can browse the beautiful clothing and accessories privately while choosing the pieces that will become new treasures to you.
Address: 1770 W Berteau Ave #205
Chicago, IL 60613
Phone: 773-447-8527
Hours: By appointment only
10. Vintage Underground Chicago
In business for more than 15 years, expect to find unexpected pieces at Vintage Underground. Known for its designer jewelry pieces, costumes, and collectibles, it’s not your run-of-the-mill thrift shop. You’ll find pieces from the 20th century that are timeless and a treasure to whoever gets their hands on them first.
Address: 1507 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: 773-384-7880
Hours: Monday – Friday 12 PM – 5 PM; Saturday 12 PM – 6 PM, and Sunday 12 PM – 5 PM
11. Woolly Mammoth
As the name suggests, Woolly Mammoth is a creature all of its own. This thrift shop boasts eclectic items of all types. You never know what you’ll find when you walk through the doors. Every time you’ll find something new it’s always an adventure. From collectibles to wall decor, you’re bound to find something you love every time you visit.
Address: 1513 West Foster Ave
Chicago, IL 60640
Phone: 773-989-3294
Hours: Monday – Sunday 12 PM – 5 PM
12. Koko Ro Koko
If you loved the 80s and 90s fashion, you’ll love Koko Ro Koko. The owners have been collecting amazing finds from this genre for years and now they’re opening their doors to you. Come on in, relieve your most favorite memories and find the clothing that you wished you never got rid of but can have once again.
Address: 1323 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: 773-252-6996
Hours: Thursday 12 PM – 6 PM; Saturday 12 PM – 7 PM and Monday 12 PM – 6 PM
13. Store B Vintage
Store B Vintage has all your designer brand clothing and housewares to make you feel like a celebrity. All items are carefully curated and repaired before putting on the floor if necessary. You’ll find vintage and contemporary pieces to complete your wardrobe.
Address: 1472 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: 773-772-4296
Hours: Monday – Friday 11 AM – 6 PM; Saturday 10 AM – 6 PM, and Sunday 11 AM – 5 PM
FAQs – Thrifting in Chicago
What is a thrifter?
Thrift shop at garage sales, flea markets, and thrift shops. They thrive on the treasures they find and make a day out of it usually. They look for the most unique items and try to see what fun finds they can have.
Some thrifters only go for designer brands while others go thrifting for anything and everything they can find. There is no right or wrong way to thrift.
Can you buy furniture at Chicago thrift stores?
Every thrift store sells something different, but yes you can find furniture at Chicago thrift stores. Just make sure you know what you’re getting because most thrift stores don’t allow you to return furniture once you buy it. Check for damage or that the size is right before buying.
What sells the most at thrift stores?
Clothes sell the most at thrift stores, which makes sense! Designer clothes are a common thing for thrifters to look for because you can buy them for a fraction of the price of their retail price. Most thrifters wouldn’t be able to afford designer prices so knowing they can get them secondhand gives the items new life and gives thrifters a chance to strike a deal.
What percentage of people shop at thrift stores?
Almost 20% of the population has shopped at a thrift store at least once in their life. Thrifting can be fun especially because you never know what treasures you’ll find.
Final Thoughts – Thrift Shops in Chicago are Fun
Thrifting in Chicago is an adventure. You’ll find thrift shops on every corner. Have fun finding treasures and deciding what decade you want to honor each time you shop. Whether you’re looking for something specific or you just want to find treasures, there’s something for everyone at thrift shops in Chicago.
