Chicago’s hot vintage and thrift scene offers a nostalgic, affordable, and, perhaps most importantly, sustainable shopping experience. Why buy new when you can combine retro gems with contemporary styles and create your own one-of-a-kind look?
Chicago vintage shopping
Plus, this year marks the inaugural Vintage Shop Day on May 17, 2025. Founded by two Chicago-based vintage boutiques, this nationwide celebration features fun pop-ups, exclusive sales, and unique in-store events, including more than 80 shops in Illinois alone.
To get you started for Vintage Shop Day and beyond, we’ve curated a list of Chicago’s top vintage and thrift shops in neighborhoods across the city.
Quirky finds in Logan Square & Avondale
Lost Girls Vintage
Travel back in time while browsing fashion and accessories from the 1930s to the 1990s, and then head back to 2025 via the fine selection of contemporary goodies from local makers. They also run Luvsick Plus, which offers a wide range of plus-sized vintage clothing right next door.
Vintage Frills
If you love bright prints and vibrant colors, Vintage Frills in Logan Square’s color-coordinated rooms brim with a rainbow of vintage clothing and home decor items straight from the ’70s and ’80s. Looking to find that perfect vintage dress so you can stand out at your next big event? The ‘Prom and Beyond’ room features a curated selection of colorful formal dresses from the ’80s and other decades.
Monarch Thrift Shop
In Avondale, Monarch Thrift Shop is a women-founded, community-minded boutique thrift store where you can count on finding quality housewares, home decor, clothing, shoes, and accessories at affordable prices. They also provide job training for individuals facing barriers to employment, so it’s a socially impactful place to shop.
Beyond Grandma’s House Vintage
It’s easy to miss this quirky vintage shop: It’s housed in a garden-level apartment in the Hermosa neighborhood, just outside Logan Square. Take a walk through the past as you shop antique furniture, collectibles, and decor — each piece tells a story of the past.
Funky vintage in Pilsen
Pilsen Vintage
A community favorite for vintage clothing, retro furniture, and home goods, Pilsen Vintage’s colorful collection is full of character. And since the shop promises new inventory each week, you can always count on finding fresh looks. Pilsen Vintage also hosts regular music and other community events.
Knee Deep Vintage
In the shadow of historic music venue Thalia Hall, Knee Deep Vintage showcases fashion-forward pieces from the Victorian era to the 1990s. Staff here are sought after for their sharp eye for timeless trends and have even worked with Hollywood stylists and set designers.
Very Best Vintage
If Three’s Company, The Love Boat, and Dallas had a baby, she’d find a home at Very Best Vintage in Pilsen. Shop a curated mix of quirky vintage clothing, glam accessories, and fun home decor from the ’50s through the ’90s. You’re sure to find a conversation-starting piece here.
Unique thrifting in Andersonville
Outskirts Vintage
This chic boutique offers bold vintage styles and professional alterations. Think statement-making pieces that fit perfectly. It’s a neighborhood favorite for a reason.
Rare Form Vintage
Owner Emma Lewis is an art historian obsessed with all old things. Art Deco-inspired Rare Form Vintage specializes in vintage-inspired home goods, gifts, and decor, features a selection of unique items curated by antiques expert Lewis. You’re bound to find a hidden gem among the prints, tableware, jewelry, and decor
Buffalo Exchange
Trade your own gently used items for trendy vintage finds at Buffalo Exchange, a resale shop with clothing for men and women, spanning many styles and decades.
The Brown Elephant Andersonville
The Brown Elephant’s gently used furniture has found its way to homes across the city and beyond. Shop an ever-changing selection of clothing and accessories, too. Shopping here means making a style statement while supporting a good cause — sales support Howard Brown Health programs.
Bargain hunting in Bridgeport
So Happy You’re Here
This community-minded shop bills itself as ‘more than a vintage store’: shop gently used clothing and then stick around for live music, comedy, crafting, fashion shows, and more. Browse the bins and fill a shopping bag with vintage finds for just $5 to $10!
Unique
One of the biggest thrift stores in the city, Unique offers a mix of vintage and modern pieces at great prices. From clothing to home goods, they have it all. It’s the ultimate destination for bargain hunters, especially on Mondays when everything is half-price.
Eclectic options in Wicker Park
Kokorokoko
Kokorokoko specializes in high-fashion vintage clothing, retro accessories, books, and housewares from the ’80s, ’90s, and early ’00s. The storefront, located on Milwaukee Avenue in the heart of Wicker Park, is open every day of the week.
Store B Vintage
Shop high-end vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories, including designer brands like Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent, Marmi, and Prada, at Store B Vintage. Every piece is carefully selected and repaired (if needed) before going on the floor. Owner David Ginople was a women’s fashion and accessories buyer before opening his dreamy vintage store. Vintage kitchenware, barware, and mid-century home decor round out the stunning selection.
Vintage shopping events
The Randolph Street Market, a treasure trove for vintage enthusiasts, pops up at various venues across the city throughout the year. Shop clothing, handbags, accessories, jewelry, antique and repurposed furniture, global goods, decorative arts, vinyl records, and more.
The next Randolph Street Market will take place on May 24 and 25, 2025, in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood.
