Sustainability should be on everyone’s to-do list this year, and there are a lot of ways to tackle this. My preferred method of action is to keep doing what I do best—shop vintage. With a years’ long shelf life and multiple owners, a vintage garment consumes far less resource than traditional fast fashion, and usually comes with a comparable price tag. Plus, I love the fact that most pieces are one-of-a-kind.
New York City has a lot to offer in the vintage department, especially come winter time. From cozy shearling coats to deadstock vintage thermals and military trousers, you can get it all. Below, my favorite local stores for affordable—and sustainable—winter wear.
Their Instagram bio reads “we sell contemporary + vintage that’s effortless, relevant & affordable.” Pretty much. The Break is both online and with a brick and mortar shop in Greenpoint, with a pretty decent selection of designer vintage. Everything is organized and styled just as you would want to look like wearing it, which makes the effort of vintage a lot less arduous. Plus, prices here are really, really good and the staff is always friendly, serving mimosas on the weekends ;).
82 Dobbin St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Hands-down my favorite vintage store. Front General is a denim-lovers dream, stacked wall to wall with deadstock and rare vintage Levi’s. The owners specialize in American utility wear; basics like the softest Hanes tees and boat neck waffle henleys, wool beanies, and really warm socks. I go for the jeans, of course, and their incomparable selection of trousers. You pay for the organization and attention to quality here—it’s not for bargain hunters—but prices are significantly lower than buying something new, and chances are it’s never even been worn. Stock up here on layering pieces and the perfect fit 501’s.
143 Front St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Another Greenpoint gem, Mirth is a perfectly curated hole in the wall with the best offering of ’80s and ’90s neutrals. Think soft-as-silk Donna Karan knits and the perfect fitting wool Armani trousers, all organized by color. Every piece is a one-off, don’t expect to find multiple sizes in anything (a blessing and a curse). Prices are decent and the merchandising is minimal, but effective—I never leave empty handed.
606 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
L Train has a few locations around the city, including East Village and Bushwick, but the best is their warehouse location in Gowanus. The enormous space rotates stock weekly depending on what’s popular and seasonal at the time. It’s a really good spot for super affordable outerwear. Heavy vintage leather jackets and zip-up Carhartt workwear run anywhere from $8-$25 and are a dime a dozen. You have to dig through full racks to find something in your size, but the price makes it worth your while.
654 Sackett St, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Stella boasts two Brooklyn outposts, but the Village location is where it’s at. The store is small, but extremely curated, with super unique pieces like patchwork jeans, sequin tops and silk slips. My best-kept secret is their cashmere sweater selection. Cardigans, crewnecks and the perfect fit turtlenecks are all under $30 and in perfect vintage condition. Seriously, there’s no better place to find quality knitwear at such a good price.
218 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012