Shops for vintage jeans, costume pieces, designer clothes, funky shoes and more at these curated secondhand clothing stores.
by Henry Thomas and Samantha Pressly

When you’re looking for something that no one else has — and ideally, for not full retail price — it’s vintage shopping for the win. Raleigh has a growing community of thrift and vintage stores, including a few that have opened downtown over just the last year or so. Whether you’re in it to find something totally unique, or because you value the sustainability aspect of buying secondhand, each of these vintage stores offers a great selection and its own curated point of view. Here are some of our favorite shops to look for vintage jeans, costume pieces, designer clothes, funky shoes and more.

Boot & Trunk 

A self-proclaimed vintage seller for the “funky, flamboyant and free-spirited,” Boot & Trunk is a mecca for folks looking for items full of personality. True to that is the array of specialized pieces in the store, such as vintage bell bottoms, embroidered clutch bags and sequined catsuits. Boot & Trunk also boasts a sizable section of vintage menswear. Stop by before a disco date night for the perfect 1970s garments in which to dance the night away. 424 S. Person Street | instagram.com/bootandtrunk

Father & Son

One of the O.G. downtown vintage stores, Father & Son has been a vintage hotspot since 1997. Though slightly better known for its furniture and home decor, the store hosts a large collection of vintage apparel, as well as unique international knick knacks. The couple that owns the store has always had a passion for Mid-century design, and offers a curated selection of cool, retro clothes. 302 S West Street | instagram.com/fatherandsonraleigh

One for All Thrift

With “finds for all”, this recently-opened, bargain-focused thrift shop serves a special emphasis on houseware and miscellaneous items, but also has a wide selection of clothing and accessories. Skim through quality vintage leather jackets, graphic t-shirts, crewneck sweatshirts and eclectic retro sneakers to upgrade your wardrobe. 120 S. Wilmington Street | instagram.com/oneforall_thrift

Origami Stylings

For a curated selection of pieces, including many that are hand-made and internationally sourced, check out Origami Stylings. Rare finds like beaded vests from India, lacy wedding dresses and vintage kids’ clothing include some of the many specialty items you might find; the store also has a spread of home goods & trinkets. Additionally, inquire about their styling services, which can include anything from a one-on-one consultation to a closet evaluation.. “I want people to be able to come in, and if they’re looking for daily wear or casual clothing, they can find it, but they can also find something to wear to work or a party,” says owner Brooke Wiggs. 111 E. Hargett Street #100 | instagram.com/origami_styling

Pallbearer

Walk into Pallbearer for a relaxed, personalized thrift experience. The five-store vintage chain, which is based in Raleigh, gets its name from the idea that it’s giving “dead man’s clothes” a second life. The folks at Pallbearer source and restore vintage men’s clothing, and the store boasts an impressive band tee collection, stacks of Levi’s and shoes. The store offers a relaxed atmosphere with a circle of couches at the entrance of its doors. 111 E. Hargett Street, #110 | pallbearershop.com

Raleigh Vintage 

For special occasions, go to Raleigh Vintage for upscale threads that have lasted generations. Shop their upscale designer vintage through their online collection or make an appointment to see their offerings in person. “I would describe it as high end, rare, collectible — really amazing quality pieces,” says Andi Shelton, co-owner of Raleigh Vintage. Designer Anna Sui or major fashion house Jean Paul Gaultier are just a few of the names you can find in this secondhand store’s collection. Perfect for any gala or wedding ceremony, you’re sure to make a statement in a one-of-a-kind gown from the sophisticated vintage bazaar. Also, check out their partner brand, Trust Luck, for the more rugged, well-loved casuals to pair down some of Raleigh Vintage’s best upscale and designer items. 18 Glenwood Ave | raleighvintage.com

Revolver Boutique

A consignment boutique located in the heart of Raleigh since 2005, this store offers resale designer labels, vintage pieces and an assortment of accessories. Bring your best slightly-worn pieces to receive a graduated percentage scale for commission, skim through items in person or shop the designer goods straight from their website. 610 Hillsborough Street Suite 101 | revolverboutique.com 

Same Old Same Old Vintage 

In July, Same Old Same Old Vintage on Fayetteville Street opened. Specializing in Americana-style vintage and denim sourced from throughout the country, Same Old Same Old offers a broad Western shirt collection, myriad cowboy boots and other, everyday wear. Expect to see brands like Harley Davison, Levi’s and Carhartt at this thrift spot. 232 Fayetteville Street | instagram.com/shopsosovintage

ThriftWiz

Fun and affordable can be found at ThriftWiz! Leave with a haul of quality vintage without breaking the bank by shopping their $5 and $10 racks. Also, keep an eye out for their occasional $1 bin sales. Rummage through some of the city’s best vintage graphic tees, vibrant 1990s windbreakers, denim and more at this storefront. 207 E. Cabarrus Street | instagram.com/shopthriftwiz

TrunkShow

Don’t be fooled by this vintage store’s exterior! What looks like a tiny corner store on an innocuous retail strip — it even shares a parking lot with a gas station — is actually a massive store full of nearly 40 individual vendors that sell vintage and handmade goods, tucked into the basement. Started by a mother-daughter duo, the two knew they wanted to create a multi-dealer mall of sorts for a while before opening the store. “We told ourselves, let’s just do it now, and the spot and everything just kind of worked out,” says Amy Barnard, co-owner of TrunkShow and daughter of the pair, on first opening TrunkShow in 2020. Clothing, furniture, wall decor and more — truly anyone can find something at this “speakeasy” of a vintage mall. Every first Friday come on down to TrunkShow for a rotation of vendor booths & complimentary beer and wine from 5-7 pm. 1526 Wake Forest Road | trunkshowraleighnc.com

Unorthodox Vintage

A collaboration between @shethriftyapparel and @sir_chances, Unorthodox houses some of the best new-ish vintage, such as eclectic and trendy Y2K finds and classic 1990s band tees. Visit their technicolor storefront for great basics like Carhartt jeans and Dickie’s work pants — or for their more unusual statement pieces, like an embroidered denim jacket or pearly, beaded lingerie top. Whatever the occasion, Unorthodox is filled with opportunities to discover and curate one’s personal style. 206 S. Wilmington Street | instagram.com/unorthodoxvintage

This article was originally published on October 24, 2024 on waltermagazine.com