Second-hand Shopping Shines in Seattle
The thrill of the hunt.
Is it possible to encounter a meet-cute with a garment? Seattle’s second-hand scene says so. Thrifting in Seattle feels magical, evoking a sense of familiarity when stumbling upon that next favourite item, almost like meeting an old friend anew. The second-hand scene is curated, but not overly so, and charming—reminiscent of the golden age when time invested was rewarded with finding a unique gem.
Whether wandering the artsy streets of Capitol Hill or exploring Ballard’s charm, here are the top five places to discover your next favourite find.
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Know your Old Céline from new Celine? Alexandra’s is for you. Housing an impressive collection of designer pieces at reasonable prices, racks are filled with preloved items by designers like Yohji Yamamoto, Prada, Maison Margiela, and more. From contemporary to vintage and everything in between, this gem stands out for its expertise in curation and range. It’s a haven where affordability meets style, making it a must-visit for luxury enthusiasts.
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The Barn Owl knows its vintage. Renowned for its meticulously organized space, this store has an impressive array of vintage treasures ranging from quality denim to outdoor gear, including notable brands like Filson, Woolrich, and more. From authentic chore coats to Wrangler gas station jackets to supersoft T-shirts, the variety of clothing caters to both niche and universal tastes, ensuring a rewarding visit for seasoned or incoming vintage aficionados.
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If you prefer corduroy over cocktails, check out the Late Night Vintage Market. Open from 3 p.m. to midnight six days a week, the market houses a handful of vendors offering three levels’ worth of hand-picked denim, jackets, jerseys, and other vintage goods. Enjoyable for those looking for an alternative way to spend a Friday night out and for those who love the experience of sifting through a densely populated array of clothing, similar to a thrift store, fused with the curation of a consignment shop.
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Nestled in West Seattle, this shop stands out for its mix of slow-fashion brands, vintage clothing, and curated home goods, appealing to those with a Scandi girl approach to style. The store is also filled with items for gifting. From kitschy holiday ornaments like sequined tomatoes to oversized gingham scrunchies, there’s an unusual range of ceramics, skin care, and books—all to accompany the diverse vintage clothing, of course.
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If the Goodwill Flagship store seems overwhelming, Capitol Hill’s Crossroads presents an alternative for those in pursuit of an authentic Seattle thrift experience. Although slightly pricier due to its sourcing methods, Crossroads delivers that exhilarating “thrill of the hunt” feeling often associated with larger thrift outlets, with a higher probability of discovering something you genuinely desire, thanks to its stringent vetting standards. Shoppers can find a blend of contemporary, designer, and vintage labels. But with luck on your side, your next favourite might find you, just like how a COS dress found its way to me.
