What can I say? I love clothes. I love throwing on an outfit that makes me feel like a new person — bright colors, fun prints, bell-bottoms, vintage sweaters. Pieces that feel one of a kind.
A couple of years ago, I saw photos of clothing waste piling up in Accra, Ghana, and learned that the fashion industry has already produced more than enough clothing to last us decades. I couldn’t ignore it.
So I became a thrifter. Now, 95% of my wardrobe is secondhand.
And you know what? I don’t miss buying new. My closet’s way cooler, my bank account’s happier and weekends are spent treasure hunting.
There’s nothing like waking up on a sunny Seattle Saturday, grabbing a coffee and playing dress-up at my favorite thrift shops.
Here’s a guide to some of my favorite secondhand shops in the area. Whether you’re on the hunt for a retro tee or a vintage sweater, shopping on a budget or just feel like perusing shelves of quirky antiques, there’s something here for every kind of thrifter. (Note: This list isn’t comprehensive — just a few personal favorites.)
Vintage stores
Vintage clothing typically refers to pieces that are at least 20 years old but less than a century, valued for their quality, rarity and historical significance. While not all items in these stores meet that definition, many feature a curated selection of vintage and retro-inspired pieces that tend to be more expensive than standard secondhand finds.
The Barn Owl Vintage Goods in Georgetown
Josh P. Dand grew up surrounded by collectors. His father, a record collector and disc jockey, spent weekends digging through Boston’s used-record stores, and Dand grew up flipping through vinyl, old books and vintage clothing.
His hobby became something more — first selling at markets and pop-ups, then at Fremont Vintage Mall and finally opening The Barn Owl Vintage Goods (6012 12th Ave. S.) in 2021.
The shop is packed with handpicked finds — an “Almost Live!” T-shirt, vintage Seattle sports gear, Filson pieces (Dand calls himself a Filson expert), Levi’s with a big “E” (indicating they were made before 1970,) classic sweaters and a wall of cowboy boots.
Unlike many vintage stores that source from vendors, Dand finds most of the pieces himself, searching across the country. “I turn over every rock,” he said.
Prices range from $5 to $5,000, catering to every budget.
And the name? It comes from Dand’s past as a professional poker player on Aurora Avenue. One of his favorite cards featured a barn owl.
“Thrift stores are like the ocean — you’ve got seaweed, boats, junk and fish,” Dand said. “I think of us as the seafood counter — we’re only prime cuts.”
Rax Vintage in the University District
With minimal signage and tucked up an unassuming stairwell, Rax Vintage (4341 University Way N.E.) feels like a treasure hunt before you even step inside.
Brothers Jason and Sebastian Figueroa opened the speakeasy-style shop on June 1, specializing in streetwear — graphic T-shirts, hoodies, crew necks and trendy sneakers — many at accessible prices.
An average T-shirt costs $15 to $25, and first-time customers can choose a free item from a dedicated rack.
“We’re across from the university — our main customers are students,” Jason Figueroa said. “I don’t want them choosing between eating and getting a piece that suits them.”
The shop engages the community in creative ways, from product tossing — throwing free clothes out the window to nearly 100 eager shoppers — to setting up grills and serving free meals. The Figueroas announce giveaways, product toss days and more on Instagram, where you can find videos of people gathered on the sidewalk below the shop as the brothers toss out a couple of T-shirts and hoodies.
“We can’t have a business without the community,” Sebastian Figueroa said. “We’re trying to give back as much as they get to us, if not more.”
Two Pioneer Square vintage spots
For Ali Weber, it all started with the perfect ’70s pantsuit — one that fit like a glove. She was hooked.
After years of running vintage markets, she wanted a space of her own.
In September, she and Mandi Avett opened Friend Museum (83 S. King St., Suite 100), a vintage shop that feels like an art gallery. With tall ceilings, sprawling racks and a coffee shop with couches, it’s as much a gathering space as a store.
The shop features 12 vintage vendors, alongside handmade and upcycled pieces that feel one of a kind. Most items range from $20 to $50.
A few blocks away, Bon Voyage Vintage (Delmar Building, 110 S. Washington St.) has been a mainstay in Pioneer Square for 15 years. On a Saturday morning, natural light pours over racks of clothes. There are funky sunglasses to try on and vibey music playing in the background. The shop started with just $500 in founder Keith Wilson’s pocket and has since become a go-to for vintage lovers.
Vintage markets
For a larger, multilevel experience, vintage markets offer a curated selection of finds:
Fremont Vintage Mall (3419 Fremont Ave. N.) — From old love letters to vintage lamps, it’s a true treasure hunt.
Antique Mall of West Seattle (4516 California Ave. S.W.) — Packed with antiques, from cocktail glasses to fur coats.
Late Night Vintage Mall (517 E. Pike St.) — Open until midnight, filled with hoodies, T-shirts and sunglasses.
Classic thrift stores
Thrift stores tend to be cheaper than vintage stores. Some operate as nonprofits with a mission, while others are for-profit businesses. They’re typically less curated, making the experience more of a hunt — but finding a vintage gem in a thrift store can be both possible and deeply satisfying.
Seattle Goodwill Outlet in Sodo (1765 Sixth Ave. S.) — better known as “the bins” — offers one of the cheapest thrifting experiences in the city.
This pay-by-the-pound setup draws dedicated shoppers, some equipped with gloves, ready to sift through massive bins of clothing. It can be chaotic, and not every item is pristine, but for those willing to dig, it’s a gold mine for incredible bargains.
Other popular Goodwill locations include Ballard (6400 Eighth Ave. N.W.), Evergreen Goodwill (700 Dearborn Place S.), Redmond (15301 N.E. 24th St.) and Renton (3210 N.E. Sunset Blvd.).
Bella’s Voice Thrift Store (17633 Highway 99, Lynnwood) seems to get at that original mission of thrift stores giving back. Since 2014, it has combined budget-friendly secondhand shopping with animal welfare advocacy, supporting local rescue efforts.
Through its charity-of-the-month program, the store donates up to 50% of sales on one or two days each month to animal organizations. Remaining proceeds, after covering store expenses, fund a pet food bank and help low-income pet owners with veterinary bills.
“We started for the animals,” said director Jordan Hoffman-Nelson. “But after 10 years, we see people who don’t just want to shop with us for a good deal. We see people who have to shop with us.”
Other noteworthy thrift stores
Granny’s Attic (17707 100th Ave. S.W., Vashon Island) — A community thrift shop filled with islander donations, keeping prices low and inventory ever-changing.
Helping Hands (19213 Bothell Everett Highway, Bothell) — A local thrift store offering secondhand clothing and household goods, with proceeds supporting community programs.
Jubilee Reach (14200 S.E. 13th Place, Bellevue) — A nonprofit thrift store funding outreach programs, known for its well-organized selection of clothing, furniture and home goods.
Mercer Island Thrift Store (7710 S.E. 34th St., Mercer Island) — A cozy, houselike shop with gently used clothing, home goods and a good selection of sportswear.
Some popular Value Village locations are in Burien and Sammamish. Burien (131 S.W. 157th St.) has an expansive selection and well-stocked home goods, while Sammamish (5530 E. Lake Sammamish Parkway S.E.,) is well-organized and known for quality clothing finds.
A shop that doesn’t fit in a box
The Freespirited Closet (in Snohomish; address given out when appointment is made via Facebook) — Everything is free here. People make appointments through Facebook for private, no-pressure shopping, and owner Jana Clark urges visitors to take only what they truly need.
The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times.