Vintage is the only way to go, especially here in Austin.
It makes perfect sense why; when you invest in a vintage garment, you can rest assured that you’re not likely to bump into someone else wearing the same get-up. In a town that prizes individuality as highly as Austin does, that's a valuable thing. So it’s no surprise this city is stacked with consignment shops selling top-of-the-line apparel and housewares from yesteryear.
For gear that any age bracket would be envious of, check out these local vintage shops.
Contributed by Lainey Gonzales
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Photo via Instagram
5312 Airport Blvd
We can’t get enough of this Austin institution. Top Drawer has been outfitting Austinites with amazing vintage furniture, electronics, chachkis, AND clothes since 1993. Plus, 100% of their proceeds go to Project Transitions, a local organization dedicated to finding housing for people living with HIV/AIDS.
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Photo via Instagram
1700 S Congress Ave
Prototype’s slogan is “All Killer, No Filler” and it couldn’t be more true. There’s something for everyone at this South Congress staple. Here you’ll find fabulous pieces from every decade for every kind of look, so make sure to drop in the next time you’re on SoCo.
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Photo via Instagram
1628 South 1st
Want some authentic 60s and 70s frocks? Pay Avenger’s Vintage a visit. Their shop is filled to the brim with psychedelic florals, bell bottoms, and fringe that can satisfy anyone’s inner flower child. Take a look for yourself on their Instagram and swing by their store on South 1st.
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Photo via Instagram
2928 Guadalupe St Unit 102
Originally located in Houston, Leopard Lounge also has a home in Austin on The Drag. They have a little bit of everything, but the reason we’re going back is their wide selection of denim. You can never have too many pairs of jeans (or jean jackets), right?
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Photo via Instagram
Online / Vendor Pop-Ups
Wanting to take advantage of Austin vintage, but don’t want to leave the house? Whiskey River can hook you up! This online Latina-owned vintage shop has an endless collection of 90s grunge, 70s groove, and even their own line of beautiful hand-crafted jewelry. You can also hire them to style your next event or shoot. Peep their online store and check out their list of local stockists.
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Photo via Instagram
Online / Vendor Pop-Ups
If your ideal weekend includes hopping around Austin’s many outdoor pop-ups, then chances are you’ve already encountered Jello Mom in all their glory. Queer-owned, this shop has perfected the art of off-the-cuff vintage tees and worn-in jeans. Catch them at their next market by following their Instagram.
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Photo via Instagram
17 W N Loop Blvd
We’ve never gone into Blue Velvet without walking out with at least one crucial addition to our closet. Their store is the perfect size, big enough to have plenty of variety but not so big that it overwhelms you. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind dress for that upcoming party or you just want to make sure that no one else rolls up to the gig with your jacket, then a visit to Blue Velvet should be at the top of your list.
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Photo via Instagram
Online / Pop-ups
This queer-owned vintage superpower is one of our favorites in town. They have both a virtual Depop store (that we could spend hours scrolling through) as well as in-person pop-ups around town. Pickup is free if you live in Austin, which means you can skip the normal wait after you impulse buy that vintage jumper on Depop. Keep an eye on their Instagram to see where their pop-ups will be!
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Photo via Instagram
Never Knew is a queer-owned vintage shop just north of the UT campus. Whether you're going for grunge, cottagecore, goth, early 00s pop, or DIY haute couture, you'll find a new outfit (or thirty) at Never Knew.
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Photo via Instagram
117 North Loop Blvd.
Room Service Vintage is indisputably the North Loop neighborhood's go-to spot for timeless furnishings, concert tees, stocking-stuffers and everything in between. And you’d think you’d pay a higher price tag for the convenience of such a curated selection of vintage craft, but Room Service keeps costs reasonable, which keeps us coming back. But if you want to walk away with one-of-a-kind keepsakes, give the place an Instagram follow and purchase directly from their feed. Trust us, these treasures go quick.
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Photo via facebook / ootpatx
5341 Burnet Rd
Remember that scene in Halloweentown where they go into the room that collects lost items from each realm in the universe? You know where we’re going with this. Yes— Out of the Past has a cluttered vibe going on, but it’s a crucial part of their charm and doesn’t make it any less of a treasure trove. Take a gander if you need some new household decorations, unique birthday gifts, or just want to get lost and make a surprising discovery.
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photo via yelp by shelley neuman
It’s hard not to give mad props to a shop inspired by David Bowie. Stardust has out-of-this-world clothing and adornments. Follow them on Instagram for fashionable items ranging from the 1920s to 2000s.
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Photo via facebook / uncommon objects
1602 Fortview Rd
If you’ve lived in Austin for a minute, you’ve probably heard of Uncommon Objects. Think of this place as a sort of organized chaos. They aren’t as disheveled as other antique shops, but that doesn’t make them any less overwhelming. While you’re here, you can run into all sorts of relics from the past. Whether that comes in the form of creepy dolls that make us all do a double take or perhaps a sweet, dainty ceramic vase with a blue painted kitten. Swing by and see what you can uncover at Uncommon!
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Photo via facebook / blackfeather Vintage works
979 Springdale Rd #98
This spot seems to be one of Austin’s best-kept secrets. Tucked inside East Austin near fellow attractions such as Canopy art gallery and Austin Bouldering Project, Blackfeather is a solid vintage shop that carries everything from kitsch to psych to rockabilly. Every so often they also host cool events including happy hours, pop up markets, and special art exhibitions. Spread the word, unless you’d rather keep this gem to yourself! (We wouldn’t blame you)
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Photo via facebook / lo-fi vintage
604 W 29th St
A relatively new kid on the block, Lo-Fi Vintage delivers outfits that pique your 80s-early 00s nostalgia. Not actually a 90s baby? That absolutely shouldn’t stop you from rocking some Spice Girls, NSYNC or Backstreet Boys tees. They also provide an impressive stock of vintage name brand clothing, with both Gucci and Versace being among them. If you don’t find the ultimate fit on your first visit, no worries- they receive new deliveries weekly!
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Photo Credit: Monkies Vintage and Thrift
1904 Guadalupe St. Suite C
This small campus shop is packed with goodies from floor to ceiling, assuring shoppers will stand out from the masses in vintage fashions that were designed to last. Students are even offered a discount during checkout and for other shoppers ballin' on a budget, Monkie's two dollar bargain bin supplies everything required to revamp the ol' t-shirt drawer. As the unofficial outfitter of original concert tees and collectible sports jerseys, this place is a no-brainer, and the perfect store for the casual vintage shopper.
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OTHER GREAT AUSTIN VINTAGE SHOPS:
Various Locations
2208 S Lamar Blvd
Online Shop
1500 W Ben White Blvd
5201 N Lamar Blvd
6535 N Lamar Blvd Unit B
2200 S Lamar Blvd Unit D
11601 Menchaca Rd
2200 S Lamar Blvd Suite A
Have another thrifty shop to add to our list?
