Shopping at thrift stores in Pittsburgh is such a fixture in our everyday life that thrifting has become a verb.
Thrifting, our modern-day equivalent of a treasure hunt, saves shoppers money, plus it allows a kind of risk-taking that traditional retail shopping doesn’t: a pair of hot pink corduroys for $95? You might pass on that — but hot pink pants for $6.99? Bag ‘em up.
Before you go, know that there are three basic types of secondhand clothing stores: vintage (highly curated and niche), consignment/resale shops (often upscale and trendy), and true thrift stores (donated items, often a bulk shopping experience).
We’ve rounded up some places for you to start your treasure hunt:
Best Thrift Stores in Pittsburgh
Second Harvest
Sharpsburg
This nonprofit was started by the folks at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church — and a lot of their donations come from the area’s affluent neighborhoods. As such, Second Harvest has designer sections for men and women where Brooks Brothers and Ralph Lauren dress shirts, Lululemon workout gear, and brands like Free People and Seven jeans are common finds. They have a color-coded price tag system that brings prices lower each week. Second Harvest also has a community fridge and pantry onsite, so consider bringing some goods to donate.
Nouveau Designer Consignment
Aspinwall
This small Aspinwall store packs in big treasures — they bill it as “Nordstrom level or higher’ — whether you’re looking for work clothes, workout clothes, or cocktail dresses. Stylish outerwear, such as a vintage Christian Dior Jackie Kennedy-style pea coat, and gently used footwear, handbags, and belts are also at the ready.
Red, White, and Blue Thrift Store
Ohio River Blvd and Saw Mill Run
This OG thrift store opened in 1962 and has seen it all come through its doors. Located on Saw Mill Run Boulevard in a former A&P (yes, it’s that big), the Red, White, and Blue store is a favorite for many dedicated thrift shoppers, one called it the Taj Mahal of thrift stores. RWB is the kind of place you go without a plan — and expect to be surprised by the many finds, such as a recent item: a beat-up, full-size orange Pittsburgh construction cone. You never know when you might need one.
Avalon Exchange
Squirrel Hill
Located on Forbes Avenue, Avalon is a curated shop that buys fashions from the public every day, so their stock is ever-fresh. Look for eclectic finds that add flair to a wardrobe, such as a sheer Jean Paul Gaultier shirt (NWT), an extensive shoe section that might include Doc Martens and Bottega Veneta, and a wide section of designer bags. One of my recent grabs was a vintage pink Cartier wallet.
Fifty One Ten Vintage
Bloomfield
If you are shopping for 1970s-1990s tees, sweatshirts, Pittsburgh sports memorabilia, or Y2K denim looks, Fifty One Ten is your shop. They also stock fun women’s dresses and cool trend pieces, aka main character energy looks. While you’re in the neighborhood, stop next door to the East End Community Thrift Store, a volunteer-run shop.
Clothes Minded
Bloomfield
Set up like a boutique with seasonal pieces on display, Clothes Minded stocks everything form in-style clothing like Levi’s and Free People to high-ends finds such as Louis Vuitton handbags, Hermès scarves, and even the occasional Rolex watch.
Boheme Shops
Lawrenceville
Boheme Shops has more than 30 local vendors under one roof, including more than 15 vintage and resale booths, each with its own specialty. Dead Byrd Vintage merges current fashion with vintage flair, Willow’s World Vintage embraces a 1990s/Y2k vibe, and Honor Student stocks items that are both size and gender inclusive.
Thriftique
Lawrenceville
At Thriftique, racks are organized by color, so if you need a white blouse, you need not search through every shirt in your size to find what you want. The shop also does skew a little bit higher in price than your average thrift store, so look for student or senior discounts (Tuesday and Thursday, respectively) or Quick Fit Friday where a top, bottom, and shoe are 25% off. Thriftique also has a large selection of costume jewelry.
Phoenix Boutique
Lawrenceville
A pair of Jeffrey Campbell orange patent leather boots with silver buckles? A Mac Doggal coral satin dress that retails at $400 priced at $130? Lime green Tory Burch slides at half the cost of retail? Yes, yes, and yes — and these are among the unexpected finds you can discover at this high-end women’s resale shop.
Gemini Vintage
Lower Lawrenceville
If you go by the motto, “You can never make too big of a statement,” go to Gemini. Billed as maximalist vintage, Gemini owner Hanna Edelstein loves to style looks and embraces the idea of Gemini as a place for customers to play dress-up, experiment, and explore their self expression. Edelstein also loves jewelry, so this is a top spot for a thrifter looking for some sparkly finds.
Eons
Shadyside
This shop curates their inventory with fashions from the 1880s to the 1980s, making it into a category of its own — archival vintage, aka actual historical garments. Whether you are into Victorian or disco-glam, accessories from the 1950s or men’s suits with structured Edwardian tailoring from the early 20th century, Eons — going strong since 1986 — is the place for curated vintage. Plus owner Richard Parsakian is a treat to shop along with. He knows what he has, and can help you focus on what works best for you.
Just a few doors away on Ellsworth Avenue…
Hey Betty!
Shadyside
Close by, Hey Betty! opened back in 1988. There, you might find a 1980s Valentino yellow wool summer jacket, a set of 1910 Art Nouveau cufflinks, or 1970s Lily Pulitzer floral skirts. There’s a fresh, irreverent take on classics here.
After you’ve visited these shops, check out the rest of Pittsburgh’s clothing stores.
Story by Lauri Gravina
Featured Photo From Fifty One Ten Vintage
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