STITCH’s Guide to the Chicago Secondhand Shopping Scene
Graphic by Alea Wilkins.
If there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I’m thrift-obsessed. While the idea of spending hours sifting through piles of old, discarded clothes might sound nightmarish to another, it is actually my idea of a perfect day. For me, thrifting is an adventure and a look into the past, imagining the different lives of each item and their journeys to converge at one central location.
From spending countless hours (and probably way too much money) searching for my next closet staples in the city, I have ultimately found some favorite stores and must-visits throughout Chicago. While it can be easy to get caught up in tourist traps, what non-locals might not know is that the “Second City” has a diverse and expansive secondhand scene. With 77 unique neighborhoods, there is an excess of local thrift shops to check out beyond the Magnificent Mile. Here are eight of my favorite hidden gem thrift stores to explore — just a train ride away from campus!
My roommate and I, donning two thrifted graphic tees from Brown Elephant to 2023 A&O Blowout.
Photo by Julia Benkendorf.
Brown Elephant, Andersonville
5404 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
Brown Elephant-Andersonville, one of the chain’s three Chicago locations, donates all proceeds to LGBTQ+ healthcare organizations. Its Andersonville location, nestled in the hub of the neighborhood’s main shopping districts, is one of my city-wide favorites for its eclectic selection, affordable pricing and homey vibe. Personally, I can always count on finding unique graphics and prints, perfect for my overflowing semi-ironic t-shirt collection. Whether you’re in search of the perfect new home accent piece or a closet-staple leather jacket, chances are you can find it at Brown Elephant.
Life of Vintage, Lakeview
614 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
If streetwear is more your vibe, look no further than Life of Vintage, a Lakeview consignment store specializing in retro graphic tees, sweatshirts, jerseys and more. The store’s curated selection leaves little room for duds, so don’t worry about aimlessly digging through miles of racks. Whether you’re a collector, a die-hard sports fan or pop culture nerd, this place has you covered. Life of Vintage opens on weekends only, so don’t miss out!
Green Element Resale, Edgewater
6241 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660
When you have some time on your hands, check out Green Element, a warehouse-style, classic thrift store where you can find a little bit of everything at heavily discounted prices. The Edgewater location has the perfect atmosphere for the optimistic thrifter, as you can find amazing pieces hidden in plain sight. The shop accepts donations and rotates new inventory regularly, so hop on the Intercampus Shuttle and check out the new finds if you have a spare morning!
My thrifted holy grail black cowboy boots, that I can find a way to add to any outfit.
Lost Eras, Rogers Park
1511 W Howard St, Chicago, IL 60626
Want to step into the past? Lost Eras opened in 1975, when Charlotte Simmons II renovated her parents’ old health food shop. By 1985, her store expanded to selling vintage costumes and props, and with 15,000 square feet of merchandise, the store has one of the largest vintage selections in the midwest. Whether you’re channeling your inner ‘20s flapper or ‘70s hippie, this shop has what you need to perfect your era-specific look amidst its endless curation of rare pieces. Here, the clothes are more like art pieces than merely pieces of fabric. Lost Eras truly emanates its name, with antiques and one-of-a-kind garments filling it to the brim.
Photo via Northalsted.com.
Me, over the summer, wearing a thrifted Stanford babytee and vintage Lee jorts from an Out of the Closet location.
Out of the Closet, Boystown
3311 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657
Out of the Closet is a national thrift store chain founded in 1990 in support of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. Located in Northalsted (also known as Boystown), one of the largest LGBTQ+ communities in the Midwest, it is just one of several shops in the welcoming neighborhood benefitting and raising awareness for the community. The store has a big selection of all styles and eras at very student-friendly prices. Additionally, 96% of all profits benefit the AIDS Healthcare treatment and prevention services, and every Out of the Closet location offers free HIV-testing to those in need.
Photo via https://www.kokorokokovintage.com/.
Kokorokoko, Wicker Park
1323 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Sometimes, you just want to have a little fun! At Kokorokoko, the owners believe that your closet should reflect this. Located in the heart of the bustling Wicker Park neighborhood, Koko specializes in ‘80s and ‘90s retro designer finds, with vibrant windbreakers and vintage pop culture tees creating rainbows on the racks. The colorful patterned walls transport you into a funhouse of your own, and there is always something jaw-dropping just around the corner.
El Dorado, Logan Square
2634 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
El Dorado Thrift is a Hispanic-owned family business in Logan Square, with the goal of providing high quality finds at affordable prices (or, “‘Bueno, Bonito, y Barato,” according to their website). Prices start as low as $4, and the store has a curated selection of both vintage and designer brands to peruse. Overall, El Dorado is proof that you don’t have to break the bank to have great style.
Knee Deep Vintage, Pilsen
1219 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608
Knee Deep Vintage is a must-visit for its singular location and eclectic curation. Tucked inside the historic Thalia Hall concert venue in the heart of Pilsen, the store is a true hidden gem. Knee Deep first opened in 2008 and relocated into the music hall in 2017. With 1,500 square feet of merchandise, the store has a huge range of styles from ‘50s muted babydoll dresses to grungy, Kurt Cobain-esque ‘90s sweaters to check out. Knee Deep rotates in new styles and trends frequently and also features some killer repurposed and upcycled pieces to check out. Grab a bite from one of the mouth-watering taquerias in the neighborhood, catch a show at Thalia Hall and head home with some new vintage finds for the perfect day!
All in all, there’s no shortage of amazing vendors and shops to explore during your four years at Northwestern, if you are keen to head into the city. Thrifting is an art, and it takes time to find your own personal style and shopping preferences. So, for your next thrifting expedition, be sure to try out one of these highlights and find your own holy grail shop to frequent!