Best Places to Thrift in Los Angeles.
By Katherine Mutchler
Los Angeles is the major hot-spot in the country for high quality thrift shopping and circulating trend-setting. Much like a difficult workout routine, the hardest part about thrift shopping is getting started, and usually when entering a thrift shop it can be overwhelming. To make life easier, I have narrowed down the best thrift stores in Los Angeles, what makes them unique, and why they are worth that stop-and-go traffic on the freeway.
Thrifting is an active way to fight against fast fashion, which has consumed the fashion industry since the early nineties.
Fast fashion refers to a business model where a company replicates high-end runway looks by mass-production at low costs and minimal qualities. This model creates large amounts of greenhouse gases through manufacturing, production and distribution. Not to mention, it is also the biggest proprietor of child labor.
According to a survey conducted by FashionUnited.uk, Americans do not wear 82 percent of their current closet on average. So, when being mindful of the environment, thrifting is also a smart idea for those on a budget, especially in one of the most expensive places to live with a rapidly changing trend agenda.
Iguana Vintage is a staple when it comes to thrifting in the city of angels. This store can be found at their three locations: Sherman Oaks, Hollywood, and North Hollywood. The stores are open everyday from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Iguana has large racks with clothing cleverly and conveniently organized so that it is easier to find what you are looking for. Iguana is unique because it has a large selection of costume clothing and is a great spot to find an outfit for Holloween. According to an article by the New York Post, Americans spend $2.6 billion, with a “B”, on Halloween costumes that will only be worn for one night every year. The store also features high-end designer bags, like Louis Vutton and Prada, held behind the glass display counters. The location in Hollywood is the largest of the three and is three stories tall, full of all of your vintage needs. The original store in Sherman was founded in 1993.
Wasteland is one of the most iconic and notable vintage clothing stores in L.A. for previously loved designer pieces. Wasteland has been open for over 30 years, and their original store opened on Melrose Ave. in 1993. Their two other locations are in Santa Monica, which opened in 2003, and Studio City, which opened in 2012. This store is raved about because of their curation of unique run-way pieces, ranging from a variety of times and eras. All of their stores are open from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., but on Sundays they close at 7 p.m. Joe Swiney and Cheryl Cohen are the two love-birds that opened the store while they were inspired by Rock N’ Roll. This store has been featured in major publications like Vogue, Details, Paper, Nylon, and Rolling Stone.
Son of a Vet Thrift Shop speciallizes in estate sales and estate liquidations. This store is known for collecting a little bit of everything, for everyone. The company is very active on FaceBook and customers are able to purchase from them through FaceBook Marketplace. What this store is most renowned for is it’s treasure finds of furniture. This store is reasonable in it’s pricing. Son of a Vet has been voted the best thrift shop in Los Angeles on Yelp, and the store features an array of unique artwork.
Kill two birds with one stone at this lovely shop. Customers here take pride in sustainable shopping and supporting a store where profits go to the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. This store is located in Hollywood and was founded in 1990 by Michael Weinstein. Out of the Closet has been open in L.A. for thirty years, and sells clothing, furniture and books. Ninety-six cents out of every dollar spent at the store directly helps those living with HIV/AIDS. The store’s website includes resources for free HIV testing and offers free pick ups for large items and hauls.