Buffalo’s best thrift shops

For college students, being able to find affordable clothing that actually reflects personal style can be a challenge. Between the costs of tuition, textbooks, and food, spending a chunk of a tight budget on a single outfit is not always realistic. 

Luckily, Buffalo has a thriving thrift scene, making it easy to find one of a kind pieces without spending too much money.

So whether you are looking for vintage clothing, a new jacket for the Buffalo winters or just want to spend an afternoon searching through racks, here are some of the best local spots to check out. 

The Dirty Locker is a great place to start for Y2K and streetwear inspired fashion. The store is located near Niagara Falls Boulevard and has a youthful, more modern feel compared to  traditional thrift stores. One of the biggest perks of The Dirty Locker is the opportunity to find pieces that standout. Thrifting here gives you the freedom to put together outfits that feel more unique.  

Fistful of Vintage is a great stop for those who are looking to add a bit more flare to their wardrobe. This shop has a vintage atmosphere that makes it different from other  clothing stores. It is located on Grant street and it’s the kind of place where you can spend time browsing without knowing exactly what you’re going to find. What makes the  store stand out is the variety of styles and eras represented throughout. 

Walking into the Main Street Thrift Store feels like entering a different world; slow down and look around. It is located at 2637 Main St near University Heights. At Main Street, part of the experience is going through their large selection and finding clothes in any style. For college students, it is an easy, relaxing experience breaking onto  the local thrift scene and shopping somewhere that feels different, but comes at an affordable price.

Thrifting is about more than just saving money, it can be a fun way to experiment with fashion while being more thoughtful about the purchases. Buying secondhand clothing gives the pieces another chance instead of immediately letting them become waste. 

With fast fashion becoming so common, make the conscious decision to shop secondhand to save money and reduce waste in a way that doesn’t completely change a lifestyle.

The features desk can be reached at features@ubspectrum.com.