My Whole Closet Is Thrifted: Best Places to Thrift in Austin, Texas

Guad Vintage Market — every Sunday 12-6pm!

Photo by Abby McMorris

A never-ending treasure hunt. Someone else’s trash is loved again and given a new life. Thrifting is as sustainable as it is exciting. You never know what you’ll find – your future favorite top, the perfect knick-knack for your nightstand, jewelry for $5 that makes you feel like a million bucks. 

Since December of 2024, I have worked to completely revamp my style. After donating and selling my preloved clothes and visiting some thrift stores in Houston, I found that thrifting and shopping sustainably is incomparable to shopping at the mall or large name-brand stores. Thrifting often puts high-quality pieces for one-fourth of the price right in front of you. Finding timeless, unique, sustainable, affordable, personal pieces that make you feel like your best self is what thrifting is all about.

Depending on your budget, some thrift and vintage stores can break the bank. “Vintage” often translates to “more expensive” – stores that sell (or claim to sell) vintage clothing usually sell items for much more than what they would be at the thrift store. But, vintage stores can still be more affordable, unique, and sustainable than shopping at the mall. 

For me, my budget more closely falls within prices thrift stores offer. To be frank, stores like Buffalo Exchange, Plato’s Closet, Leopard Lounge, and Pavement are overpriced, but still sustainable. Their aesthetics match what you imagine sustainable shopping to be, but the finds are not nearly as unique as what you can find from the list below. 

1. Savers, 11101 Pecan Park Blvd, $$

From Coach vintage flip-flops for less than $15 to my new favorite staple sweaters, Savers never disappoints. With prices ranging from less than $5 to a max of $20, you will always leave with something you love. Savers is organized, clean, and constantly being restocked. Savers has a great selection of knick-knacks, but the men’s section is on the smaller side. 

2. Salvation Army Family Stores, 4216 S Congress Ave, 8801 Research Blvd, $

Every Wednesday Salvation Army’s already low prices get cut in half for all customers. London Fog purses, timeless picture frames, to Levi’s shorts and beautiful sundresses, Salvation Army sells quality items for unbeatable prices. With a large women’s, men’s, and children’s section along with an expansive furniture section, Salvation Army demonstrates what true thrifting is all about while giving back to the community and its employees. 

3. Thrift House, 4901 Burnet Rd, $$$

While Thrift House is only open Wednesday through Saturday 10-3 pm and is not pet-friendly, time spent there is always worth it. At first glance, the store seems small with limited pieces. However, once you meander through, you’ll find that there are quality dresses, menswear, shoes, accessories, knick-knacks, and a variety of womenswear. While some prices at Thrift House are higher than other stores, you pay for what you get. 

4. Thrift Center, 4101 S 1st St, $$

If I have an opportunity to go to Thrift Center, I always will. While small and quaint, Thrift Center has the best selection of home decor mixed with quality womenswear. With a variety of classic Ralph Lauren pieces, luxury purses and jewelry, and durable jackets — this only scratches the surface of all Thrift Center has to offer. 

5. Texas Thrift, 8740 Research Blvd, $$$

Texas Thrift has recently moved locations to an obscenely large space, overwhelming at first entrance. With some steep prices, Texas Thrift is still sustainable and you will, no doubt, always leave with something. Texas Thrift is one of my favorite places to get jewelry – their earrings are typically $8 or less. They have classic Coach purses, a wide array of shoes, and what seems to be an endless amount of clothing racks. 

6. Goodwill, 5555 N Lamar Blvd, 2415 S Congress Ave, $

Goodwill can oftentimes be a hit-or-miss, but their cheap prices always make a trip worth a shot. Their kind employees, organized inventory, and variety of pieces make Goodwill a classic, worthwhile thrift. 

Honorable Mentions 

Next-to-New Shop, great knick-knacks and furniture. 

Thrift Town, large inventory and good prices. 

Treasure City Thrift, quaint but quality pieces and good prices. 

Knowing that I’m shopping sustainably all while finding pieces that make me feel unique and confident, thrifting has become one of my favorite things to do. With this researched list, may you also embark on turning someone else’s trash into your treasure.