The 10 Most Essential Vintage Shops in America

Just like not all whiskey is bourbon, not all resale stores are vintage shops. The same way a sommelier can discern a good vintage from color and taste, a stand-out shop owner can look at a faded, frayed Levi’s label and know exactly when and where those jeans were made. And when they’re hunting for items to stock their space, they’re not just stalking the racks of thrift stores or flea markets; they’re driving down rural country highways searching for a good pick at an old-timer’s barn; waking up at 3 a.m. to be first in line at an estate sale; and cultivating relationships with sources who have troves of their own.

From coast to coast, these shops not only share a mission to preserve pieces of the past—from Victorian dresses and leather jackets to Western Suits and cowboy boots—but also a passion to tell the stories behind them.

Jamie Wong grew up selling vintage in Pomona, California. Now, celebrities from A$AP Rocky to Ryan Gosling borrow pieces from her shop to wear in magazine spreads. More than 20 years old now, her shop is stocked with ’40s to ’60s-era denim—the kind that gets its distressing, patches, and paint splotches honestly—along with all-cotton t-shirts, military garb, silk souvenir jackets, and perfectly soft bandanas. Her collection of Buddy Lee dolls keeps a watchful eye on the shelves above. 

Owners Ham Smith and Kelsey Christian fill their shoebox space with finds from their cross-country picks like patinaed workpants, hand-painted signs and coveralls with the names of their previous owners embroidered on the front pocket. But their calling card is original hand-drawn and chanstitched designs on select pieces like a breezy camp shirt dotted with strawberries, white sailor slacks covered in tattoo flash-style illustrations, or short shorts stitched with summertime words i.e. “hot dogs” and “peach season.”

When she’s not on stage, country crooner Nikki Lane refreshes the racks at her Music City shop with pieces from her own personal collection that she’s worn on stage, from a 1960s playsuit to a Swiss dot prairie dress to a tiger-print mini skirt. Her personal style also dictates the rest of her offerings, a mix of high-waisted flares, fringed suede jackets, flirty two-piece sets, and silk kerchiefs. 

Nearly 4,000 square feet with over 30 different vendors selling everything from patchwork quilt jackets to taxidermy to mid-century modern furniture (there’s even tarot card readings on weekends), the sprawling shop is also known nationwide for its Texas-sized cowboy boot selection. The extensive clothing selection goes wide as well with concert tees (like a rare DEVO tank top), ’50s prom dresses, ’70s jumpsuits, and classic COACH bags. Longtime, loyal customer Leon Bridges makes repeat visits to supply his retro-inspired stagewear. 

A Western and Nudie suit-collecting legend, Philip Rupp, who goes by Cowboy Phil, is shy to offer his coveted, one-of-a-kind finds online. Followers must make the trek to his corner of Pioneer House in Knoxville to see his museum-worthy investment pieces: gabardine snap shirts, rhinestone-studded jackets, and intricately embroidered, Gram Parsons-reminiscent sets in person. 

Like walking into the costume department of an Old Hollywood movie set, Paper Moon specializes in pre-1960s glamour. Owner Nicole Loretta Howell’s degree in archaeology influences the educational approach she takes to her shop inside a historic house from around 1907. Rita Hayworth-worthy gowns hang with ’50s-era Hawaiian shirts and Jimmy Stewart-tailored suits sit alongside silk smoking jackets plus polished hats, broaches, and shoes. 

Tim Jacobsen’s Old City shop attracts visitors for his eclectic collection that includes folk art objects, quilts, worn jerseys, and indigo-dyed workwear, but to Philly locals, Stickball is just as much of a community hub. Jacobsen hands out $1 espressos, produces a newsletter about city happenings, and even hosts an event called The Tiny Chair Show, where artists bring mixed media sculptures of small chairs (no bigger than 6 inches) to display at First Friday gatherings. 

Stock’s shopdog Hazel has some very famous friends, including Lenny Kravitz who gives her ear scratches while he shops for denim and leather. Founded by Melissa Howard, her East Village spot has become a pilgrimage site for Americana and workwear obsessives looking for rare cuts, fabrics, and craftsmanship. 

A Haight-Ashbury repository for Rockabilly and Mad Men-esque style: pin-up swimsuits, bolo ties, Batik-print shirts, flouncy sweetheart dresses, and antique sunglasses. Relic’s owner Oran Scott is a scholar of pre-’60s American style who can pull just the right pieces from his immense inventory for a complete look. 

A shop collective in Atlanta’s Little Five Points neighborhood dedicated to preserving pop culture, they specialize in collectible tees. Strung across the wall and packed on racks, the worn-in, their screenprinted finds include NBA teams, Porsche, Prince, The Smiths, Fugazi, even art exhibitions.