11 Best Thrift Stores in Chicago That Will Blow You Away

Monarch Thrift Shop is one of the best thrift stores in Chicago for clothes, offering an impressive and we’ll looked after collection for men and women (with kids’ clothes available online only).

Whether you’re after everyday essentials, or something Luxe to spice up your wardrobe, they’ve got what you need at low prices.

You can even peruse their selection online for a seamless secondhand shopping experience or if you don’t have any plans to visit the City in a Garden.

Circular fashion aside, breaking cycles of homelessness is the main mission of this social enterprise thrift shop.

Through their RISE Up Retail Certification Program, they invest in youth experiencing homelessness, giving them the tools and experience they need to get a career in retail.

They also partner with One Heart One Soul to give back to the community and provide a nurturing environment to build employment skills, rebuild lives, and reduce recidivism.

Price: $-$$

Upscale Rummage is a not-for-profit resale shop that has been supporting those in need since 1999.

All proceeds support nonprofits in Lake and Cook counties, providing essential services for refugees, the incarcerated, and those affected by house fires, disability, medical emergencies, job loss, and homelessness.

Set up just like a department store, the well-organized, clean, and affordable items include furniture, rugs, lamps, artwork, clothing, books, housewares, and toys.

If they can’t find a home for their donated treasures, they do their best to ensure things get responsibly recycled.

Price: $-$$$

The Brown Elephant is one of the most popular vintage thrift stores in Chicago and for good reason.

Between fashionable finds, vintage clothes, books, jewelry, and home decor, shopping at Brown Elephant is just as fun and surprising as a white elephant gift exchange.

With locations in Lakeview, Andersonville, and Oak Park, they’re accessible all over the city.

Operated by Howard Brown Health, all proceeds provide LGBTQ health care for the under or uninsured.

Some locations offer free HIV and STI screenings.

Price: $-$$$

Did someone say Under $10 rack?

Family Tree Resale is a go-to Chicago thrift store for organized, clean, good-condition clothes for men, women, and children (to whom a quarter of their store is devoted).

They also have home goods, toys, women’s shoes, and if you need something a little more unique like a wedding guest dress they have those too.

Through their Voucher Program, they partner with local schools and charities to provide neighbors in need with access to free clothing and home goods—more than $195,000 in donated goods has been distributed so far.

Unsold items (including broken old electronics) are properly recycled.

They also offer recycled bags for shoppers who need them.

Price: $-$$

Wolff’s Flea Market has to be one of the top thrift stores in Chicago.

Where else can you score fresh produce, churros, and a vintage band t-shirt all in one place?!

The massive outdoor market becomes home to about 700 small businesses every summer Sunday, beginning May 1.

The family-owned and operated flea market has something for everyone: thrift clothes, holiday decor, books, flowers, antiques, electronics, jewelry, vinyl, art, “totally weird stuff,” and more.

Tickets are an affordable $2 unless you want to get there for first-pick privileges before 6 am, in which case admission is $4.

Price: $-$$

Aside from the catchy name, Mercy Beaucoup is for those looking for mission-driven Luxury secondhand steals, think: Dolce & Gabbana, Michael Kors, and Alice + Olivia.

And if that wasn’t enough to pique your interest, 100% of the profits go towards the Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, a safe home and educational center for children in crisis.

Big name brands with an ethical price tag? Yes please!

In addition to clothing for the entire family, they also have shoes, home decor items, and accessories across a range of prices.

Price: $-$$$

El Dorado is a Hispanic family-owned Chicago thrift shop that hopes to shed some of the stigma associated with secondhand shopping.

That’s why El Dorado—the Lost City of Gold—is filled with treasures including designer apparel, shoes, purses, and tiliches (junk/trinkets/knick-knacks).

Those are balanced with popular brands and clothing (including sports jerseys and used kids’ clothing) for as little as $4.

Everything is carefully curated and organized ensuring a seamless peruse through their collection of pre-loved gems.

Price: $-$$$

Situated on Milwaukee Ave, Alex’s Attic is a family-owned consignment shop often considered one of the best places to thrift in Chicago.

The Logan Square thrift shop provides options for buying and selling new and gently used men’s, women’s, and children’s clothes, shoes, and accessories.

If you’re selling or seeking team sports jerseys, their selection is unmatched.

Their website also has an online store for non-Chicago shoppers.

Price: $-$$$

If you want to maximize your ethical spending, then purchasing from Norwood Life Society Thrift Shop will certainly tick that box.

100% of proceeds go towards resources and programs for local senior citizens.

The store is entirely volunteer-driven and contains an ever-changing selection of clothing, collectibles, housewares, artwork, books, and more.

And if you go on certain weeks you might find a $1 footwear or pants sale.

Price: $-$$

Greater Goods Community Thrift is one of the most affordable thrift stores in Chicago.

With a clean, well-kept layout curating quality items at low-low prices, it would be impossible not to bag a bargain.

These include vintage items, clothing, jewelry, housewares, toys, shoes, and more.

They value inclusivity, sustainability, community relationships, and justice. As a not-for-profit, all proceeds support Big Shoulders Church.

Price: $-$$

Mount Sinai Resale Shop is probably the closest thrift store to downtown Chicago.

The shop is open 7 days a week, filled with friendly volunteers, and unique treasures and odds and ends.

Raising money for the hospital’s patient care programs, bargain-hunters can expect to find a selection of gently used designer clothing, artwork, quality furniture, and household goods.

Price: $-$$