Not only is vintage and other hard-to-find clothing fashionable and unique, it’s also great for the environment. While other people are buying into fast fashion clothing that will end up in the landfill, you are giving a second (or more) life to something that is usually better quality, with better craftsmanship. Buying second hand just makes sense. It also makes sense to support Black and Latinx-owned, women-owned BIPOC businesses.
If we want fashion to reflect us, we have to let our dollars speak for us, uplifting those who are creating what we want to rock. So, we found five female- and Black and Latinx-owned and other BIPOC thrift and vintage stores that you’ll definitely want to shop from online (or at any of their pop-ups and other events).
Thrift Guru
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When someone calls themselves the “Thrift Guru,” you know they know their thrifting. Sym Clarke is the Black entrepreneur behind Atlanta-based Thrift Guru, which “combines high-quality thrift finds and fashionable revamps that supports both sustainability and creativity.” The result is revamped cropped university and sports tops, Nike rings, joggers made from tapestry throw blankets, Armani denim, and more.
Mandana Blvd.
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If you want to furnish your home with authentic vintage boho finds (think light-hued wood furniture, wicker chairs, smokey tall glass tumblers, and rich pops of color) then you have to shop mandana blvd. The Oakland-born, currently L.A.-based online store is the creation of Afro-Latina Cristina Ramos and partner Nu Goteh. In addition to old-school curated items, there is also a selection of contemporary decor.
Maeven Vintage
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Amy Yee created Maeven Vintage in 2012, and ever since, has been offering must-have fashionable finds out of Brooklyn. We’re talking a feminine Sonia Rykiel sweater, a sculptural Gianni Versace leather skirt, a pair of dramatic velvet wide-leg pants, and geometric onyx and silver Taxco earrings.
shopmaeven.com (Etsy)
Indian Summer
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Queer, Afro-Taino, NB, self-proclaimed “fat” business owner Adria Garcia got Vice’s attention with her brand Indian Summer. The Seattle-based vintage shop focuses on fun clothing that is available in a wide range of sizes. Want color? Want prints? Want a variety of vintage clothing in plus sizes? Indian Summer is your store.
DM for purchase.
Jamil Thrift
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You know your vintage store is it when Harper’s Bazaar writes about it. Jamil Thrift is the creation of African-American Neka Jamilla, and stocks stylish, on-trend clothing and accessories you’ll want to buy. Like a chartreuse blazer, a marabou-trimmed snake-print slip dress, and this fabulous cow print trench coat. Be sure to keep an eye out for the many shopping events that Neka sells at in the Seattle/Tacoma area.
DM with PayPal email and zip to purchase.
Estella’s Plus Closet
Looking for fun plus-size clothing, in cheery hues and bold patterns, that no one else will have? Then drop by Estella’s Plus Closet for some shopping. The Latina-owned shop stocks modern and vintage clothing in size XL and up “because there is a huge need for secondhand shops that cater to larger bodies.” Although you’ll want to nab these unique finds year round, it’s especially important to support Estella’s business now, as proceeds will help her and her family while she is seeing doctors for Bell’s Palsy.
Which female Black and Latinx-owned thrift shops do you shop at, did we not list them? Share or comment below!
