Testimonials

"I have been going to the Garment District for years, it's definitely my favorite shop for second-hand clothes! I have found so many great pieces here over the years and enjoy sifting through the racks upstairs (I have never done by-the-pound so I can't review that). As a plus-size girl, I'm so happy that they have their clothing separated by size. That saves me both time and sanity when looking for new pieces. Their 50% off sales are TO DIE FOR! I definitely recommend going early on the first day to avoid bigger crowds."

Laura P.

Boston

"I really enjoy going to the Garment District every now and then because they rotate their inventory pretty frequently. On the first floor they have a section where they sell clothes by the pound for really cheap ($1/pound). Additionally, they offer student-free Friday's in this section every now and then. However, this section is definitely not for everyone because it is just a huge pile of clothes on the ground and you have to go through it yourself with there no being rhyme or reason (that I know of) of how it is organized. It's very hit or miss, but given the price, something that appeals to many people. Upstairs is where I typically shop the most when I'm at Garment District. The clothes are separated by decade and style (70's Men's shirts, 80's Women's Jackets, etc.) The clothes are always separated accurately and most racks are sorted properly by size AND color which is very convenient. While items here are often more expensive than the $1/pound section, they are still very reasonably priced. Overall, the Garment District is a great place to stop by if you're in the area. I have seen brands such as Champion, Levi's, Nike, etc. that are in great condition and go for really cheap. A good place to go to if you need vintage-looking clothes for a pretty good price."

Nathan

Boston

"I've been here before a bunch of times and had good experiences, found some cool thrift scores. But what makes it 5 stars for me is when they didn't have a specific item I had been searching all over for, they were the only ones who were able to suggest an alternate location which actually did have the item. This may sound so small, but when every other place I've checked said "why don't you just google it?" Like I hadn't already thought of that. So thank you Garment District & Boston Costume for still being human beings."

David J

Cambridge, MA

"I love this place. The best place to get costumes and some nice used clothing and sometimes you able to find a nice vintage item. Of course, you have to shift through a lot of clothes and piles but eventually you might find something you really like. I was really lucky I found some nice great pre owned Cole Haan pumps and new keds! I was lucky!"

Bea T

West Roxbury

"Just stopped in today. I have been coming here for a while but now I feel compelled to formally--well, as formal as yelp goes--praise this place. Please support one of the last independent shops in Boston that sells actually awesome vintage!!! They dedicate a huge room at the rear of the second floor to women's vintage from (what I believe) the late 40's thru the 80's. I just found one of those vintage-lover, must-have black 40/50's pencil dresses, which has that oh so satisfying metal zipper going up the back. You know the one. ;)"

Ro P

Boston

"Feeling like this is the kind of place that people don't appreciated when it's close to you. As an outsider though, this was freaking amazing. It's the biggest resale shop I've ever been in. And I don't mean a salvo or something - this place is incredibly organized - by type of clothing, by era, all types of things to sort by. There are some good fancy brands too if you're looking for that. Prices are really reasonable. I got a skirt for under ten and another for under twenty and both were in great shape. There's also the by-the-pound, which I thought would be a good place for scrap fabric but can't imagine anyone would have time to sift through everything for something to wear. People here are helpful if you need the fitting room or something. I didn't look at any of the new stuff, but from the looks of it, there is a pretty big selection of costumes and accessories. I love this place and wish there was anything like it nearby!"

Kensey W

Olympia, WA

"This is the best place to go for costumes and OR vintage clothing. I have no doubt they get a lot of business for plays and performances....also for the annual halloween run for costumes. Great location and well worth the visit"

Patrick L

Palm Beach, FL

"Fashionable clothes at great prices The upside is that you can find amazing deals on some amazing clothes - both menswear and women's. The downside is that you do have to *find* them - there is a lot of dross hiding those golden nuggets. Our family of four headed out to the Garment District on a recent trip to Boston in search of some fun vintage clothing at good prices. What we hadn't quite anticipated was that it would be a three hour tour (...a three hour tour..) through rack after rack of miscellaneous items. The men died out in about an hour and a half but the women pressed on. But I can't really complain. We bought a ton of stuff at *very* reasonable prices and walked away very happy. I strongly recommend shopping here."

Leo

NY, NY

"I can see why The Garment District may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I'm sippin'! I've been here on more than one visit to Cambridge, and there's never a lack of unique vintage, costume, and gently used modern pieces to add to my wardrobe. I can easily spend an hour or more perusing the racks and people watching. The Garment District is a place of it's own. This is a two story warehouse full of goodies in every corner. I can't speak to the accessibility; I'm not sure if there are elevators or ramps to enter. There is, however, a gender neutral restroom - though I didn't utilize it myself. The first floor is primarily brand new costume pieces, makeup, and accessories. The second floor is where the real magic happens. It's a neatly organized, seemingly never-ending collection of gently-used clothing, shoes, and accessories dating as far back as the 1940's. I can't say enough about the cleanliness and organization: "Women's 80's Jackets" and "Vintage College Sweatshirts" are just two examples of the categorized clothing racks. If you're seeking trends from a specific era or attending an event with a particular dress-code, the Garment District makes it easy to sift through their selection. The missing star is for pricing. Though many of the items are niche, there were lofts of items I would have likely purchased if the prices were more reflective of the quality of the purchased item. I have a hard time dishing out $15-20 for items with obvious flaws, stains, or holes - I don't care how "vintage" it claims to be. I did, however, snag a blouse or two for my work wardrobe, both ranging $10 or below. There are good deals, but on the whole, the pricing is higher than you'd pay in most other second hand stores."

Andrea R

Philly

"This is my all-time favorite place to shop. While I am more of a "pit" person - it's all about the hunt for that special item - they do have an upstairs section for both vintage and modern clothing. I have found some high quality stuff downstairs, I think that's where they start out with the clothes and then they sort them and bring them upstairs. There's a lot to be said for their costume section as well - something for every holiday/occasion. They have a wide selection of vintage clothing sorted by the decade upstairs that I always love perusing through. On Friday they halve the price of the per-pound downstairs (as if it's not affordable enough)! Cannot recommend this place enough - check it out if you are in Cambridge!"

Emily D

West Hartford, CT

"I have always loved this place. I used to go when I was in college at Northeastern. I could sit for hours digging in the clothes by the pound section. I also love going to get halloween outfits upstairs and amazing vintage coats and dresses. So many awesome things to be found. I brought my two oldest kids and they had a blast on their first time there. One got 15lbs of clothes downstairs. It was amazing. Still a great place to go. The staff is always awesome and friendly. A must if you are in or around cambridge."

Lindsay D

Swampscott, MA

"You must experience the kitsch and kewl of the Garment District. From the famous pink trimmed building to the costumed craziness inside, this is more than an "alternative department store." It is a legend. Not only do they buy and sell vintage and specific types of specialty clothes, but they have plenty of new items and a perpetual costume section that will leave your head spinning. And that's okay, 'cuz you can buy a new head in that costume department.

You don't go to the Garment District because you need clothes. You go because you *love* clothes -- and history, pizzzazzzzz, fashion, and treasure hunting. Both floors of this hidden gem will entertain and inspire you, and most certainly get you walking out of there with something fabulous.

Bring Your Own Bag to stuff it all in, as the city is now bag-free. But don't miss the chance to peruse the goods at this Cambridge icon."

Boston

"Literally the best place ever. Upstairs has designer and name brand clothes at low prices, organized by color. There are shoes too. Some of my favorite purchases are a new Anne Taylor Loft dress with tags(less than $20), leather boots ($17), and a giant comfy flannel shirt ($10ish-- it was on sale).

Pay by the pound (2 dollars for one pound of clothes) is a giant pile of clothes (men's, women's, children's mixed together). It usually also has worthwhile stuff, but requires patience and digging. If you want to go to pay by the pound, wear tight clothes that you don't care about getting dirty so that you can try stuff on as you go. When in doubt about purchasing something from by the pound, remember that the item in question will almost definitely cost less than a dollar.

In thrift shopping in general, look for stains and missing buttons before buying something you're on the fence about.

My only complaint is that shopping here is addicting. Come with a budget."

Abigail K

Cambridge

Testimonials

For information about our COVID-19 policies click here »

Subscribe to OUR Newsletter

STORE HOURS

DIRECTIONS