Best NYC thrift store for men's suits

June 2, 2010 8:17 AM

Where do I buy a used men's suit in New York City?

I need a general purpose suit (dark, classic design) and don't want to spend a lot. I figured I could get higher quality for the same price at a thrift store. I've heard that New York City thrift stores often have good clothing, and I'm here for a few days. Am I likely to find something? Where should I go?

posted by domnit to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (15 answers total)

Housing Works
posted by The Whelk at 8:20 AM on June 2, 2010

Also, the Salvation Army on Bedford Ave in Williamsburg has been good to me - also the huge Goodwill in Chelsea is a dumping ground for unsold stock.
posted by The Whelk at 8:21 AM on June 2, 2010

Also go to century 21 in the financial district....they have awfully cheap suits (even though they are new)....and often brand name.....I bought a Calvin Klein tuxedo not long ago for about $150.
posted by The1andonly at 8:25 AM on June 2, 2010

Be warned, Century 21 is a madhouse at almost all hours.
posted by The Whelk at 8:26 AM on June 2, 2010 [1 favorite]

You didn't mention your price range, but you can get a new suit for ~$100 at SYMS on 42 Trinity Pl. It's right near the C21 mentioned above so you can hit up both. Otherwise, the Goodwill on 121st and 3rd is a great place for used clothes; it's where UES/UWS people donate their stuff. My coworker got a pair of really nice Prada heels for a song there, so I'll assume they have nice suits for just as cheap.
posted by griphus at 8:30 AM on June 2, 2010

In case it's not clear "UES/UWS people" = people who have a lot of money and so who may have donated a used suit with a classic design.
posted by dfriedman at 8:47 AM on June 2, 2010 [1 favorite]

Seconding The Whelk. Housing Works has great stuff and is a great cause.
posted by The Bellman at 8:54 AM on June 2, 2010

Response by poster: Thanks everyone, and thanks Whelk.

Housing Works has a lot of locations--are one or two of the stores particularly, er, suited to my needs?

I had specifically heard that UES/UWS people donate good stuff, which is why I wanted to get the suit in NYC. From your answers so far it seems like Chelsea may be a good place to check out a few stores. Opinions one way or another?
posted by domnit at 9:15 AM on June 2, 2010

Response by poster: Does anyone know about the Arthritis Foundation store?
posted by domnit at 9:19 AM on June 2, 2010

The one with the biggest men's selection seems to be the one on ....17th street, but for some reason they tend to run pricer then the other branches.
posted by The Whelk at 9:21 AM on June 2, 2010

You're MUCH better off--if you're a fairly regular size--at Tokyo 7. A much smaller selection but much better.

Please, please when purchasing a used suit, then spend another $15 on a good tailor.
posted by RJ Reynolds at 10:00 AM on June 2, 2010

Seconding the Housing Works on 17th St. I used to get lots of great shirts for my bf there. The one on the UWS doesn't seem to have as great a selection of men's wear.
posted by kimdog at 10:09 AM on June 2, 2010

Ina, on Bleecker near the Bowery, and their men's store on Prince St. near Elizabeth. It's a couture consignment store, not a thrift shop, but they have excellent suits.
posted by nicwolff at 12:47 PM on June 2, 2010

Hands down it's 88th street and 2nd avenue good will. It's amazing, and upstairs is ALL MENS SUITS for like $20 or less. Once I found a Paul Smith shirt! Also, This article might help. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/06/fashion/06thrift.html
posted by SarahWriter at 2:09 PM on June 14, 2010

WARNING about the Salvation Army on Bedford, it's got bedbugs and rats. GALORE
posted by SarahWriter at 2:10 PM on June 14, 2010