15 Best Vintage Clothing Brands to Look For at Thrift Stores
Thrifting your way through racks of secondhand clothes can feel like a treasure hunt, especially when you know how to find vintage clothing that holds both history and style. Whether you're curating a sustainable wardrobe, hunting for nostalgic ‘90s clothing brands, or just love the art of the thrift, vintage clothing has a way of telling stories while turning heads at the same time. But with so many labels to sort through, how do you know which vintage brands are worth snapping up on sight?
Don't fret, we've got your back. Below is your go-to guide for some of the best vintage clothing brands to keep an eye out for – brands that combine authentic style, quality craftsmanship, and that just-right mix of old-school cool and everyday mood.
1. Levi’s
If you're building a vintage wardrobe, Levi’s should be your starting point. This brand has stood the test of time, offering some of the most iconic denim pieces in the fashion world. Their jeans, jackets, and shirts have shaped wardrobes for generations, and vintage Levi’s still deliver that classic Americana aesthetic we love.
When thrifting Levi’s among used clothes:
Look for 501s, 505s, and high-waisted fits with paper or red tab labels.
Seek out older washes with natural fading and fraying for that perfect retro vibe.
Consider pairing them with boots, sneakers, or thrifted accessories for your own unique look. Vintage Levi’s denim is incredibly versatile.
Levi’s offers authenticity, quality, and timeless fit, everything you want in secondhand denim.
2. Champion (Reverse Weave)
Before it was a streetwear staple, Champion was an underdog in the athletic wear game. Now? Their vintage Reverse Weave sweatshirts are cult favorites. Known for their heavyweight fabric, ribbed side panels, and relaxed fit, these pieces strike the perfect balance between cozy and cool.
The best things to thrift are:
Reverse Weave crewnecks or hoodies with vintage tags and thick cotton material
Pieces with older logos and simple collegiate-style lettering
Champion designs offer the kind of retro flair that never feels forced
Whether you're layering over a skirt or pairing with denim, vintage Champion adds effortless style to any outfit.
3. Carhartt
Vintage Carhartt pieces are like that one friend who’s tough on the outside but soft once you get to know them. Originally made for hardworking folks, these jackets, overalls, and pants are built to last, and get better with age. They're known for their heavyweight canvas, boxy fit, and utilitarian vibe.
Vintage Carhartt pieces wear beautifully, offering both function and fashion in one tough-as-nails package. Classic duck canvas jackets with worn-in patina are always a win. Look for old patches, zippers, and original tags for authenticity.
4. Ralph Lauren
Few brands embody timeless elegance like Ralph Lauren. From Polo shirts to cable-knit sweaters, Ralph’s vintage pieces exude a kind of laid-back luxury that feels effortlessly put together.
When searching for Ralph Lauren, look for:
Polo bear sweaters
Rugby shirts
Button-down oxfords
Embroidered pony logos and older tags for the real vintage deal
Ralph Lauren offers pieces that transition seamlessly from daywear to dressy, always with a polished edge. Thrifting Ralph Lauren means adding charm, quality, and classic style to your vintage collection.
5. Pendleton
Pendleton is pure, cozy craftsmanship. With roots going back over a century, this brand is known for its wool shirts, colorful tribal patterns, and rich outdoor heritage. When you come across vintage Pendleton, you’re finding a piece of history that still looks (and feels) amazing.
Keep an eye out for:
Wool flannels, blanket coats, and button-ups in bold color combos
Older labels and 100% virgin wool materials
Styles that layer well with denim, turtlenecks, or your favorite thrifted jackets
Vintage Pendleton brings warmth, elegance, and authenticity to any cold-weather outfit.
6. Nike
Nike is still everywhere today, but vintage Nike pieces bring a different kind of magic. Think windbreakers in bold colorblocks, vintage running shoes with chunky soles, and tees with faded ‘80s and ‘90s graphics. There’s something special about the simplicity of old Nike designs that still turns heads.
What to snag:
Windbreakers, runners, and graphic tees with vintage logo variations
Older tags (single-stitch or Made in USA) for better quality and authenticity
Shoes and shirts from vintage Nike collections that feel like wearable time capsules
Nike’s vintage aesthetic is sporty, cool, and completely original, ideal for any era of fashion.
7. Adidas
Another vintage fashion MVP? Adidas. With its 3-stripe designs, trefoil logo, and classic tracksuits, Adidas has long been a go-to for fashion-forward yet practical clothing. When it comes to thrifting, vintage Adidas offers unbeatable throwback vibes.
Look out for:
Track jackets, striped pants, and trefoil-logo tees from older drops
Unique colorways and materials you won’t find in new collections
Great condition pieces that hold up for everyday wear
Whether you’re channeling early hip-hop style or just want to level up your weekend ‘fit, vintage Adidas is always a good look.
8. The North Face
If you spot a vintage North Face jacket while thrifting, don’t hesitate, grab it. These classic pieces blend high-performance outerwear with an unmistakable '90s aesthetic. The older designs often feature bold colorblocking, embroidered logos, and durable zippers that still hold up today.
Some of the best vintage gems to score from North face include:
Denali fleeces, Summit Series labels, and colorblocked puffers
Retro styles that pair well with denim, vintage shirts, or other outdoor-inspired clothing
Pieces that offer real warmth with real fashion cred
The North Face is one of those timeless vintage brands that offers both quality and edge, and it’s always a solid addition to your wardrobe.
9. Guess
Guess is all about that sultry '90s aesthetic. Think of stonewashed jeans, bold logos, and a certain mood that feels both casual and elevated. It’s one of the most iconic vintage fashion labels for a reason.
Guess is a must-score vintage clothing brand because:
Triangle logo jeans and cropped denim jackets are hot-ticket items
It offers a unique fit that flatters and adds shape
It’s known for original designs and vintage clothing that’s as wearable now as it was back in the day
Vintage Guess is a mood, confident, bold, and ready to make a statement.
10. Tommy Hilfiger
If you’re drawn to bold colorblocking and sporty-meets-preppy pieces, vintage Tommy Hilfiger is your jam. This brand brings all the retro vibes with oversized shirts, jackets, and accessories that blend American heritage with modern cool.
Consider these thrifting tips when looking for vintage Tommy Hilfiger:
Keep an eye out for nautical jackets, bold logo shirts, and oversized windbreakers.
Older label tags and heavyweight fabrics are signs of better quality and authenticity.
Pair your Tommy Hilfiger finds with vintage denim and white sneakers for that timeless ‘90s vibe.
Tommy is a go-to for those who love their thrift items to be both playful and polished.
11. Patagonia
Patagonia is more than a fashion label, it’s a lifestyle. And vintage Patagonia gear, from fleece pullovers to climbing jackets, captures that perfect balance between utility and aesthetic.
Patagonia is a thrift store favorite for a few different reasons, including:
Excellent build quality that’s meant to last
Minimalist yet distinct retro color palettes
Ethically produced pieces that support sustainability
It’s a great brand for people who love vintage style and care about the planet, something we can all get behind.
12. Wrangler
Few labels embody American workwear like Wrangler. Known for its rugged denim, this brand has been a staple for generations, and it only gets better with age.
Keep your eye out for:
“W” stitched pockets, old patch logos, and authentic wash patterns
Structured denim shirts and jackets with a classic Western twist
Timeless quality that holds up in both performance and style
Add Wrangler to your list if you love pieces that look good, feel durable, and offer that throwback authenticity.
13. Stüssy
If streetwear is your love language, Stüssy should be high on your thrift list. It helped shape skate culture in the ‘80s and ‘90s and still stands as one of the best vintage clothing brands to wear and collect.
Top Stüssy items include:
Graphic tees with hand-drawn logos and limited-run prints
Hoodies and accessories that pair with everything from baggy jeans to mini Skirts
Original label tags that speak to Stüssy’s roots in the West Coast surf scene
Every piece has a bit of attitude, and that’s what makes it special.
14. Esprit
Fun, funky, and full of heart, Esprit’s vintage pieces are a throwback to brighter days. Their ‘80s and ‘90s collections are filled with bold colors, relaxed silhouettes, and playful energy.
When shopping Espirit, look out for:
Oversized sweaters, color-blocked jackets, and patterned skirts
Signature labels with rainbow accents or blocky fonts
Pieces that work well layered with more neutral thrifted items
If your style leans cheerful and eclectic, Esprit will fit right into your collection.
15. Dickies
Dickies brings workwear charm to everyday wardrobes, and its vintage pieces are the definition of quietly cool. Durable and minimal, they blend seamlessly into both street and utility fashion scenes.
When shopping for vintage Dickies, try to score:
Carpenter pants, chore coats, and structured button-downs
Neutral tones and clean lines that work with nearly every outfit
Gender-inclusive fits and authentic materials that last
Vintage Dickies is a perfect example of how function can become fashion, and why the best finds are often built to last.
Discover Timeless Vintage Brands at ShopGoodwill.com
There’s no better feeling than discovering a classic label tucked between the racks, especially when it’s one of these iconic vintage brands. Whether you’re assembling your dream wardrobe, flipping finds for resale, or simply indulging in a little fashion nostalgia, secondhand shopping puts you one step closer to something truly unique.
At ShopGoodwill.com, we make the hunt easier. Our online thrift store offers a curated selection of clothing from brands to look for at thrift stores — Levi’s, Adidas, Esprit, and more. Every piece has a story, and when you shop vintage, you're giving that story a new chapter. When you shop with ShopGoodwill.com, you’re also supporting communities and creating job opportunities with every purchase.
Go ahead, explore the collections, find your fit, and build a wardrobe full of original, good-quality pieces that offer style, sustainability, and that unmistakable vintage charm.
Sources:
The Daily Overview. (2025). 8 Valuable Vintage Clothing Brands You Should Never Throw Away. https://thedailyoverview.com/8-valuable-vintage-clothing-brands-you-should-never-throw-away/
Worthly. (2025). 10 Vintage Brands That Can Make Every Thrift Trip Worthwhile. https://worthly.com/most-expensive/fashion/vintage-brands-that-can-make-every-thrift-trip-worthwhile/