Top Vintage Clothing Stores in Indianapolis Offer Shoppers Huge Savings

Got a yen for designer clothing or retro fashion but a little short of cash? If so, Indianapolis may be the perfect destination. Vintage clothing stores in Indianapolis range from those catering to lovers of couture to fashion divas who want hip or trendy clothing. You can even find classic clothing at these stores.

Here are some of the best vintage clothing stores in Indianapolis. Check out the special tips under the description of each store to help you find the ones you’d like to visit first. Each store has a unique atmosphere or attraction :

Among the best vintage clothing stores in Indianapolis is Red Rose. Not only does the store have a range of dresses, suits and accessories but it has a certain atmosphere and style that make it stellar. The store windows may contain themes similar to what you’d find in the famous store, Barneys, with one mannequin wearing an outfit with an I Dream of Jeannie theme. Another window might feature a mannequin dressed to resemble Johnny Depp or even one taken from Phantom of the Opera. Wit, personality and unique style all set this store apart from the crowd.

This is the place to find platform shoes, zebra prints and even that Miami Vice hip look, however retro. If you’re looking for historical clothing, this Indianapolis vintage clothing store is a must because some fashions date back to 1900. You’ll also find plenty of 60s, 70s and 80s styles as well, along with newer fashions.

Price range? Around $8 to $20 for clothing and $25 and up per night for rental of complete outfits. As you might expect, Halloween and holidays are busy times in this store.

Special feature: The owner not only sells vintage clothing but also rents fashions, a very cool option! You can also find mannequins, props, stuffed giant alligators and all sorts of accessories to jazz up a party as well as Zoltan fortune teller figure that could come straight out of the movie, Big. This is one store where both men and women and even kids could all find plenty to see and do.

Red Rose
6169 N. College
Indianapolis, IN 46220

Phone: 317-5016

Hours: Mon-Sat: 12-5 pm
Sunday – open occasionally

Another top vintage clothing store in Indianapolis is Thrifty Threads. This is one of my favorite stores, especially since it isn’t too far away from my usual grocery stores and favorite bookstores. It is located right next to another bargain hunter’s paradise, Half Price Books. Although the store does not sell only clothing, most of the space is taken up by clothing in both vintage and modern fashion styles.

Name brands are easy to find here and guys will have a field day finding designer and retro ties and accessories. One section of the store is stocked only with exclusive and higher end boutique styles which sell for a fraction of their retail price. It is very easy to find business suits, especially those with a bit of zip and vintage furs and hippie era clothing are easy to find too. A relative recently found a very cool, patchwork suede skirt with matching vest. I’d guess it was made either in the late 60s or early 70s.

Special features: the store stocks mens, womens and children’s clothing. All proceeds go to The Julian Center, an organization which helps women leaving abusive relationships. Shoppers not only do good for themselves by shopping at this particular vintage clothing store in Indianapolis but do good for others as well.

Thrifty Threads
1501 W. 86th street
Indianapolis, IN 46260

Phone: 317 – 802-9612

Hours: Mon – Friday – 10 -6pm
Saturday – 9 am – 5 pm

Moving on to the third vintage clothing store on the Indianapolis list, bargain shoppers who really crave low prices can’t afford to pass up one of the many Goodwill stores in the city. While not billed as a vintage clothing store, I find the Goodwill store on Michigan Road to be a great source of older styles as well as more modern ones. Like Thrifty Threads, this store caters to men, women and children.

Depending on the day, time and season of year (many people donate clothing just before Christmas or the start of the school season, a time when they are buying new fashions and getting rid of older ones), you can find some great bargains here. Dresses, jeans, children’s shoes, retro or vintage ties and suits…they are all available.

Price range? From $3.99 on up – but the average is about $5.00 or less.

Special feature: New items are put on sale daily. The clothing is always being restocked.

Goodwill
8456 N. Michigan Road
Indianapolis, IN 46268

Hours:
9-9 Mon- Sat
Phone: 317-334-0635

Another surprising and unusual source of vintage clothing in Indianapolis is The Salvation Army. Sponsored by a Christian organization, many hours of volunteer help go into using the proceeds from sales to help social service work, charities and provide disaster relief to needy families. Having visited many of these stores, I have seen plenty of vintage clothing on stock. I’ve also found old Play School toys, electronics (hand-held Pacman games, anyone?) and even furniture.

The prices are rock bottom – low, low, low!

When it comes to vintage clothing, you can find some of the earliest Levis available in any store, online or of….as well as Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, Puma. One day I even saw a Maggy London dress in there!

Special feature: They tolerate kids and the atmosphere is strictly “come as you are”. Low prices are a major plus – and I mean lower than normal, even for a bargain priced range of values. Do be prepared for a crowded store sometimes.

Salvation Army
5450 Emerson Way
Indianapolis, IN 46226

Phone (317) 253-6890
Hours: Mon- Sat – 10 am to 8 pm

A fifth “must visit” vintage clothing store in Indianapolis is Broad Ripple Vintage. Clothing dates back as far as the 1940’s and be prepared to dig through some very tightly stocked racks. Students as well as hip housewives looking to save money shop here. The store has a huge mix of age ranges and customers, all looking for that special outfit, pair of jeans or stylish dress.

It is located in the trendy area of Broad Ripple and has a very relaxed atmosphere.

Special features: Every Thursday, students get a 10% special discount. There are occasional sales on the already decent prices. Also a plus? Inventory is arranged by size, making it easier to find what you want in the size you need.

Broad Ripple Vintage
824 E. 64th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46220

Hours: Mon – Sat: 11 am – 7 pm
Sun: 12-6

Phone: 317-255-4135