If you’re searching for the best thrift stores Salt Lake City has to offer, you’re in the right place. From curated vintage boutiques to budget-friendly secondhand shops, Salt Lake has a surprisingly strong thrifting scene.
Whether you’re a seasoned thrifter or just getting started, there are plenty of great places to go thrifting in Salt Lake Utah where you can find unique pieces, save money, and shop more sustainably.
Here’s your guide to the top spots worth checking out.
Why Thrifting in Salt Lake City Is So Popular
Thrifting has become more than just a way to save money, it’s now a major part of sustainable fashion.
In cities like Salt Lake City, thrifting is especially popular because:
- The community values affordability and practicality
- There’s a strong culture of donation and reuse
- Vintage and streetwear styles are trending
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, millions of tons of textile waste end up in landfills each year, making secondhand shopping one of the easiest ways to reduce your environmental impact.
Best Thrift Stores in Salt Lake City
Here are some of the best places to go thrifting in Salt Lake Utah, whether you’re looking for trendy pieces, vintage finds, or everyday basics.
The Other Side Thrift Boutique
This isn’t your standard, cluttered thrift shop; it’s a beautifully curated boutique with a powerful mission. As a project of The Other Side Academy, it offers a clean, organized, and high-end shopping experience where proceeds directly support individuals in recovery programs. If you’re looking for high-quality furniture, home decor, or carefully vetted clothing without the “digging” fatigue, this is easily one of the best-kept secrets in the city.
You’ll find:
- Curated clothing
- Furniture and home goods
- Higher-quality, organized selections
If you prefer a cleaner, more elevated thrifting experience, this is a must-visit.
Deseret Industries Thrift Store
Consider this the granddaddy of Utah thrifting. Deseret Industries is known for its massive scale and incredibly low prices, making it the perfect spot for DIY enthusiasts and treasure hunters who love a challenge. Because the inventory is vast and turns over rapidly, it’s best approached with patience and an open mind. If you are hunting for basics, kitchenware, or a “diamond in the rough” project piece, this is your go-to destination.
Best for:
- Budget-friendly shopping
- Everyday basics
- Large inventory
Pro tip: Go early in the day for the best finds.
Pib’s Exchange
Located in the heart of the Sugar House neighborhood, Pib’s Exchange is the go-to for the fashion-forward crowd. They curate their selection specifically for current trends, meaning you won’t have to sift through as much “filler” to find something stylish. It feels more like a cool vintage boutique than a traditional thrift store, making it a perfect stop if you’re looking for trendy denim, band tees, or unique, “put-together” pieces that fit the modern SLC aesthetic.
Expect:
- Stylish, on-trend clothing
- A younger, fashion-forward vibe
- Higher-quality pieces compared to traditional thrift stores
This is perfect if you want thrifted clothes that already feel “put together.”
IconoCLAD
If your style leans toward the bold, eclectic, or avant-garde, IconoCLAD is your sanctuary. This shop specializes in high-quality vintage and alternative fashion that helps you stand out from the crowd. Whether you’re hunting for a statement leather jacket, 90s-era streetwear, or unique accessories to elevate a minimalist outfit, their inventory is consistently cool and carefully selected.
Highlights:
- Unique vintage pieces
- Bold styles
- Statement fashion
If you’re looking to stand out, this is one of the best vintage shops in Salt Lake City.
Goodwill Bins
For the serious, hardcore thrifter, the Goodwill Bins are an absolute must. Unlike standard stores where clothes are hung on racks, here you dig through large blue bins of unsorted goods priced by the pound. It’s gritty, intense, and requires a bit of endurance, but the payoff is some of the lowest prices you’ll find anywhere. Pro tip: Bring gloves and arrive early—this is where the best, most unique hauls are found by those willing to put in the work.
Great for:
- Basics
- DIY projects
- First-time thrifters
You can also explore locations and donation info at the goodwill website.
Uptown Cheapskate
Uptown Cheapskate bridges the gap between a thrift store and a modern clothing retailer. They operate on a resale model, buying and selling current brand-name clothing, which means you are far more likely to find mall brands and recognizable labels in great condition. If you want the thrill of a bargain but prefer a clean, trendy, and highly organized environment where you know exactly what brands to expect, this is your best bet.
You’ll find:
- Trendy fashion
- Recognizable brands
- A more curated selection
It’s a great middle ground between thrift and retail.
Mastering the Hunt: The Thrifter’s Pro-Level Strategy
Thrifting is an art form. While it’s tempting to dive into the racks as soon as you walk in, the most successful thrifters treat their trips like a strategic mission. Whether you’re hitting the bins or browsing a curated boutique, follow these steps to level up your haul:
1. Dress for the Job
Your outfit is your gear. Wear form-fitting basics (like leggings and a tank top) so you can easily try pieces on over your clothes if fitting rooms are busy or unavailable. Most importantly, wear comfortable, slip-on shoes. You’ll likely be spending hours on your feet, and you don’t want to be fumbling with laces every time you enter and exit a dressing room.
2. The “3-Second Scan” Strategy
Don’t touch every single hanger—you’ll burn out in ten minutes. Instead, use a “visual scan” to look for:
- Quality Fabrics: Train your eyes to spot natural fibers like cotton, linen, silk, and wool. These look better, last longer, and are almost always worth the price.
- Texture and Pattern: Look for interesting textures (tweed, corduroy, cable knit) or patterns that catch your eye before looking at the cut or size.
- The “Weight” Test: If you’re hunting for high-quality vintage, feel the fabric. Cheap, modern fast fashion feels thin and flimsy; high-quality pieces have a distinct weight and structure.
3. Look for “Upcycling Potential”
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is passing over items that are “almost perfect” but have a bad fit or a dated look. Instead of looking for a finished product, look for raw potential. Does that oversized blazer have amazing buttons? Does that boxy dress have great fabric but a silhouette that doesn’t flatter you?
If you see an item with great bones but a boring shape, it’s a prime candidate for a little DIY magic. Before you put it back on the rack, ask yourself: Can I hem this? Can I crop this? Can I turn this into something new? If you’re feeling inspired to breathe new life into your thrift store finds, check out our step-by-step guide on how to start upcycling clothes—it’s often much easier than you think to turn a “thrift fail” into your new favorite outfit!
4. Build a “Pre-Thrift” Checklist
Before you head out, have a rough idea of what you actually need. Are you looking for a winter coat? A specific pair of vintage Levi’s? If you go in with a “wish list,” you’re less likely to fall for impulse buys that end up sitting in your closet with the tags still on.
- Pro Tip: Keep a note on your phone with your measurements (waist, inseam, preferred blazer length). Thrifting sizes are often inconsistent or vintage, so knowing your actual numbers is better than relying on the tag.
5. Quality Control: The Inspection
Before you head to the register, perform a quick “triage” on every item. Hold it up to the light to check for:
- Missing Buttons or Broken Zippers: These are easy fixes, but know your limits.
- Stains and Pilling: Check armpits, cuffs, and hemlines. Some stains are permanent, and be realistic about how much effort you’re willing to put in to revive the garment.
- The “Smell Test”: If it’s an intense musty or mildew scent, it might not wash out. If you love the piece but it smells “thrifted,” be prepared to soak it in vinegar and water before putting it in your closet.
How to Style Thrifted Finds
One of the best parts of thrifting is creating unique outfits you won’t see anywhere else.
Try:
- Mixing vintage pieces with modern basics
- Layering textures and colors
- Using accessories to elevate simple outfits
A great bag can pull everything together. If you’re building a more intentional wardrobe, explore these sustainable options from milliegoat for some new inspiration!
They pair perfectly with thrifted looks and support a more conscious approach to fashion.
Sustainable Fashion Starts With Thrifting
Shopping secondhand is one of the easiest ways to reduce your environmental footprint.
Instead of contributing to fast fashion waste, thrifting allows you to:
- Extend the life of clothing
- Reduce demand for new production
- Support local communities
If you’re interested in learning more about textile waste and sustainability, this guide from Earth.org is a great resource!
What Are the Best Places to Go Thrifting in Salt Lake Utah?
To recap, some of the top spots include:
- The Other Side Thrift Boutique
- Deseret Industries
- Pib’s Exchange
- IconoCLAD
- Goodwill bins
- Uptown Cheapskate
Each offers a different experience, so it’s worth exploring a few to find your favorite.
Finding the best thrift stores in Salt Lake City isn’t just about saving money — it’s about discovering your personal style, shopping more sustainably, and enjoying the process.
Whether you’re hunting for vintage gems or everyday essentials, there’s no shortage of great places to go thrifting in Salt Lake Utah.
Start exploring, take your time, and don’t be afraid to dig a little — your next favorite outfit might be waiting on a rack.