Bozeman’s best thrift

If I’m being honest here, Bozeman winters get me a little down. If you can relate, then you, too, might be the type in search of a pick-me-up amidst the chilly months. I present the cure to these downer days: retail therapy. Bozeman’s full of great places to get your fix, but what I’m most here for is its eclectic thrift scene. Since coming to Bozeman, I’ve been able to curate my best collection of clothing to date thanks to the impressive pre-loved options this town has to offer. I should probably tell you now, as someone losing the long-term battle to clothing addiction, I’m only an enabler. I am here to encourage you to spend money. But, as someone who values ethical and sustainable shopping practices (and not devastating my bank account), I’ve got some local, thrifty solutions to get you feeling fine and fashionable!

Sacks – Best Variety 

Conveniently located just off Main Street where Grand Avenue meets Mendenhall, Sack’s Thrift Store has great walkability. There’s plenty of kitschy decor and housewares to scour through if that’s your thing. The store’s new layout has left all the clothing in the back of the shop, which is less organized and more difficult to look through than in the past. But what it lacks in luster, it makes up for in fresh finds. Not only can you find a lot of sportswear in great condition, but there are tons of funky clothing and jewelry pieces suitable for any occasion if you look deep enough.

Bridger Thrift – Best Prices

Before even entering Bridger Thrift, you can find racks full of $1 threads out front, most of which are in prime condition. The inside has a cute ski lodge look with plenty of room to roam. Upstairs there’s a room filled with books, long-forgotten records and solid-B+ 2000s rom-com DVDs. Downstairs is where the money is at, though. It’s full of clothing racks that appear underwhelming on the surface but are stowing all sorts of hidden gems. The best part of this thrift experience is its affordability. I haven’t found another spot in Bozeman where I can score four items all under ten dollars.

Bozeman Goodwill – Most Options

True to a lot of Goodwills, there’s a clear layout of the space, and it’s easy to beeline to the merchandise you’re most interested in. But the pricing makes it less of a competitor, as thrifters like me will tell you that five dollars for a single t-shirt is a rough deal. As far as Goodwills go, the Bozeman location is one of those hit-or-miss types, as some clothes are rather outdated, sitting in the camp of 2000s fashion that is sure to never make a comeback (thank God!). Other times, you can walk out of there with some surprisingly unique and authentic goods for $20-30. And if you consider what you might spend on a brand-new shirt online, it’s not such a bad deal.

Bozeman Vintage – Best Atmosphere

Bozeman Vintage wins for the cutest thrift store. Big time. It’s tastefully decorated and full of curated clothes from all over, with a leaning toward Western fashion. Price wise, it’s definitely your typical vintage store. A retro t-shirt can cost anywhere from $18 to $40. But considering how one-of-a-kind the clothing is, it is hard to resist spending a little more when you deposit that paycheck. Luckily you don’t have to feel too bad for spending $50 on one item, because you’re shopping the right way, and good on ya!