Vintage Clothing Stores in Milwaukee

Are you looking for a hip old blazer, a sassy polka-dot dress, or an original Izod polo in Milwaukee? You can always hit the thrift stores if you don’t mind searching through thousands of undesirable pieces to find that funky, cool-again item. Or you can check out these vintage clothing stores in Milwaukee. These places have done all the work for you, and although the prices are higher, they assure you a selection of desirable vintage clothing from a wide range of fashion eras. You’ll find everything from 1920s flapper fads to 1980s neon at these vintage clothing stores in Milwaukee.

1. The Yellow Jacket
2225 N. Humboldt Ave
Milwaukee, WI
414.372.4744
MCTS Bus Routes: 10, 21

Rumor has it that Yellow Jacket is relocating from its largely unremarkable space on Humboldt to an old Victorian house on Brady Street sometime in 2006 or 2007. If and when it happens, the already well-reputed vintage clothing store will draw even more foot traffic while selling the same 60s, 70s, and 80s garb that makes it a hipster haven. Prices are a little lofty, but the selection is even shrewder than at most vintage stores.

2. Tip Top Atomic Shop
2343 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53207
414.486.1951
www.tip-top-atomic.com
MCTS Bus Routes: 15, 51

Pleasant proprietors Jim and Lisa Dutcher operate Tip Top Atomic Shop, the only Milwaukee spot for rockabilly merchandise and other duds from the 40s and 50s. In addition to Daddy-O shirts, Eisenhower-era skirts, and other staples of the brylcreem fashion times, Tip Top Atomic Shop sells furniture and household goods that harken back to the early days of the Cold War. While the hours of this Bayview establishment are quite limited, the owners are happy to arrange appointments for eager customers.

3. Vieux et Nouveau
1688 N. Franklin Pl.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
www.vieuxetnouveau.com
414.287.9049
MCTS Bus Routes: 15, 10

Living up to its name, this charming shop sells an eclectic mix of both old and new clothing. Presenting “fashion for the hip woman,” the stores offers a deft array of blouses, dresses, scarves, handbags, jewelry, and other accoutrements (but nothing for men). Unlike some resale shops, Vieux et Nouveau also welcomes curvy women to the racks. Be sure to visit them online, as the inventory is well-organized and you’ll want to prepare yourself for the same sticker shock you’ll encounter in the store.

4. Closet Classics, Caffeine and Clothing
1000 E. North Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53212
414.265.1950
www.eclosetclassics.com
MCTS Bus Routes: 10, 21

Claiming to provide the biggest selection of men’s and women’s clothing in the Midwest, Closet Classics maintains two full floors of sweaters, jackets, dresses, skirts, pants, shoes, and accessories. In fact, you’ll wonder where they found everything. Because they move more volume than other vintage clothing stores, it seems, their prices are more reasonable. Closet Classics does stock plenty of foofier items, but the vibe is largely casual and comfortable, with clothes from or inspired by every fashion era of the 20th century. Oh, and while you’re visiting this Riverwest garb hub, be sure to have a strong cup of coffee!