We all share a responsibility as consumers to seek the most ethical and practical options—the best way to do this is to thrift. Thrifting consists of shopping at second-hand clothing stores that offer other options than fast-fashion outlets, which contribute to modern slavery, countless human rights violations, and environmental issues worldwide. Turning towards this alternative to expand your wardrobe is both a conscientious and affordable choice—perfect for students on a budget! After all, shopping ethically is the key to being truly fashionable.
Here are some stores you can visit for good finds.
Boutique Mont-Royal, 1284 avenue du Mont-Royal Est
Boutique Gilford, 1380 rue Gilford
Located in the Plateau Mont-Royal since the 1980s, La Boutique Les Petits Frères presents thrift clothing, vintage items, jewelry, books, toys, and furniture. There are currently two Petits Frères boutiques in the Plateau, situated a short walk away from each other, both restocking well-curated items daily. All revenue generated goes towards the Little Brothers Foundation, which funds programs to support Quebec seniors and counteract isolation among the elderly. La Boutique Les Petits Frères welcomes volunteers from various backgrounds and prides itself on providing excellent customer service.
Rosemont, 5425 rue de Bordeaux suite 101-F
Mala MTL is a Latinx-owned and operated plus-size thrift store offering sizes from L to 6X. Founded by Sandra Munoz Diaz in 2018, this independent business aims to promote body positivity through affordable clothes, vintage items, accessories, jewelry, and commissions for custom pieces. Shopping for plus-size clothing has been and continues to be especially challenging, with most stores putting little to no effort into offering fitting and stylish size-inclusive clothes. Diaz displays her passion for fashion by creating a safe place for the plus-size community and hand-selecting various quality pieces. You can catch the frequent promos of the store on its Instagram account @malamtl, with “2 for 1” deals and items going for $10 CAD and below!
Côte-des-Neiges/Notre-Dame-de-Grâce 1620, rue Notre-Dame ouest Montréal ― Centre, 7066, rue St-Hubert
Montréal ― Sud, 4025, rue Wellington, Verdun
The Salvation Army is a Christian Protestant church and international charitable organization serving more than 130 countries worldwide. They offer a wide range of clothing, shoes, fashion accessories, books, toys, antiques, and more. The stores provide accessible shopping for people with disabilities by ensuring access for wheelchair users and people with mobility aids. It also participates in a program to help reduce waste production in Canada and the profits finance its services.
Saint-Léonard, 4127, rue Jean-Talon Est
Outremont, 1085 avenue Bernard
The renowned and go-to thrift store Renaissance is a non-profit organization. You can find one at almost every corner of Montréal, offering exceptionally affordable selections—most clothing items cost less than $10 CAD, and you can find many pieces from well-known and trendy brands by browsing through the racks. Renaissance has welcomed volunteers with mental and physical disabilities for more than twenty years. Plus, if you’re looking for a day of thrifting, you can pass by the two Les Petits Frères boutiques in Plateau Mont-Royal, conveniently located beside Renaissance Plateau.
Ville-Marie, 2015 Boulevard St-Laurent
Eva B is a Montréal-based vintage boutique decorated with an 80s flair and a vegan café inside. The store has shoes, jewelry, books, paintings, artsy pieces like modified mannequin torsos, and furniture making the place unique. While the bottom floor is reserved for selected vintage items predating the era of fast fashion—with prices over $25 CAD—the top floor offers more modern and affordable clothes starting at only $3 CAD. Eva B’s bistro/bar presents a selection of drinks, sandwiches, and sweets you can enjoy inside, including a $1 CAD espresso! Eva B preserves the authentic thrifting experience of hunting for good finds and also has a second boutique called Eva D just a minute’s walk away. You can donate or sell clothes and receive store credit for your next purchases!
