Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Seven Sarasota Shops Where You Can Score Your Next Vintage 'Fit

Sarasota is a vintage clothing hound's dream.

By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson February 18, 2022

Rows of brightly colored vintage clothing at Canned Ham Vintage.

Rows of brightly colored vintage clothing at Canned Ham Vintage.

Image: Barbara Banks

Do you love a good '70s jumpsuit, collect mid-century tiki fashions or delight in the distinctive clink of Bakelite bangles? In other words, does the hunt for vintage clothing and accessories excite you?

We hope so, because Sarasota is a vintage clothing hound's dream. From artfully arranged stores that will transport you through time to mysterious racks brimming with treasures from yesteryear, you'll find plenty of potential for stylish new "glad rags." Plus, shopping at these sustainable fashion sites supports local businesses and helps fund a variety of community enrichment programs.

Here are seven places to find your next vintage gem.

Sparkly vintage jewelry at Canned Ham Vintage.

Sparkly vintage jewelry at Canned Ham Vintage.

Image: Barbara Banks

Canned Ham Vintage

2081 12th St., Sarasota, (941) 313-1280, cannedhamvintage.com

A colorful new mural by Florida artist Jennifer Kosharek welcomes you through the front doors of Canned Ham Vintage. Inside, you’ll find a retro wonderland of clothing, accessories and housewares curated by proprietrix Ashley Rogers and her fashion-history-savvy team. Recent stock includes a collection of classic Harley-Davidson shirts, '60s paper dresses, 1940s painted men’s ties and reversible '70s-style halter tops handmade in the shop out of vintage fabrics.

SPARCC Treasure Chest

1426 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, (941) 953-7800, sparcc.net

Proceeds from the SPARCC Treasure Chest benefit Sarasota’s Safe Space and Rape Crisis Center. The nonprofit resale shop serves the dual purpose of finding a second home for designer clothing, jewelry and antiques, while also supporting empowerment-based services and programs. Stop by to browse an ever-changing selection of breezy beach looks, daywear and denim for both men and women.

Todburn Antiques

1526 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, (941) 365-4777

Elegant mannequins wearing sequinned party gowns, poodle skirts and silk kimonos are arranged throughout Todburn Antiques, where a dress-up boutique rests in the heart of the store. Brimming with bedazzled evening wear, floral print dresses and colorful sets, the store will deliver your next head-turning outfit. Finish the ensemble by visiting the extensive jewelry cabinets or the wall of chapeaus to find a feathered fascinator or wide-brimmed straw hat.

The Exchange

539 S. Orange Ave., Sarasota, (941) 955-7859, shop.sarasotawex.com

Since 1962, The Exchange has supported local visual and performing arts programs, by funding grants and scholarships through its resale shop. Located in the Burns Court neighborhood, the store's rotating selection of designer merchandise means you never know what sartorial discovery you might find. A Lilly Pulitzer sundress or some Ralph Lauren slacks, perhaps? Don’t forget the outfit finishers: belts, shoes and scarves.

Fabulous Finds at Pines

1221 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, (941) 552-1849; 1038 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, (941) 365-1616; pinesofsarasota.org

The Fabulous Finds at Pines, which benefits the Pines of Sarasota Rehabilitation and Senior Care Community, has two locations for treasure hunting. One is situated in the nonprofit’s main campus, where it helps support residents' everyday needs, and then there's a second shop just down the lane. Explore both for an assortment of previously loved clothing in addition to a wide assortment of accessories, handbags, scarves and jewelry.

The Blue Heirloom

5650 Swift Road, Sarasota, (941) 726-7829, theblueheirloom.com

Though The Blue Heirloom's selection is hardly limited to clothing, the attire racks are not to be missed. Whether it’s a 1950s novelty print swing skirt, a flowing boho dress or a new-to-you pair of cowboy boots to take line dancing, there’s a little something for everyone. Plus, there's a chance to find a vintage parasol or hand-painted fan to complete the look.

World's Attic Thrift Store

700 N. Beneva Road, Sarasota, (941) 330-0065, worldsattic.org

Any day is a good day to go thrifting according to the World’s Attic Thrift Store. The non-profit, which benefits the Mennonite Central Committee, supports mission trips around the world and local organizations such as Loving Hands, Safe Family Coalition and the Gator Wilderness Camp. With constant new donations, there’s always a chance to score a second-hand fur coat, a retro flower button-up or vintage children’s clothing.

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