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Bobby from Boston
Categories: Shopping Fashion Used, Vintage & Consignment Shopping Fashion Men's Clothing Used, Vintage & Consignment, Men's Clothing [Edit]
19 Thayer St(between Harrison Ave & Albany St)
Boston, MA 02118
Neighborhood: South End
(617) 423-9299
- Nearest Transit:
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E Berkeley St @ Harrison Ave (11, 9)
Washington St @ E Berkeley St (191, SL4, SL5)
E Berkeley St @ Washington St (11, 9)
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 12 pm - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
62 reviews for Bobby from Boston
Review Highlights
"bow ties, boots, and marching band uniforms."
(in 6 reviews)
"This women's selection is basically 30's-50's, with not as..."
(in 4 reviews)
"...this is a veritable treasure trove for menswear and men's..."
(in 2 reviews)
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62 reviews in English
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Review from Philip S.
Boston, MA
1/19/2012
This place is a Boston Landmark and NOT to be missed when visiting the City. I love walking into Bobby's and checking out all he has to offer. Its like walking into a retail museum but you can actually touch and wear it all!
His prices are great esp. when you would see similar vintage in NYC it would be marked up 3x's as much. Great selection of vintage shoes as well as some amazing ties, woven's and bags.
The staff is always helpful to me and you can tell they care about the shop.
I tip my retail hat to Bobby's of Boston. Good Job sir, -
Review from Shalin D.
12/3/2011
Ever wonder what it would be like rummaging through your grandfather's closet for an hour (that is, if your grandfather was a dapper Ivy Leaguer with impeccable taste)?
Just go to Bobby's. It'll do the job.
(P.S. Walked away with a leather trim canvas tote for $45 from here. Beat that.) -
Review from Logan J.
10/7/2011
ive been to this place a few different times in hopes to find some great vintage/retro clothes or anything interesting, but ive never actually bought anything here. i will say that its probably one of the better all-around second-hand stores in boston, especially for men. they have a really good selection of items, they are very organized, and they sell good quality items. some of their items are priced a little high for what they are, but in general, its pretty reasonable.
they have a really large selection of plaids, dress shirts, and coats...and they have quite a few random other items like belts, hats, shoes, etc. i wish they had more original items though...it all starts to look similar after spending about 15 minutes here. other than that though, its a really nice second-hand store--definitely one of the best in the area. -
Review from Andrew H.
Boston, MA
11/26/2011
Great selection of vintage clothes. Especially for menswear. Impressed by the wool coats and hats. Not impressed by employees eating greasy fast food in the selling area...not only does it smell, but it's kind of common sense not to risk getting your products dirty.
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Review from Alexander L.
Back Bay, Boston, MA
6/25/2011
Do you remember when you were five years old and tried on some of your dad's clothes and pretended to be a grownup? well this store is like walking in to your dad's old closet and finding that jacket that he had always worn or that silly looking hat he use to wear or that colorful tie that you tied around your head when you played ninja,
but now we are all grown up and found out that those clothes that your dad use to wear isn't so silly anymore and infact, fits pretty well -
Review from David V.
6/22/2011
What a fantastic store - when it comes to men's vintage from before 1970, this is the place to go. Vintage suits, dress shirts, sweaters, Hawaiian shirts and more with the store well-decorated in cool signage and artifacts. Most of the time I'm on the hunt for more functional, everyday wear vintage stuff, and as such, there isn't a whole lot here I'm looking to buy.
What I have picked up here on many occasion is old neckties. Whether you want skinny ties, wider ones or bow ties, Bobby has got you covered. Sometimes, when the SoWa market is underway, they wheel out a few racks of less-collectible but still cool sale items. -
Review from Jeremy K.
8/4/2011
this is about selling, so im rounding up to 4, but really im think 3.5 or so.
My wifes grandfather passed (i know, thank you) and we were cleaning, ok, scavenging, ok, ransacking his house looking for anything of value. at first glance he had nothing but junk, but as they say, one mans trash is another mans treasure, although, sometimes it really is just junk. anyways, instead of just throwing or donating everything, we came up with the bright idea to consign his crap. he was in hartford, and as you know, there is no culture or hipness in the whole state, so we had to haul all his stuff up north to the south end, enter, bfb.
What we brought was about a dozen suits, dozens of sweaters, several pairs of shoes, shirts, bowling shirts and some tie tacks, cufflinks and maybe 200 ties. channel and van clef and arpel this stuff was not, but I figured there was a few hundred bucks of stuff here....not the case.
bobby, nice man, had his lackeys, also nice guys, open every article we brought in and checked labels and composition of the clothing. turns out, polyblends and acrylics are not welcome in his shop, cant blame him really. all in all, he took about 5 jackets, all with labels and all wool, a scarf, 5 bowling shirts, a few button downs and 3 pairs of leather shoes and gave me 175 bucks. i was able to get him to go to 185, so a small victory for me.
better than nothing and if you did have a stash or an ailing old person, worth a shot. key stat, get them hats. women and mens hats from the 60s and earlier are big big business. alas, we didnt have any and i believe they even threw out the ones in the house well before it dawned on us to sell it.
as far as being a buyer, well now that i know what he pays for clothing on the back end, kinda hard to digest what he is asking on the front end. -
Review from Conor B.
San Francisco, CA
10/8/2011
Trying to keep this review short:
The most expensive items here are the Western Shirts. I didn't know classic Western Shirts could cost $150. Oh well, now I do.
However, his shoes and hat collections and prices are very, very reasonable. I bought my wedding shoes here - awesome 60's black oxfords with wooden soles. I bought an awesome businessman hat from the 60's here. I bought my friend an awesome Burberry wool cap from who knows when and wear. And the fact that they were all in amazing condition proves that Bobby can purchase. That's why Hollywood calls on him to clothe extras in movies - he's got a warehouse full of decade-appropriate attire cuz he knows how to buy.
I should note - I think all of the employees that work for Bobby are fantastic. They deserve 5 stars too. And Bobby, when he's there, is a very nice guy.
PS Also go to see: belts, cowboy boots, Baptist preacher uniforms, vintage women's gloves and hosiery, and 50's men's striped shirts. This isn't some Goodwill, don't expect 1989 Rec Dept shirts. This is for real. -
Review from Christopher M.
Somerville, MA
7/23/2010
Ready for a bombshell?
I'm giving Bobby's one star. No, it's not an accident. I didn't mean to select all five. One star.
Why, you may ask. Well. I'll tells ya.
I work a lot [*A LOT*], and I need a new wardrobe. I wanted to keep the budget low, but really invest in some awesome clothing so I thought. . . BOBBY'S!
No.
After looking at their hours, and comparing them to my tight schedule I called to make an appointment, after all appointments are preferred, and no one called me back. I even called back during normal business hours and no one answered.
Sorry Bobby, I'd love to drop some cash in your store and review you on the merits of your vintage ability, but when you and your staff care so little about the customers to even return a phone call to set an appointment, I have say "no thanks" and "one star" -
Review from Dan P.
Somerville, MA
7/9/2010 1 Check-in Here
I regret reviewing this place, its like I am letting everyone know about my dirty little secret. Sorta like an addiction you keep from loved ones, or a child from a past relationship. Well a kind soul told me about this marvelous place, and it is only fair, and as karma has it: mandatory that I bestow such important critical details for other gentlemen of our fair city Boston.
My love affair with Bobby From Boston started in the Fall of last year after long and intense interrogation over a few pints of bitter with an older gentlemen well dressed in tweed after we road together in a pack of savage Eglish three speeds decked out in canvas and leather bags, springy Brooks saddles, and woolen knickers. There we were in the North End drinking porters at the moment when I changed the friendly conversation between strangers to a more personal one. I asked where did he get his fine threads, for I am in the need of period correct turn of the century British cycling clothing myself. And that is when I found out about Bobby From Boston I will always remember that day, the weather, how the clouds were puffy but not too perky. The wind bit away at the summer air, and the flavorful aromas from our pint glasses.
Being in the vicinity of the barber shop I frequent monthly, I naturally stopped in for a gander after my trim and shave. Walking up the stairs wide eyed mouth agape, I peered at the wonders in the display windows. Brand new Levis Jeans from the 1950s, woolen plaid shirts when they were wool and not cotton!, Suspenders, bow ties, fedoras, briefcases, letterman sweaters, have I just found Mecca? Was it not these stairs I climb to a clothing store or something much greater. I took a deep breath before opening the door to this marvelous tomb which my wallet was about to do its magic upon. There would be no budget, there woud be no second thoughts, there would be precise decision making and instant gratification. Finally a vintage clothing store that tailors to men!
Over the past year, my whole sense of self worth has increased, there is more bounce in my step, more vigor in my rhetoric, I have tasted the nectar of the gods and it is Western bow ties, handmade sweaters from the 50s, Western shirts, fancy hats, and a tweed briefcase that I turned into a guitar effects pedal board. My life is complete, I can die a happy man now. Perhaps I will carry this secret longer in my heart before handing it over to my first born son. For surely he must be a man before he can enter such a holy place. He must earn the right to be dapper, and not just assume its a birthright because he father is a daddy-o!
Beware of the urge to buy it all, beware of the regrets for things not obtained. For Bobby From Boston has something for all of us, and upon each visit, the treasures sparkle brighter. The price for perfection is not cheap, but not unattainable either.Listed in: Self Pampering
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Review from Anthony M.
New York, NY
8/10/2010
Sometimes, when you're prepping for a safari, it is difficult to ready all the necessary supplies. For these times, a trip to "Bobby from Boston," is in order. They carry every instrument, accessory and wardrobe item that you might require. Vintage leather and canvas bags, pocket watches, wallets, spectacles,monocles, shaving supplies, bow-ties, suspenders, shoes, boots - they've got it all.
When I entered Bobby from Boston, I looked like a 20-something-year-old-dude-from-California. After a mere 30 minutes inside, I emerged a near twin of a young Harrison Ford in Raiders of the Lost Ark. -
Review from Dasha B.
Boston, MA
8/9/2010
My boyfriend fell in love with this place a few moments after setting foot inside. He was completely smitten with the vintage, worn leather messenger bags, the retro watches, the plethora of boots and shoes, and wooden, my-apartment-smells-of-rich-mahogany decor. He came away with a vintage Mercur straight edge razor for $25 (compared to the $150+ versions we saw in shops in Harvard Square). He'll probably be giddy with joy the first time he slices his face open, I mean, uses it.
The women's section wasn't really my speed. I actually liked a few of the vintage men's riding boots, but none were available in my size. -
Review from Allison T.
Allston, MA
7/1/2008
Hooray for a place to shop for veritable* vintage and antique clothing.
Along with the amazing threads that other reviewers have mentioned there's also a nice assortment of toppers, a few blankets, excellent shoes for the gents (check your sizes), and a smattering of trinkets as well.
Ladies I'll speak to you on this one: check out the selection of bags. Killer designs, fairly priced, and they'll always be in style.
My only complaint? I need more womens' wear in little sizes. I'm too selfish to want to shop here for others ;).
*As some of you know I have a real peeve about the way "vintage" gets thrown around sometimes. There's too much trendy bollox lately where someone thrifts a shit item from last year's H&M line and calls it "vintage" (sorry kids, vintage clothing = late 1920s through 80s). [the more you know** hearts and rainbows**]Listed in: Veritable Vintage, Shop and Learn
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Review from Erica S.
Media, PA
4/13/2008
YES. Yes yes YES. Finally, a place that really GETS vintage, and pulls it off with class.
My boyfriend was in need of some new clothes, and I'm always down for some vintage digging, so naturally we were both psyched to spend our warm, sunny Saturday rummaging around Bobby from Boston. We tried on tons of hats (all of which were too small for both of us-- have heads gotten larger??), bow ties, boots, and marching band uniforms. I strutted in some bell bottom burnt orange corduroys, while he lusted over the original British police hats.
To be clear, this is 75% a men's store, with a nice and concise women's selection in the back. While the women's racks did have some fun stuff (70's cocktail dresses, plaid sweater vests, and a selection of handbags to drool over), the huge open room filled with menswear is the big attraction. Though everything is vintage, a huge percentage of this stuff is "new used," meaning it has all the original tags on. Rob walked out of there with a brand new pair of Lee jeans, still starched beyond comprehension, and with the original pimp-tastic label in tact, for around $35.
Other big attractions? The huge case filled with retro sunglasses. The stacks of hats in every style imaginable. And the cases of funky extras, like pipes, flasks, and monocles. Don't miss the cowboy shirt rack in the back, the military style jackets, or the rows of classy bathrobes even Hef would want to be all up in.
Come here with some time to spare, and you'll be amazed how much there is to discover here, not just on the shelves, but under tables, and in the nooks and crannies. And once you've made your fabulous selections, keep in mind that they don't take credit, so bring some cash money.Listed in: VINTAGE: With a Vengeance!
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Review from Louis C.
11/3/2006 6 photos
Bobby's Vintage clothing is a hidden jewel!! Located in the South End of Boston, Bobby's is the only vintage store in Boston that goes above and beyond!! Garment District this is not!!!
Bobby's is a great store for vintage men's suits and blazers, casual shirts, work wear, boots, belts, leather bags, American and British military, and seasonal favorites.
There is a small woman's section, but it it always very nice rayon dresses and great separates from all eras.
Bobby can get you anything that you are looking for, given proper time. What can not be found at his store is in his warehouse and can be obtain for you if you called ahead. Apparently he's got it all as Hollywood often calls upon him for more than it's fair share of period motion pictures.
Prices are very reasonable, for what you are able to buy, and the setting and merchandising of the shop are gorgeous!
If you do visit Bobby's, talk with Bobby himself. He is a true gentleman, always willing to help with any questions that you might have, very knowledgeable in all of the items he has. He'll tell you stories of Hollywood and fashion designers from New York calling HIM for help!! He is a genius!! My hat goes off to him.
Very recommended for all fans of vintage, a must see! -
Review from Virginia su m.
Boston, MA
1/15/2010
i found the truly winning, razor-sharp, skinny black tie my soul has been searching for for months on end, and i found it at bobby's. bless my soul, it's perfect.
FELLAS- get over here and pick out some corduroys, boots, heavy-knit sweaters, odd vests, cute button-downs, and patterned bow-ties. everything is so well kept, so clever, so old-world charming.. every time i come here... i veesh i ver a boyee.
the ladies section is nice, but nothing like the boys section. do i complain? no. i think it's really cool to have a vintage show geared towards the gentlemen for a change.
congratulations fellas, you're in bobby's very stylish hands. a dim-wit could shop here and come out looking fresh.
trick people into thinking you're cool by shopping at bobby's from boston.Listed in: bored?.., the time machine, gifts
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Review from Morgan F.
San Francisco, CA
8/10/2007
I LOVE THIS PLACE.
It feels like you walked into The Royal Tenenbaums.
Besides the cool clothes, the place just looks fun and is an experience to walk around.
Bobby the owner is super duper nice and will tell you stories about the various vintage stores he has owned up and down the east coast and your browse the racks and rack of clothing and the awesome pool table.
GREEAT for guys, especially those who like clothes from 1970's and such. He actually buys dead stalk, so although its "vintage" lots of it has never been worn. Some of its more expensive, but its worth it. Tyler B and I went and despite the expensive look of the items, we was able to walk away with two shirts and a sweater for about $90.
In the side room there is a small selection of girls hats, shoes and dresses.
He has SUCH great stalk because he does costumes for movies and what you see is just a small small faction of what he keeps in his warehouse.
ALSO, bring cash, cuz its CASH ONLY! -
Review from Becki W.
Everett, MA
5/20/2008
I have never been so confuzzled about how to review a place in my life.
The clothes:
Primarily men's, primarily older men's at that. They are the epitome of vintage as the few dresses I saw there were straight out of the 50s and 60s. There were a couple of them that looked like material taken from my grandmother's sofa, if only grandma had dropped acid in the 60s. But that is just another sign of a good vintage store. MENTAL NOTE - Come back and buy the Jackie Kennedy outfit for Halloween.
The men's jackets were great. I saw some great tuxedo jackets, and some great leather jackets and coats. Some of the leather coats had the distinct feeling that their previous users use to have the middle name "The" as in :Vinnie the Butcher, or Bobby the Knife. I am assuming that once these people were fitted for stripes, their families cleaned the closet out of their other clothing
The Service:
The service could easily be better. It was very clear that 2 people behind the counter were much more focused on the pizza that they ordered than the customers. Which isn't particularly bad, as the few times they did answer questions, they did not really know the answer anyway. The entertaining man sitting by me in the back room, finishing his outfit for the All-White cruise he was getting ready for, had a better knowledge of their inventory, as well as a few other vintage places. -
Review from Sameer N.
New York, NY
1/7/2009
This place is DOPE. Basically there's a bunch of stuff here that looks like you could find it at RUGBY (the cheeseball answer from Ralph Lauren to Abercrombie) but it's much cooler. You can also find period pieces like WWII jackets and Monopoly man clothes. There's tons of ill shades and so much for the ladies too! It's a vintage store for people who want to dress like they're in a new Scorcese picture.
If you're super fabulous like me buy a polka-dot shirt, spandex shorts, and 70's rollerskates and just throw them on and go for a long skate in the summer time.
Depending on what you want you might not have to spend too much cash here either. Besides, what's more important than looking like a Gay Newsie from the 1930s on rollerskates? Food? Shelter? COME ON. GET YOUR PRIORITIES STRAIGHT. -
Review from Jamie S.
Boston, MA
11/27/2008
When I run out of eloquent ways to attempt to describe Bobby from Boston to the uninitiated, I typically fall back on this: "it's like a museum where you can buy stuff."
But it's so much more. The fact that Bobby is right around the corner from my office is simultaneously a blessing and a curse; given that it's on the way to both Dunkin' Donuts and El Triunfo, I find myself stopping in more often than I should (if I was a fiscally responsible person).
Some of the great stuff I've gotten at Bobby: vintage cuff links, British silk pocket squares, classic button down vests.
Some of the stuff I've mustered up the self-restraint to not buy (yet): silk smoking jackets, countless sport coats and classic ties, braces, shoes, boots, bowties, hats, and so on and so on. Hell, someone bought a monocle here a few weeks back. That's right, a monocle.
Seriously, this place is a trip when you step through the door for the first time, but you'll quickly find yourself digging through shelves, dressers, and jewelry boxes with no sense of purpose other than the joy of discovery. I feel like a kid in a candy store every time I walk in here. If you live in the area and haven't been to Bobby from Boston, you don't know what you're missing.
And for the record, they now accept credit cards (including American Express).Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Julie A.
Arlington, MA
3/23/2007
This guy knows his shit and has been doing it for years and years.
This store is the place to go if you are a guy who wants to look good. His suits are fabulous and his accessories make my eyes sparkle. His selection of vintage clothes and accessories is second to none, the quality is superb and the shop is nicely set up.
An old school men's clothier at it's best!Listed in: I'm a shop-a-holic
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Review from Peterson B.
Malden, MA
10/6/2011
I unique, inspirational store with one of a kind item to go along with it's one of a kind owner.
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Review from Tristan B.
Cambridge, MA
10/29/2007
I am going to have to bite my tongue and finally let out my review on one of my favorite redeeming reasons why I still live in Boston.
This place, in no other ways, is god's gift to vintage menswear. Ladies, I am so incredibly sorry, as you girls always get the nice part with vintage dresses, consignment shops, clothing sales, you name it, girls get all the breaks in this regard, so boys deserve Bobby's concentrated awesomeness.
So what do you have at Bobby's that you're not going to find at other locations? Organization, actual dead stock instead of used clothing (Although, there is some used clothing, and what is used is in excellent shape), Organization, and did I say organization? Because that's what it's all about with vintage wear. Suits, Jackets, full body suits, blazers, organized by both era and style, clearly marked with sizes makes this less like shopping at a garment store,and more like shopping at a movie set wardrobe.
What else is there? Oh wait, only the most enthusiastic staff in the world. The staff absolutely loves people who are actually interested in the vintage clothing, and you'll get respect for it, along with suggestions, although be careful, I know one salesman there is in active competition with me for Bobby's stock. It's all in good fun though.
My only qualm is that it's cash only, and finding an ATM down there can be a complete pain in the ass. The prices on the clothing is absolutely more than fair, considering you are buying new, or pretty much brand new minus tags clothing.Listed in: Personal Clothes Sources
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Review from Daniel M.
Arlington, MA
5/3/2007
I can only hope that Bobby's remains SOMEWHAT of a best kept secret.
I could easily drop a ton of cash in this place(cash is all they take). There's a pretty huge selection of vintage men's gear and it's all in pristine condition.
Even if you don't wind up buying anything(which is hard to do) you can still enjoy just walking around the store, as the set-up is very cool. -
Review from Shellie D.
Boston, MA
3/31/2011
Such a great place to wander around in, Bobby has the best items found from all over and he has the best vibe. Love this store, it's the type of place that you think you've seen everything then you stumble upon some sunglasses that look like they are straight off of Jodi Foster in Taxi Driver. Don't pass this shopping experience up!
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Review from Paul D.
Boston, MA
9/15/2009
Bobby is a legend and his new store is finally up to par with the man himself.
Walking into Bobbys is like taking a step back in time. A time when men dressed well not only to be respectful for those around them, but because it was tied to their own confidence and self respect.
Here you will find tweed and seersucker and plaid and wool and leather - in shoes and suits and overcoats and hats, all made well and all with a rich history. Stuff the best dressed men in the 1950s and 60s were wearing....is here. Along side military pins, classic motorcycle boots, fedora's, sport coats and blazers and skinny ties (from the days long before Mad Men.)
More like a trip to a museum than a clothing store, Bobbys is a blast to visit and Bobby himself is a joy to speak with. Even though I only buy something every 2nd or 3rd visit, this is my favorite mens store in Boston, without a doubt. -
Review from last s.
Brooklyn, NY
10/16/2008
Best vintage store ever! Hands down!
Bobby has an elegant, acute and resourceful taste that surpasses any great collector, but keeps it real with his charming humor and sweet cast of surrounding characters. Learn a thing or two about fashion history, pick up some exquisite, timeless pieces for your wardrobe or just shoot the shizzle and the cues with this sagacious dandy.
It's my number one stop in Boston, and unparalleled by my local NYC vintage stores in selection, character, quality, and price.
I heart BFB! -
Review from Sadie R.
Boston, MA
7/16/2010
Today Matthew and the man himself (Bobby) outfitted my soon-to-be husband with the best looking threads I have (and probably ever will) seen him in! (It's so sharp I want to wear it.)
Though both my fiance and I dread shopping - especially for clothes - going to Bobby's was a fabulous and enlightening adventure. You may have to wait for assistance, but once you make your needs known to the staff you will receive warm and attentive help. Matthew took one look at my fiance and knew his size, then proceeded to guide us through all of the different suit options and period wear, making us feel at ease when we admitted that we were fashion blind.
Ladies, this is not just a store for the gents either! Dresses, robes, shoes, hats and countless other accessories abound. The music being played was also quite lovely.
Furthermore, the congeniality of the employees and authenticity of the place and its relics have left us aglow. Our trip to Bobby's made the hectic reality of life and wedding planning all fade away - thank you, Bobby & Matthew for that gift - and for the suit that will be the finest at our wedding! -
Review from Captain H.
Austin, TX
6/24/2007
Bobby's has, hands down, the best selection of vintage clothing for men. His women's selection of clothing is not very strong, although he does have nice shoes and hats. Looking for something in particular? Ask Bobby, he might have it in his warehouse. I would say the clothing is not cheap, but it's reasonable compared with vintage prices on ebay and general clothing prices in the South End.
Thayer Street looks more like a walkway than a street so make sure you don't miss it. Also, Bobby doesn't take credit, but he's not really cash only because he does take checks. -
Review from Elissa P.
New Bedford, MA
8/13/2009
Bobby Garnett is basically the grandfather of vintage. He has owned shops through-out Massachusetts, including one in P Town during the 70's called "Uptown Strutters Ball," in which my BF (young and impressionable, at the time) purchased a tie and the seed for his future awesome vintage store (Circa) was sown.
Bobby's flagship location in Boston's South End is the ultimate in vintage merchandising. The store boasts I-don't-even-know-how-high ceilings and is outfitted with gorgeous wooden shelving, fixtures, mirrors, and displays from the 20's and 30's, that Bobby has sourced from, literally, all over the world. It's centerpiece is a giant pool table, on which piles of in-coming and recently-dry cleaned vintage is usually being sorted. Everything has a very rich, masculine, and classic vibe.
Speaking of masculine, this is THE place for men's vintage wear. Decidedly the focus of Bobby's inventory, his menswear selection is based on beat-up workwear, military garb, letterman sweaters from the 40's, and insane amounts of gorgeously broken-in leather goods - jackets, belts, bags that you would not believe. Bobby's tagline is something like "For the modern adventurer," and really, you could go on some serious safaris in this stuff!
Bobby's also has a women's department in an adjoining section of the store. This women's selection is basically 30's-50's, with not as many options as the mens, but still beautiful pieces for a classic vintage enthusiast, including beaded bags, 40's suits, 50's party dresses, and a few 70's gems!
On my last visit, I got an uh-mazing, 70's, handmade, denim patchwork jacket! It is perfectly worn and broke-in. I like to saw that I "fought" Scarlet Johansen for it, because I heard she came into Bobby's like two days later, and I swear she would've bought it! -
Review from jeff t.
Brighton, MA
8/11/2009
By far, one of the best collection of vintage clothing under one roof.
The GOOD: There is so much stuff in the store yet the place isn't cluttered. Vintage Levi's have made the journey from time and the west coast to Bobby's. Awesome selection of classy footwear. Trunks and trunks full of accessories (silk knit ties, cuff links, tie clips). Vintage bags, suitcases, and cameras. Point blank, it just doesn't get any classier than Bobby's
The not so good: The prices are on the higher end for vintage but you won't get the quality of selection and authenticity from the lower end vintage shops. -
Review from Christopher T.
Manhattan, NY
4/17/2010
It's in a new development so I expected it to be a wash out but it was the opposite - very truthful to their statement. It's true vintage clothing and not just crap hand me downs and poor quality junk.
You walk in and it is like walking back into another era and part of the country..at least for me. The staff wasn't overly friendly but not really a negative. From shirts to old trunks..it is all here. -
Review from Shawn W.
Brighton, MA
7/13/2008
This place has got an absolutely inspiring vintage collection. The layout and decor are both extremely classy and full of character. It's a fun place to visit and look around, but I've had the sad realization that I'll probably never find any proper clothing here that actually fits me well, being as thin as I am. It's mostly menswear, but what they do offer for the ladies is all really unique and interesting.
The prices are pretty fair, and if you have any interest in *real* vintage, you should stop by and take a look around as soon as possible. -
Review from Clifford T.
4/10/2011
This wonderful shop never ceases to amaze me. Guaranteed to find something that you will like and sometimes, at a very reasonable price. It's also a great place to simply look around and explore the treasure trove of merchandise; there is always fun things hidden within.
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Review from George B.
Charlotte, NC
11/8/2008
You are my boy Blue...Old School
This store is like a trip back in the old time machine. I can only imagine this place was the place you would shop for men's clothes and furnishing before malls started to dominate the landscape. The selection here was very impressive and in pretty good condition. If you roll old school then Bobby from Boston is the shop for you. -
Review from Allison M.
Cambridge, MA
2/22/2010
oh Bobby...how I wish I was born with more of a y than an x chromosome so I could truly appreciate the beauty of this store! It figures that the one vintage store in Boston rivaling perfection would cater more to the opposite sex....such a tragedy!! However my dear Bobby, I do so pine over your amazing selection of rock-a-billy, rat pack, and plain ol' gentleman attire that we so lack in today's modern man! Thanks to you I've finally got my boytoy into that 60s suit that would make even Sinatra swoon!
Stay Classy Bobby from Boston! -
Review from Tricia C.
Boston, MA
1/20/2010
bought a tux shirt and bow tie for catering gigs.
Simply. Fabulous. -
Review from kate P.
Jersey City, NJ
6/22/2008
You walk in here and it's like an old time General Store. The selection of vintage wear is great. My husband bought two fantastic shirts and I actually purchased an AWESOME men's fedora that I plan to wear in the winter (the guy must have had a *really* small head).
I take issue with those who say it's expensive -- I found it to be fairly priced and for the quality, no complaints. I've said it before, I'll say it again -- you get what you pay for.
The women's selection wasn't all that great but, well, this isn't what Bobby's is about. And MAJOR bonus points for letting me bring my dog inside! -
Review from Mike H.
Malden, MA
9/21/2010
Hablimentary my dear Watson, Bobby's from Boston has everything tweed to fit your needs. Need a headcoat? They probably have one here, it's like you've opened your strange Uncle Oswald's long lost chest...filled with vintage vests, ascots and bow ties...but lo wait, there's more...a pith helmet from WWI, supports and the trousers to match...what will you find around the corner? A few things to make that Jackie-O wannabe of a girlfriend happy for 10-15 minutes while you get your yob on...
-
Review from Kiwi H.
8/19/2008
How can I begin to describe how much I love this shop?! I don't even know where to start. Let me first describe how to get there: Thayer St is almost like a secret, hidden street. Head to the 420's on Harrison and search around from there - it almost looks like it's not a 'real' street, and the store is in a little walkway with a bunch of art galleries. And it's its own sort of gallery, in a way - vintage items as antiques and art!
The decor and layout is fantastic. Elegant and classic, interesting and so much fun. A British traveler who was there while I was on a recent trip there mentioned how it was like stepping into a time-warp - an absolutely wonderful one! The music is great too, and things are neatly organized, beautifully laid out, and the selection is great. Mostly excellent for men, this is a veritable treasure trove for menswear and men's accessories. Shoes, shirts, pants, jackets, pipes, sunglasses, money-clips, wallets, cufflinks, hats (beautiful fedoras), and oh so much more. They also have a gorgeous collection of vintage luggage - oh, how badly I wanted to take home some of those beautiful leather and fabric trunks in all shapes and sizes!
The women's section may be small, but they have some beautiful things. A black capelet with scarlet lining for $45, cropped femme tuxedo jacket (which are all the rage this season), fantastically-cut cropped puff-sleeve jacket for $35, and so much more. Great trenches, suits, and some lovely dresses. And oh, the accessories! Excellent bags, and rows of leather boots that would add instant style to any fall/winter wardrobe. I recently took home a classically beautiful and unique dark brown leather envelope clutch for $30 and I love it. In their rows of great heels, I spied the jackpot. A pair of vintage, deep sapphire blue satin, mint-condition Yves Saint Laurent pumps for $15! I kid you not. Oh, I was in love the moment I laid eyes on them. So why, WHY do the shoe deities curse me by having them half a size too small! But I'll confess. I bought them anyway. I know they were slightly too small, but I couldn't help myself. And at that price, come on. What? Admit it, you would have done it too. If I never manage to squeeze my piggies into them (curse you, feet), I'll happily bestow them upon my sister who's tootsies are the right size. If they don't fit, then I'd be happy to keep them in my closet to drool at as a work of art anyway. They are that beautiful, and I'm that in love with them.
I also had the pleasure of meeting Bobby himself. An absolutely charming, lovely, interesting and unique character, this is a gent who truly loves what he does and really knows his business. We had a lovely conversation and my respect and like for him grew with each moment, and he's truly a great and friendly person. I promised I'd send a postcard from where I was moving to, after I lamented how much I'd miss having a place like this around. The rest off the staff was nice too - not your typical cookie-cutter friendly, but that's fine with me (I prefer it) and they were polite and professional, and all introduced themselves to me too which was nice.
What more can I say? This place is a true gem. Don't miss it.
