Great place, nice owner, good vintage pieces, and good prices. They had a lot of stuff. Definitely worth it.

Don't believe the hype. This store is NOT worth a trip to New Bedford. It's not because they don't have plenty of vintage clothes -- they do. It's just that 80% of their stock SUCKS. It's cheap and ugly vintage -- it's the stuff no one wants that would be left behind at a garage sale. Think heavy woolen overshirts from the 1950s and 1960s that fit poorly, look bad, and make you sweat, or old ugly polyester suits that were cheap when they were made and still look just as cheap. There are live moths and plenty of moth holes on the clothes here. Compare the price of 1970s blazer in mint condition -- here it's 85 bucks, at Goodwill in Boston, it's 8 bucks. The inventory of this store might be good if you're making a Scorcese period movie or for Halloween, but you're unlikely to wear anything that's here on a day-to-day basis. Most of the clothes here are HEAVY (physically heavy), and the racks are all so stuffed you can't look at anything without practically ripping it out of the rack, and then forget about trying to put it back. It's like the owner is afraid to throw anything away. This store would do much better if it were closer to Boston, or if it was in New York. Then maybe there would be far more turnover, hipper pieces, and fewer moths. If you want to see an exemplary vintage menswear store, check out Crowley Vintage in Brooklyn or Pick n Weight in Berlin. Don't get me wrong, I see what the store owner is trying to do here, and maybe 25 years ago, this was where it was at. But the world -- including the vintage world -- has changed, and this store's inventory is stuck in the past -- and not in a good way. read more

Class act. This place is an institution, and if you know you know. The décor is wild, curated, fun, labyrinthine and surprising. The clothes come from every era. Hollywood peeps seek this place out when shooting films on the South Coast. read more

I stopped in at Circa last week after having not been in years. Their new location was easy to find, but there was no signage on the building so I was not sure I was in the right place until actually stepping inside. Once you're in though, its vintage paradise. There are so many beautiful dresses, hats, and shoes. The decor of the place is very quirky and fun as well. Everything, right down to the music they had on, was awesome. I would say the only drawback is that things are not organized by size, so it can be difficult to find your size. Given this fact, it can lead to some disappointment when you spot a beautiful piece only to find it isn't the right size. read more

Circa Vintage Wear - Costumes Near Me - New Bedford, Massachusetts

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There is simply no vintage clothing shop in New England that compares to Circa. If there is any small part of you that finds clothes and accessories of yesteryear to be even *slightly* interesting to explore, there's no way you would not be knocked on your vintage-T/bell-bottom/shift-dress/50's-cardigan/James Dean-leather-jacket/hippie-boots-lovin' ass by the presentation, selection, quality, service and prices at Circa. The high-ceiling, explosed brick, all around cool mill-ness of the space, within the equally awesome New England Demolition and Salvage building, is a part of the experience. Circa is no-doubt a destination - there is absolutely nobody who "drops-in" as a pedestrian off the New Bedford waterfront (severed from the downtown). Every article here is carefully selected by the owner who is so helpful and kind. Though we only stop in maybe once a year, the owner still remembers that my husband rented a powder-blue ruffled 70's tux from him 15 years ago. In such a beautiful, browse-friendly atmosphere, I just can't help but appreciate how this cool stuff is. I have to be torn away. It's the best of the best. read more

Circa Vintage Wear - Costumes Near Me - New Bedford, Massachusetts

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huge i tell you! this store has a very large selection of clothes!! Not all of them are necessarily my style though but I'm sure they're for someone. A lot of old fashioned and old timey stuff for someone truly interested in fashion from long ago deep in the stone age. The prices are a little expensive but that could also be because you get what you pay for, and in this case you get some real vintage wear!! A cool cool place in my opinion, but not for me. read more

Circa Vintage Wear - a funny head that i saw. it brought me joy. - Costumes Near Me - New Bedford, Massachusetts

I first discovered Circa in the early 90's when I was 14, and was a loyal customer throughout high school. I bought my prom dress here, and still wear a few of the items I found here as a teenager. I've since moved to Boston, studied fashion design and now work as a costume designer for theatre. I found myself in the New Bedford area over the weekend shopping for costumes for a show, and was thrilled to see that shop had moved and expanded (into an old mill building, with a co-op of other antiques and salvage dealers) but that the amazing selection and boutique atmosphere was exactly as I remembered. Circa VIntage Wear is the real deal, as far as vintage clothing boutiques go. The reason this store is still around after more than 20 years is because of the owner's eye for style and detail, and the obvious lengths he goes through to fill his shop with remarkable things. (By the way, his name is Chris Duval, and he clearly loves what he does because of the quality of service and attention he'll give you if you ask) There are some shoppers who have this notion, maybe from magazines or TV, that vintage is "in": if the prices seem high to you, please remember that you are shopping for one-of-a-kind antiques and not throw-away trends. And then there are others of us who look a little closer, who understand the meaning behind finding, wearing and collecting (read: coveting) beautiful clothing from the past, connecting to a long-lost garment that has lived another, maybe several other lives; those of us who are too busy fawning over the frippery to notice the shop may be a bit chilly. One word of caution from the sorely unprepared: bring cash or your checkbook. I too left sadly empty-handed. read more

Ever felt as though you've stumbled through a rip in the fabric of reality, into an entirely new dimension? If so, then you understand the feeling that one gets during their first visit to Circa. This sprawling and colorful place, tucked in the far corner of the cavernous, multi-floored Mecca that is New England Demolition and Salvage, is where vintage buffs can fall down a rabbit hole that's decades-deep. Whatever time period you identify with most strongly, and whatever your particular fashion addiction might be, it's a safe bet that Chris has it in spades. On my first visit, I headed straight to his incredible fur and hat collections. Whether your preferred pelt's made of rabbit, fox, mink, or Mongolian fur, this is the definitive place to find a unique coat, stole, or scarf that's all your own. I bought one. Oh, the hats! They go on and on--for days upon fabulous days. There's nothing quite like a fantastic hat to transform your persona (witness Lauren Bacall...Diane Keaton...Carly Simon...Julie Christie). Here, you can assume a thousand identities, simply by trying on an endless array of toppers, spanning every era. I bought two. Vintage isn't for everyone; but I contend that there's something for everyone here. While I favor a more current look overall, there's a vintage component to my outfit almost every day. And if wearing vintage is a strong, singular sartorial statement, then Circa's practically roaring with proclamations of individuality. And Chris is a knowledgeable curator who can speak about his inventory in terms of its provenance - able to recount, in some cases, where it's been and who's worn it - like a gallery owner would discuss a piece of art. Next time, I'm going to dive straight into the oodles of vintage jewelry. And the time after that, I'll pore over all the evening bags and one-of-a-kind heels. And the time after that, I'll finally get to play dress up with the easy, fringy disco dresses and Mod shifts. And the time after that... You get the picture. Time after time after time, there's no end to the fun, and the prices are pretty fab-oo, too. Cheers to you, Circa! I'll be seeing you again. read more

I found my favorite vintage store, EVER. It's not in overpriced LA or NYC, and it's not even in Boston or Providence. It's in the lovely seaside city of New Bedford, which surprisingly has a very funky vibe that really embraces vintage pieces with many clothing and antique shops. This place is really my favorite though because it has such a great selection for both men and women. It's clear that Circa has a great eye for finding great prints and outfits. I was thrilled to find a vintage men's Coach messenger bag in amazing condition, hardly used, at a great price ~ $85! I am so proud of myself for picking this up here. The owner is super cool to boot and really easy to talk to as well. As a person who loves vintage, I happily rate this place a solid 5 stars! read more

Circa Vintage Wear - Check out all of the hat boxes! - Costumes Near Me - New Bedford, Massachusetts

Even Hollywood is stalking Circa! But, I got to it before the Globe... :-) http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/fashion/articles/2008/07/17/vintage_fashions_fit_for_the_stars/ read more

Vintage chic clothing and accessories, focused on 1940s-80s. Love. Love. Dressing rooms, lovely staff, consignment opportunities. So glad I found this place. Will definitely be bringing some friends here. NOTE: In the same building as New England Demolition and Salvage. read more

If I approach the experience as a trip down memory lane with a museum type quality, it was amazing. If I approach the experience as wanting to actually locate things that are my style or size, with the goal of actually purchasing, it was terrible. Maybe I caught them on an off day for service and selection, but I was underwhelmed. I was there for nearly a half hour and not greeted. I couldn't find any hints to decipher what was where and why (by decade? by size? by type?) And I couldn't figure out who worked there to ask them to help me make sense of the chaos. There were dresses, blouses, blazers, pants, etc. mixed in together on every rack. The clothing was packed too tightly on the racks to make it easy to flip, browse, and gauge sizes. Half of the things I did find and thought "oh wow!" didn't have tags. The other half were $10-50 more than I was willing to spend. I'm a believer in the wisdom of the crowds, and the crowds love this place. I'm going to need to give it a few more months before going back for a 2nd try. But it's worth a 2nd try. Some of the pieces and accessories are simply stunning. And the experience of walking through New England Demolition and Salvage was fun and quirky, too. read more

This is one of my favorite shops on the planet. I'm almost more excited to visit Circa than my parents when I come to town. Chris knows his stuff and his passion shines through in his amazing collection. He's in the former heart of the American textile industry, and he has a gift for unearthing and passing on some of it's greatest treasures. I've found some of my favorite staple pieces here, including: WW2 pacific rain parka, 50s Madewell work jacket, vintage Filson & Carhartt, deadstock 50s t's & sweatshirts. Just found my wife's dream jacket on our last visit, a 60's schott perfecto. The only downside to this place is having to check an extra bag at the airport for your return flight. Can't wait to go back. read more

I decided to give this place a second shot and I'm glad that I did. Maybe the shop didn't satisfy my lust for size 4 quality vintage dresses but it helped me out a lot in finding things for my boyfriend's birthday. The owner is so nice and went above and beyond to help me find everything I was looking for. I asked if he had any bow ties and he brings out this huge paper bag from the back full of vintage bow ties. I was filled with pure excitement sifting through the bag picking out the ones I liked the best. I would definitely go back to this shop and have now recommended it to some of my friends. I still think there needs to be a bit more quality control with the women's department but c'est la vie this place rocks anyway. read more

This is the best vintage store I have ever been to in my life. I think they have moved since I was there, but the location I went to was above an antique mall in an old factory building. The store had a WALL of vintage hat boxes; there was just something really charming about that wall. The owner, Chris, is really clever about what he puts into his shop; the day I went, he'd picked up some really delicate and elegant high heels that had embossed porcelain heels. Cinderella heels, for real. Racks and racks of dream dresses, everything to die for. read more

Circa is a joyful treasure trove of vintage finds! Come and spend an hour or two browsing with friends or solo. The owner could not be sweeter, don't be afraid to ask questions. Fun destination shopping! I made one pilgrimage per summer and always come out with great pieces for my collection. Highly rated! read more

This place is amazing. Chris, the owner, has a great eye and has been collecting for years. From coat to crinoline I have never gone wrong. My daughter lives in NYC and I have poked around there and I'm sorry, but Circa wins. I love the 40's and 50's shapes and styles that abound in Circa. The price is right too, unlike the Big Apple stores.It is my favorite un-mall place for special occasion shopping especially since I know that no one else will be wearing my dress read more

What a unique place! I have been cleaning out a family home, things I thought were really old weren't! Stuff I thought was not good was what Chris wanted!!! I have not shopped , I have sold! Chris is great he more than works with you on buying and selling. As we keep cleaning I will bring things in for him. As for his store it is the most intriguing store I have ever seen. I wan to go when I have to to shop, might be a mistake I LOVE to shop!! See ya there sometime! read more

A little expensive but very nice helpful staff lots to pick from has that vintage feel to the store and overall it's amazing the clothes especially BEST THRIFT STORE EVER!!! read more

It really is an incredible as everyone says. Recently called the best thrift shop in the country by either NYT or Wall Street Journal it lives up to the hype. Huge selection of high quality pieces and hard to find items. The owner is a great guy and will keep his eye out for items you're especially dying to find. The prices are definitely high, but these are high end vintage investment pieces for the most part, and they warrant the price tag. I'm dying to get back there for a vintage fur stole. read more

Words cannot sufficiently describe how wonderful, unique, and spectacular this place is. I have shopped all around the globe, and I have to say that hands down this place is IT. Need a perfect 50's cocktail dress? How about a leather bomber for your boyfriend? Maybe some cowboy boots to tuck those skinny jeans into? Circa has it all. And it is all beautiful, one of a kind, breath taking, surprising...it goes on. Go. Now. read more

Great find, tons of legitimate vintage stuff, reasonable prices and the owners a nice guy

Circa spoiled other vintage shops for me. I started frequenting this place when I was in sixth grade, and I'm in my mid-thirties now. Through the years I've bought many goodies here, and I've seen the store expand and move. Chris the owner has always shown good taste in what he stocks. You can find classics like the perfect black dress, or you can find the perfectly loud, ugly print that's so bad that it's good. He keeps his prices reasonable, so much so that New York City vintage dealers probably think of purchases from him as wholesale. Men will like the fact that he's a vintage dealer who stocks for other men. A lot of other vintage shops tend to be female-centric. Both genders can pick up some key accessories. Best of all, if you have a fancy dress or themed event to attend, and you can't afford that delicious vintage piece, Chris very well may offer it as a rental to you. He's outfitted many a friend of mine either way. read more

Rolled into Circa on the last day of my trip to Cape Cod and wow, what an amazing place. Chris has reclaimed and handpicked some of the finest vintage wear I have ever seen. His selection of garments hail from a wide range of eras from the roaring 20's & 30's to the electric 80's. An heirloom Vanson leather jacket caught my eye, but alas I had already purchased one. I should have gone to Circa first! Come in and be prepared to be amazed and to have an enjoyable conversation with Chris the owner. Aloha! read more