With an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 resale, thrift and consignment shops across the U.S., it’s easy to find great fashion items at even better prices. If you’re not really into the whole “used” clothing thing, think of it this way: It’s eco-friendly, you’ll save a ton of money, and depending on the store, proceeds often go to nonprofits, many of which support the GLBT community. Great style, great savings—what could be better than that?! Okay, well, maybe a vacation full of margaritas, beaches and boys, but we’re talking style, baby.

Selling vintage and resale garments since 2006, Sui Generis in San Francisco has some 1,200 items in store at any given time. With a vast array of pieces, from unique tie clips ($10) to a gorgeous Mongolian lamb-lined Gucci by Tom Ford leather bomber jacket (a steal at only $1,600!), Sui Generis offers everything a gay man’s wardrobe should consist of: great jackets, quality sweaters, designer jeans, sexy dress shoes, cute T-shirts and must-have accessories. Designer labels include classics Marc Jacobs, Prada and Burberry, and more cutting-edge creators like Rick Owens and Martin Margiela. A favorite of Sui Generis co-owner Miguel Lopez is a amazing Kris Van Assche black double-breasted cropped jacket with mismatched buttons.

Lopez suggests visiting consignment stores weekly, “the must-have and cool items don’t last more than two or three weeks.” Voted the 2009 Best Men’s Clothing Store in San Francisco by the readers of The San Francisco Bay Guardian, Sui Generis is located at 2265 Market St., (415) 437-2265. For updates on sales and promotions, sign up for their newsletter at suigenerisconsignment.com. And they're not just a great place to buy. You also call for an appointment to sell your consignment items for a 60-40 split. Not in the Bay Area? No worries. Sui Generis will be offering online sales beginning in fall 2010.

If you’re lucky enough to live near, or are passing through, Scottsboro, Alabama, the place to shop is Unclaimed Baggage Center, located at 509 West Willow St. It may sound obvious, but when people travel, they want to look good. So they usually pack their best clothes, sometimes even new clothes with tags intact. Loaded with clothing from unclaimed airline luggage (yes, it’s true!), this is treasure hunting—and slight voyeurism—at its best. Visit unclaimedbaggage.com to sign up for their newsletter or call (256) 259-1525 for more information.

Want the skinny on some of our other favorite thrift stores around the country? Pick up the new issue of Instinct Magazine for the rest of the bargain hunters guide, plus much more!