I love this place. The young ladies who work in the store are so nice and friendly. I always find something to buy: shoes, earrings, a dress or even a designer handbag. It's definitely a delight. I work at Union Station so it's easy to drop by after work on the way home.... read more

Not a lot of selection. It is small which I didn't mind but it's not organized very well. I couldn't find any shoes in my size (6) the bigger sizes were limited (10/12). read more

It was difficult to even find items with how small the store was and how many people were in it. It felt like instead of prioritizing room to look around and really see all of the clothes, items were just thrown in every possible place, which made it feel very cluttered. Maybe if it was less busy it would have been easier to dig around, but if they know they get that busy, they should prioritize space to move. I didn't really find a single item that stood out to me in my size. Just too cramped to fully enjoy sadly read more

I have patronized Clothes Encounters since 1979, under the previous owner, Linda. I was 19 years old and one of the "originals", when there were no computers and my account was on an index card. I'm now 65 and still consigning and purchasing. I've always had a pleasant experience ---from size 10 to size 14 ! I highly recommend this experience. read more

I love this store. It's well organized, cute, and has a lot of quality clothing. It's also right across from Eastern Market, meaning that you can combine a trip with lunch and other shopping. read more

Didn't really have high hopes for this store as a plus-size girly. And I wasn't wrong. Not many options for anyone size 16+ (not a lot of 14's either). The purses were amazing- lots of accessory options. They were guitar high end for the price side- but that makes sense since they are labeled as 'vintage'. Not sure if I'd quite call it that if I'm honest. A lot of their items are quite trendy. The cashiers greeted us. It was quite a busy day/ so a lot of people were needing help and they provided what was asked ! Main point loss is the lack of size inclusivity. read more

I experienced a very rude and condescending tone. As a result, I will not be doing any business here.

Well organized, with plenty of jewelry, shoes, accessories, and clothing options to choose from. Price points = typical for this area. __ IG: @f.hux I #yelp and I know things. Keep reading... https://linktr.ee/f.hux #foodieHUX #yelpelite #yelpeatsdc #yelpdc read more

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Good selection with decent prices. But jeez, the owner/person who mans the front is so rude. Incredibly condescending and talks down to you. Makes you not want to spend any money in there. read more

I've found some incredible gems at Clothes Encounters, from a luxurious jacket to a pair of perfectly-fitting jeans in the $10 pants bin, and every time I'm in I have to tear myself away from some sort of amazing find. Gail has put together a true standout of the consignment genre here: there are three fitting rooms, endless racks other clothes and jewelry, and a strong degree of size diversity- both in clothing sizes and size of one's budget! I come here easily twice a month as the stock rotates frequently. Clothes Encounters is a neighborhood staple at Eastern Market and I am eternally glad to be able to continue to frequent it. read more

Clothes Encounters DC - Found this gorgeous navy pleated skirt at Clothes Encounters for something like $12! - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Stop in this store if you're in the area but don't go out of your way for it. The selection of designer clothes, bags, and shoes was okay, a lot of them looked well loved. I found most of the bags to be droopy, sweaters pilling, and a lot of it was faded, you definitely have to dig to find a gem. The owner seemed nice but don't bring your drinks inside or she'll take them and put it in a box by the door, ew. The prices were kind of high for what you're getting but like I said, you might find something worth it. I have been a couple of times and yet to find something worthwhile yet. read more

Lovely and well-curated vintage shop in Eastern Market. Carries a good selection of contemporary consignment, vintage labels, and luxury designer items. I've found Clothes Encounters prices designer items very reasonably priced compared to other consignment shops in the region. I always find something amazing here. read more

My go to shop in DC for vintage jewelry and great quality clothes! The owner is FANTASTIC, and has built a great community around her customers. Prices are excellent for the high quality designer items and its always a super fun experience! Its very small so it can get crowded but 100% worth it and its on a great street to get coffee before and after. Scored an Iradj Moini bracelet at a superb price among many other treasures! read more

I was disappointed in the options. The clothes are more geared toward 40 yo women it feels. There are no plus sizes. Plus the prices don't give it a "second hand clothing" vibe to me - but that's subjective because I'm not from the area. I was mad that I wasted a metro card swipe to go there. read more

Love this shop! High quality products and you can tell the owner cares a lot about the products she takes in!

I have supported this place for years and have referred many people. I usually consign as well as purchase. Due to Covid, I have purged my closets of high end designer clothes and shoes I no longer wear. When I went on Sunday to pick up my consigned payment, I also had 2 vintage designer dresses with me. The store wasn't busy with only 2 customers. A woman walked in that the owner knew who wanted to donate all her St Johns clothes because she was retiring. Gail (the owner ) told her she would gladly accept them but needed to make a appointment. After she finished speaking to her, I went to the counter told her my name and she found me in the system. She answered the phone in the meantime and was politely telling the person on the phone (whom she was familiar with) that she can come in today with her things to consign. As soon as I told her that I also have 2 dresses I would like to consign, there was a unwelcoming tone and a explanation that it is so busy and she doesn't have time to look at my items. Gail then explained she really isn't taking any more summer items because in August she will start the fall season. Sadly disappointing especially after hearing her speak to previous customers. I may not be an elite White House worker or from the Senate but I deserve the same regard as any of those elite people that frequent this store. I will however let my friends know and I have a good amount that will find my experience to be unfair. read more

I was impressed with the quality of clothes, especially the shoes. Nothing looked second hand and instead felt like Nordstrom Rack level of shopping (that's meant as a compliment). The $10 jeans bucket was spot on - great range of updated styles, sizing, and colors, and I quickly found the perfect pair. They get new items in everyday, so I plan to return in once in awhile to check out the new inventory. They also had jewelry and purses that I didn't have a chance to peruse but plan to next time! read more

To those that are avid thrifters or penny savers. This is not a hit or Miss shop. As for designer, quality, plethora of selections in all clothing items and knowledgeable staff; this is the place to visit. Over the past five years my experience with one of a kind or other ONLY one , item has been more than luck. I don't scavenge or plot how to shop, the items pick me out. With a quick eye and a few questions I never leave without something. Just wish I had more to spend. Love this place! read more

So many options, so little time. I found out about this spot through the Twitter feed with Senate reps and am so happy I did.... Though my back account isn't! They're located right by eaten market making it easy to shop for all your essentials. They have a limit on the number of folks allowed in the store, but once you're in it's heaven. There are so many options from boots to bags to dresses, and everything is already sized. Being a thrift store they also have great COVID practices. Besides limiting customers, they take your temperature upon entering and you have to use hands sanitizer. All of the clothes people try on are steamed to sanitized. I felt safe trying on items in store. You can also shop through their instagram account of the same name and purchase items that way which is how I made my first purchase and was super easy and secure. I'm living my leather jacket and already have plans to return for shoes. Check this spot out! read more

Great customer service and amazing variety of clothing, bags and shoes! Highly recommend visiting the store!

Visiting Clothes Encounters is one of the great perks of living near Eastern Market. Incredibly knowledge and friendly staff with an amazing, and constantly changing, array of products. The clothes and, in particular, the accessories are both unique and priced more competitively than anything you'd find online or at a consignment store. read more

While not the biggest, there is something for everyone. If you are a collector of furs, there is quite a collection. There is a nice collection of purses in addition. The jewelry was boring and cheap. Buyer beware:: they tend to leave the security tags on!!! Watch out for this. When traveling from out of town, this was a serious hassle. read more

Incredibly rude woman running the store. After sending an email to make an appointment as the website instructed but not receiving a response, I called ahead to make an appointment and the woman immediately shut me down. She told me they don't have the volume to take more clothes and if I wasn't dropping off designer clothes to not bother. I started to explain that I have at least one Coach bag I'm looking to sell and started to describe some of my other clothes but she cut me off and in a patronizing tone said, "no, sorry - I don't think we're the right place for you." Such a loss, I'm moving to the neighborhood and would have loved to routinely consign and possibly buy from here, but couldn't get past the condescending, rude, and judgmental woman on the phone. Grateful I didn't waste my time walking into the store if this is the treatment I would've received. read more

Wonderful local gem! You never know what treasures you will find there- this past week I got a barely worn pair of Gucci sneakers for $135! The deals are great, the ladies that work there are warm & friendly. My Mama, sister & I have been going for years! read more

I love this shop, it feels like I am mining for treasures when I am shopping and I always leave with a wonderful and unexpected suprize!!!

I have bought and consigned clothes and shoes from professional wear to dressier items for the theater and opera at Clothes Encounters. Just found a couple of jewelry items and consigned a couple pair of Pas de Rouge shoes this week. Gail knows her clientele and what sells. Maude Naill, DC read more

I have been in probably a dozen times and always had good luck on finding something to purchase. The owner is pleasant and hard working. I don't bring in items to sell on consignment so I can't speak to that process, but as a buyer I am always satisfied. read more

Giving an update since the store has reopened. Check their website for new hours before coming, although it appears the business hours have been corrected on Yelp. Covid-19 precautions in place, including limited customer capacity. Small, thoroughly cleaned space with good selection of quality clothes and accessories, including designer. You may try on the clothes. The staff will help select and coordinate an outfit if you ask. Consignment now by appointment only. When consigning, be aware that only items currently in demand will be accepted. This changes week to week and the store owner and employees are aware of these purchasing trends, as well as what is currently in stock. A lovely, well-made item in excellent condition may not be accepted for consignment due to current demand given their limited space. Call before coming if you have questions about what is being accepted at the time. Go, no-go consignment decisions are quickly made so as not to waste anyone's time. You have the option to donate anything not accepted for consignment. They will provide a receipt for tax purposes. As said in my first review, I've been many times and have never been treated rudely or observed rude behavior on the part of the owner or any staff member. I do not know the details behind the bad reviews, but will say that if you are very attached to the items you wish to consign and expect them to be fawned over, you have come to the wrong place. read more

No doubt you can find some great items here, but the mediocre rating has everything to do with the owner, who is rude and condescending. I've been a few times and do not plan to return. If you're willing to search, there are some great pieces - once I found designer boots in mint condition. The prices are very fair and the store has plenty to look through. But the owner is a deal breaker. She is one of the most horrid people I've ever met in my life. One time she falsely accused my friend of messing up a display! She was also very judgmental about the clothing I took in to consign. There are better options for consignment (like the amazing Secondi in DuPont) where you will be treated with respect and professionalism. Bottom line, if you want to patronize the store, don't be surprised if the owner is patronizing to you. read more

The very kind workers here were super accommodating and sweet to our rather large group of ppl. Very kind from helping me pick out a necklace to welcoming us into the store. Not to mention the astounding assortment of items!!! Amazing spot read more

Super cute little shop! They have a good range of super high end items and some more affordable mid range items. I decided to jazz up my wardrobe this year and I got some cute gold pants from here to start it off right! Grabbed some other things as well including jewelry. Will def be back, both ladies working were super friendly as well! read more

My name is Katrina, and I've been shopping at Clothes Encounters for the past 20 years. I've gotten dresses, shirts, pants, Jean's, blouses and especially shoes and boots. People always complement me on the items that I wear. I'm so satisfied with the fine establishments. Miss shopping. Please open soon Katrina read more

Clothes encounters of the scheming kind... So I go to clothes encounters on a regular basis so I figured why not sell my items here as well, I took a tweed COACH Pea Coat in there to sell. She told me the policy and said the most she could sell it for was $150 and that I would recieved half of that and I was ok with that. I know it was worth more but I had no use for it anymore so I figure why not profit from it. I went back maybe a week later and she claimed the coat was sold, so she cut me a check for $75 as we agreed. Well since I go there frequently and I still have other items there for sale, I went today. As I walk in the first thing I see is my COACH coat, (which I was previously informed had been sold) and to my surprise for retail at a much higher price than what she quoted me for. She had the coat on sale now for $250, the exact same coat. So I asked her did someone bring my coat back and her response to me was" THAT'S NOT YOUR COAT." What are the odds of the same exact coat ending up at the same store? I don't believe it and I'm highly upset. I have sent this lady numerous customers and for her to rip me off has left me disgusted. I am appalled with her lack of professionalism and that her establishment fails to follow the policies they claim to have. Therefore I or anyone I know will no longer support her. Also, I shared the story with my co-workers because I was completely appalled and my boss told me his wife had the same experience 10 years ago. Once a scam artist always a scam artist and I will be reporting her to the better business bureau. read more

My God this place is horrifically TRASHY. The only reason for the additional star is AT TIMES (rarely) you will find a good deal here, but no more a better deal than say a super sweet find from the GoodWill. To me, the purpose of a consignment store is to take what people don't want and resell them. What sets them apart from a thrift store, is that the items are of higher quality, thus removing the "dumpster diving" feeling associated with thrifting. That being said, the clothes here are atrocious and in horrific quality. I tried on a dress that had armpit stains. Gross. They claim to only accept top quality pieces but clearly nothing is looked over. A BCBG dress had broken straps that was attached with a safety pin - and for $50 bucks?! THE FUCK. And what a big waste of time this place is... they carry Faded Glory and Chicos brand clothing from 1999 (or so it seems... hard to get an accurate date because the shit is so worn down). The bigger question is - who are the people consigning here? Probably the same people the more upscale consignment stores turn down. Pilled shirts, broken straps, ink stained purpose, worn out shoes... Gross. I looked at a Tory Burch bag that was in God awful condition and they wanted $150 for it. The bottom of the bag was worn to shit. Then, (get ready to LOL!), they had a Jimmy FOO bag. That's right, Jimmy FOO. The knock off of Jimmy Choo, for $300. COMICAL!!! They tried to pass that shit off as authentic by putting an Ebay receipt in it. First... let's pretend that shit was real. The bag had ink stains all over it, inside and out. If it were real, have some class and refurbish it before selling it in your store. The "Jimmy Choo" label was GLUED on, not stitched. Do not buy any purses here. They had other knockoffs such as FUI VUITTON and FRAUDA. Don't do it kids... knockoff handbags make you look cheap! Lastly, do NOT consign here. There was a group of ladies (note, not one of them greeted me or assisted me as I was shuffling through all their shit) going over a consignment that was brought in. They would take whatever items to add to their store and what they didn't, the lady would say "donate." Another shop worker asked if she could just keep it. ESCALANDO! Boring. Lame. Cheap. Fraud. No. read more

I don't even know what to say about this place. Don't get me wrong, I love used clothing, but this store has some of the most unfriendly employees I have ever encountered! I have probably come in here over 15 times since I moved from Colorado to DC, and this store really lives up to DC's antisocial, tense reputation. I just keep to myself and try not to have any run-ins with the employees. Not that that would matter because they would ignore me anyways. Come to think of it, I can't think of one time they have EVER greeted me when I walked in. Ever. Come on, Clothes Encounters. Where's the Southern Hospitality (since we're kind of in the South)? I do find items that I like in this store, including petite, small sizes, shoes, and business casual attire. I don't think that this store has sales, and I wish that they would prorate their prices like every other consignment store in the area, so that after a certain time a piece of clothing is in the shop, it's discounted. read more

This is a wonderful consignment store in the Eastern Market area. Great labels and prices. I've been shopping and consigning there for years and always have been very pleased. Gayle, the owner is so kind snd helpful. read more

If you want to consign something to this place, save yourself the trouble and just donate it, leave it on the curb, burn it, because the 50% you might make IF they accept your consignment and IF someone buys it isn't worth the frustration. I brought in a Wilson suede coat in great condition and they took it without a problem. Then I tried another time, on a rainy day, to bring in a Kasper dress (available at Belk, Nordstrom, etc) which was worn ONCE. Some rain drops fell on the dress, so the woman thought it was stained and told me to get it dry cleaned. Thank god I didn't take her ignorant advice and waste money dry cleaning it, because the next day, the spots were gone because the water evaporated. A few days later, I went again when I was in the area with the Kasper dress, and the lady looked up my account, saw that I had already consigned the Wilson coat, and said she wouldn't take the dress because the labels were "too common." I thought "WHAT?? She's going to refuse selling perfectly good clothing in mint condition because the label is just from an everyday department store and not some haute couture fashion house that no one gives a {bleep} about anyway?" I've also shopped in there a few times, and I agree with the other comments. The crowded racks are filled with clothing that is usually dowdy or matronly; the prices are a bit high; and the ladies are not warm to anyone, either customer or consigner. And that's not just from personal experience. As a former retail worker, I take note of how cashiers and customers interact whenever I'm in earshot. They have never been nice when I'm in the store. read more

Wanna hear something really cool?...my mom introduced me to this place. Now with that being said, my mom is a bad a**, in a good way. She's got the whole "finders keepers" thing going for her and clearly she passed that on to me as well. I went here with my old roommate and got her hooked immediately. They have one of the BEST shoe section a lady could ask for. Nice purses and old school jewelry too. So what did I walk away with most recently? Shoes,...shocker. These weren't just ANY ol' pair of shoes though, these were hands down some of the most in your face shoes I've seen in awhile. Stiletto high heel (with a candy cane strip style going down the heel part of the shoe) all in midnight blue pleather...not everyone can pull shoes like that off...but this lady can ;-) If you want to bring clothes in for consignment, you must make an appointment and they only take seasonal clothes, so wait until the right season hits. DC needs more vintage in its life...here's tipping my hat to one of them, with many more to come read more

Watched someone who worked here - not sure if the owner or what - be very rude to a customer. The woman was told the store created a new rule because of her - that you could only buy a certain number of low priced items because apparently the woman came in before that and bought it all up and there wasn't enough supply for other customers. If that's really an issue, you could make it a rule and that's that. You don't have to shame a customer because you didn't have the foresight to realize this could be an issue. Could tell the woman was embarrassed and I felt terrible for her. read more

I was just about to ring up my purchase when the owner found a small little hole in a scarf with her eagle eye. She offered to charge me only $2 bucks instead of $12 - without any sort of urging from me. How honest can you get? I scored with a gorgeous St. John's skirt, a scarf, a banana republic jewel color top, and lovely silk skirt all for the price of one cheaply item from the mall. Can't beat that deal. read more