Buying vintage shorts can be difficult because the right size may have gone the way of the dinosaur. Older garments often use inconsistent sizing, so a pair marked “32” may not fit like a modern 32-inch waist. Condition can also be a bit short of perfect, with fading, fraying, or mystery stains hiding in the seams. Stock changes quickly, meaning the pair you want may vanish before you can make a snap decision. In Roswell, however, a little legwork—and a good eye for a bargain—can help you uncover some stellar retro finds.
*Price note: Most local stores do not publish item-by-item averages, so the figures below are realistic estimated prices based on typical thrift, antique, and resale pricing. Inventory and prices can change faster than a zipper on a dance floor.*
- **[Goodwill Industries of New Mexico –; Roswell](https://goodwillnm.org/)**
- **[The Salvation Army Family Store –; Roswell](https://www.salvationarmynewmexico.org/)**
- **[Alien City Thrift Store](https://www.google.com/maps/search/Alien+City+Thrift+Store+Roswell+New+Mexico)**
- **[Roswell Antique Mall](https://www.google.com/maps/search/Roswell+Antique+Mall+Roswell+New+Mexico)**
- **[Main Street Treasures](https://www.google.com/maps/search/Main+Street+Treasures+Roswell+New+Mexico)**
- **[The Rusty Barn](https://www.google.com/maps/search/The+Rusty+Barn+Roswell+New+Mexico)**
- **[Roswell Flea Market](https://www.google.com/maps/search/Roswell+Flea+Market+Roswell+New+Mexico)**
- **[Alien Zone Area 51](https://www.google.com/maps/search/Alien+Zone+Area+51+Roswell+New+Mexico)**
- **[Roswell Downtown Historic District Shops](https://www.seeroswell.com/)**
- **[Roswell Chamber of Commerce Business Directory](https://www.roswellnm.org/)**
Goodwill is a solid first stop for inexpensive denim cutoffs, athletic shorts, and older casual styles. Expect an estimated average of **$8–;$12 per pair**, though designer labels may stretch beyond that range. It is a good place to start your search without making your wallet feel short-changed.
The Salvation Army often receives donated jeans, khakis, and sportswear, so checking the racks regularly can pay off handsomely. Vintage-style shorts usually average about **$7–;$13 per pair**. The selection may be a little hit-or-miss, but that is part of the thrift-store shorts story.
In a city famous for visitors from beyond the stars, Alien City Thrift is a natural place to hunt for retro clothing with extraterrestrial appeal. Plan on roughly **$8–;$18 per pair** for vintage or vintage-inspired shorts. You may need to explore the racks by moonlight—or at least under bright fluorescent lights—to find the perfect pair.
Antique malls can be worthwhile for older workwear, western shorts, and unusual pieces that have more character than a plain modern pair. The estimated average is **$18–;$35**, depending on age, brand, and condition. Prices may be higher here, but the shorts often come with enough history to make quite a leg-end.
This type of downtown antique and resale shop is worth checking for retro clothing tucked among collectibles and home décor. Expect vintage shorts to average around **$15–;$30 per pair**. You may have to dig a little, but treasure hunters know the best finds are rarely sitting right at the cuff.
Shops specializing in rustic, western, or farmhouse merchandise sometimes carry old denim and ranch-style clothing as well. A reasonable estimate is **$15–;$28 per pair** for vintage shorts. Their inventory can be rugged around the edges, but that is where the real fringe benefits begin.
Flea markets are excellent places to negotiate, especially when buying well-worn denim, military shorts, or retro athletic gear. Prices commonly land around **$8–;$20 per pair**, with room to bargain. Bring cash, patience, and a measuring tape so your deal does not become a waist of time.
This tourist-oriented spot is better known for alien-themed merchandise, but unusual vintage or novelty clothing can occasionally turn up nearby or through associated vendors. Estimate **$15–;$30 per pair** if shorts are available. The selection may be out of this world—or absent from the atmosphere entirely—so calling ahead is wise.
Roswell’s downtown district includes independent boutiques, resale shops, and rotating vendors that may carry retro apparel. Prices vary widely, but **$20–;$40 per pair** is a practical estimate for boutique-quality vintage shorts. A stroll through the district could put you on the right track, provided your search does not run too short.
The local business directory is useful for locating newly opened resale stores, pop-up vendors, and clothing boutiques that may not appear prominently in search results. For these smaller retailers, expect approximately **$15–;$35 per pair**. It is the directory’s way of giving your vintage hunt a little more leg room.
Before heading out, check each shop’s current hours and call to ask whether it has vintage clothing in stock. Try on several sizes, inspect the seams and zippers, and measure the waistband rather than trusting the label. With patience, you can find shorts that fit both your style and your budget—without letting your search get too short.