Many travelers come to Buenos Aires with one suitcase to live out of for sometimes up to a year, not to mention the many who find this city too irresistible to leave and end up staying for the long haul. Although it never gets cold enough to snow in Buenos Aires, due to the humidity you really feel the differences in temperature. It can be tough to know what to pack, especially when coming for a long period of time.
For those of you study abroad students in Buenos Aires who couldn’t fit everything into a suitcase or for those who have a knack for shopping, here is a guide to places to shop for clothing on a budget.
Not-So-Cheap: Avenida Santa Fe and The Shopping Centers
Along Av. Sante Fe between Callao and Pueyrredón you can find tons of brand name shops from both Argentina and other countries. There is a particularly high concentration of shoe stores in this area. Here you will find that the prices are higher than the prices that you will typically pay in other countries.
If you want to pay a bit more for a brand that you know and trust, a good option would be to go to a mall. The largest are the Abasto Shopping Center, Alto Palermo Shopping Center, and the Recoleta Mall. Here you will find a variety of brands from Nike to Guess.
Cheaper: Argentine Brand Names
Imported clothing can be quite expensive in Buenos Aires and you will often end up spending 
more than you would back at home for the brands that you know for a range of prices. However, there are tons of Buenos Aires designers that have independent stores. These stores can get pricey, but a number of them are reasonable. The best place to find these independent shops is around Plaza Serrano in Palermo Soho. You will also find similar venders in San Telmo, particularly along Defensa street.
Independent venders can also be found at many of the outdoor markets around the city that happen on the weekends. The biggest of these fairs occurs on Sundays at Feria San Telmo and all weekend in Plaza Serrano. For a larger list of outdoor markets in the city, see here.
Cheaper: Outlets
For lower priced brand names, you can visit the outlets that are located right on the brink between Villa Crespo and Palermo along Avenida Córdoba between the altitudes 4000 and 5200. Here you can find slightly out of season clothing that is perfectly good for better prices.
Cheap/Dirt Cheap: Used
Although new clothing can be a bit expensive, there are tons and tons of places
to buy great used clothing. The term for a used clothing store here is called a “Feria Americana” and they are all over the place, so keep your eyes peeled. Two of the best ones in the city are:
Juan Perez: Marcelo T. de Alvear 1439 (Recoleta)
Galpón de Ropa: Loyola 851 (Villa Crespo)
Dirt Cheap: Vintage
One of the best things about shopping in Buenos Aires is the endless amount of amazing vintage clothing that can be found. From vintage, one of a kind tango dresses to 80’s patterned blouses, vintage shopping in this city is truly amazing. The best place to find vintage clothing is Mercado San Telmo. The Market itself its lovely and inside there are people selling fruits and vegetables, antiques, and a bunch of great vintage clothing stands. Here you will find your extra funky, extra cheap items. Here you can also bargain down the prices, something that won’t happen in more formal clothing stores.
Heather Houde