Growing up in Media, Ben Rowe often frequented thrift shops with his mom and grandmother. “I loved the thrill of the hunt and finding hidden gems,” he says.
On one thrifting outing during his senior year at Delaware County Christian School, Rowe found the same suit jacket he wore to his prom among the racks. “I remember thinking, ‘I just spent $150 on this suit jacket, and it’s right here for $7,’” he says. “I couldn’t help but think someone else would buy the jacket for more than that.”
Rowe listed it on eBay for $75, and it sold overnight. That experience inspired Rowe to create Jawn Supply, an Instagram page where he’d post and sell vintage finds, initially to friends. The page grew quickly by word of mouth, and Rowe transformed his dorm room at Massachusetts’ Gordon College into a pop-up shop of sorts.
Eventually, Rowe found a permanent West Chester home for Jawn Supply, our critics’ pick for Best Vintage Clothing. Sports T-shirts and sweatshirts are his specialty—and what he loves most about what he sells are the stories attached to each item. “Vintage clothing makes you stand out,” he says. “It’s also one of the most sustainable options for buying clothes, without compromising quality.”
