Vintage Clothing Information
Vintage clothes are previously owned or worn clothing. The term usually applies to secondhand clothes from a previous fashion era. The term is a euphemism, it sounds better than "old clothes." The commercial and environmental appeal of these garments has attracted celebrities and thrift store divas alike.
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Vintage Trend
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Interest in vintage surged in the 1990s when celebrities such as Julia Roberts, Chloe Sevigny and Kate Moss dazzled on red carpets and major fashion events. These women wore clothes from fashion power houses such as Dior, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Coco Chanel, Valentino and Yves Saint-Laurent. The trend gained momentum because of its eco-friendly aspect. It became trendy to be green especially in fashion. It is common knowledge that the fashion industry isn't known for being environmentally friendly. Fashion designers and fashionistas alike received a boon for promoting vintage clothing. Previously owned garments were given new life by being re-used, repaired and recycled. Even if the entire garment cannot be salvaged, parts of it are used as inspiration or incorporated into an entirely new garment.
Buying Vintage Clothing Tips
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A blog, www.the-coveted.com ,offers these tips in buying vintage:
1. Check to make sure that zippers close, buttons can be fastened, stitches are intact and that there are no stains or funky smells. Most dry cleaners can fix these problems.
2. Check the fit. Depending on the brand, the cut might not be the right size. Up until the 1960s, women wore foundation garments that enhanced their voluptuous figures. Make sure that there are allowances for alterations.
Care for Vintage Clothes
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The site www.vintagewear.com offers the following tips on the proper care for vintage clothes:
It is recommended that vintage clothes be treated with the utmost care. Delicate fabrics such as silk, velvet, rayon, acetate and lace require gentle cleaning. Be careful with the laundry detergent that you use to hand-wash these garments. Strong chemicals present in many of today's detergents can lead to further deterioration of the fabric. Retro wear requires a delicate brand of detergent. Also be sure to wash in a delicate cycle and leave clothes out to air dry.
Benefits of Vintage Clothing
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Besides the obvious positive effect on the environment, the other benefits of acquiring vintage clothing are:
• Unique fashion: These items cannot be found in any department store.
• Quality: These clothes are well cut, well made and have generous seam allowances for alterations.
• Better value: Buying vintage is cheaper than buying new from designers.
• Detailed finish: When a vintage item is examined closely, the craftsmanship is evident. Many items were hand-stitched with superior fabric. Embroideries, unique buttons, beading, crochet, handmade lace and appliqué are all indications of solid craftsmanship. The styles tend to be more imaginative and the creativity is clearly seen.
• The story: Wearing a vintage piece is like wearing a living piece of art. Clothing from a different era tells stories about the women who came before us. Certain pieces have heritage attached. This intimate knowledge is priceless.
Places to Acquire Vintage
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The best places to buy vintage clothing are secondhand stores such as Goodwill and The Salvation Army. Flea markets and thrift stores are also a good way to examine the clothes closely. Exquisite pieces can found at estate sales, auctions and collectible fairs. On the internet, eBay has a good track record in providing some quality pieces.
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References
- Photo Credit http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-493031/A-fine-vintage-Why-fashionistas-spending-thousands-clothes-heritage.html
