Definition of Vintage Clothing
Whether you're gearing up for a costume party or you'd like to add a little flair to your wardrobe, vintage items are a fine addition to your fashion arsenal. However, people often confuse the term "vintage" with other popular fashion genres. Your first step in the guide to vintage hunting is knowing the criteria and then learning the best shopping resources, both online and in your town.
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Features
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While some believe clothing has be at least 20 years old to be considered vintage, others say the only requirement is that it was made during a distinctly different fashion era. For example, clothing made circa 1995 looks extremely different from styles of today, thanks to its use of color and volume. However, those designs do not yet meet the 20-year rule. The main detail to focus on is when the clothing was manufactured and not necessarily the style it emulates.
Retro Clothing
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Just because the dress looks '80s, doesn't mean it really is. Clothing made today that takes on a past era's style is considered retro. Designers are constantly recycling certain past fads in an attempt to be unique and chic. Examples of this include spandex leggings and shift dresses, which have recently made a huge comeback. While retro designs may not be carbon copies of older styles, they may adopt a few details here and there for a retro accent to the piece. Plasticland is an example of an online store specializing in retro fashion.
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Vintage Online
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There are many vintage retailers with exclusively online stores. RustyZipper.com has an impressive selection of styles and sizes and is great for rare finds such as a Lane Bryant original dress from the 1970s. Ebay is another good source for vintage-clothing hunting. A useful eBay store for vintage clothing is The Cat's Pajamas.
Popular Vintage Stores
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A number of vintage stores buy their clothing directly from private sellers who are looking to clean out their closets. The stores usually buy according to season, for example, coats in the winter, sundresses in the summer. While many stores offer both vintage and retro clothing, shops like San Jose, California, based Moon Zoom and Junkee Clothing Exchange in Reno, Nevada, specialize in well-preserved vintage goods.
Sizing
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It's better to underestimate size when vintage shopping. Just because it says "Medium" doesn't mean that it is. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average adult weight for Americans has increased 25 pounds over the last 50 years. This means lettered sizing for vintage clothing is on a smaller scale. If you're buying online, try to get exact measurements to ensure proper fit. Some sites may not offer measurements, so when in doubt, buy bigger. Items can always be taken in by a good tailor.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit ragazza vintage camicia rosso blu pantaloni image by Lorenzo Brasco from Fotolia.com tasha image by Randy McKown from Fotolia.com slim girl in big size jeans image by Anatoly Tiplyashin from Fotolia.com
