How to Purchase Vintage Clothing

Whether your style is a 1970s Adidas jogging suit or a 1950s Chanel suit, an authentic disco shirt or a period zoot suit, going retro is a way to stand apart from the crowd.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Scout out local and online sources that specialize in high-quality vintage clothes from a particular era or style.

2. Scour thrift stores, garage sales and flea markets for bargain priced treasures, from gasoline station jackets and bowling shirts to wedding gowns and embroidered aprons.

3. Plan to shop frequently because the availability of vintage clothing is, by its nature, hit or miss.

4. Consider having a quality item altered if it's too big. Some damage can be repaired: It's easy to sew up a split seam but not a moth hole. Odors and stains are often permanent. Factor in the complexity and cost of alterations. For example, it's far easier and cheaper to take up a pant hem than to take in a lined jacket.

5. Examine the garment's quality and condition. Check stress points such as under the arms for wear, and make sure zippers work.

Tips & Warnings

• Vintage fabrics can be fragile. A cleaner can advise you on whether to dry-clean or hand wash the garment.
• Don't go by the size on the label: Sizes varied before they were regulated.

[kellie1]

on 8/26/2008 If you are starting a consignment business, for sale called: Too Good to be Threw by Kate Holmes. Please e-mail me if interested.

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[mjlavin80]

on 12/10/2007 Remember that shopping at vintage/thrift stores is a great habit to develop. You can save money, reduce your environmental impact, and find great clothes.

on 9/15/2006 If you are looking to buy great vintage items, they are most often times worth a large sum (large sum when referring to vintage clothing means $70-$100). However, you can still find great things that you don't even have to pay more than $20 for. Don't go to a store that has a small selection where everything is really expensive because it's just not necessary.

on 1/5/2006 Choose an era that consistently flatters you. If 1960's wiggle dresses only enhance your tummy bulges or big hips, consider a 1940's wiggle dress (they cling less). If you like the long, beautiful gowns of the 1930's, consider buying a 1970's gown in a more durable fabric. The lace, chiffon, silk, and netting of a 1930's dress will most likely be very fragile. Watch for discoloration and fading in vintage clothes, and always consider how sheer the garment is.