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. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Scout out local and online sources that specialize in high-quality vintage clothes from a particular era or style.
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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.
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Plan to shop frequently because the availability of vintage clothing is, by its nature, hit or miss.
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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.
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Examine the garment's quality and condition. Check stress points such as under the arms for wear, and make sure zippers work.
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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.
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Comments
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mjlavin80
Dec 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. -
mjlavin80
Dec 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.
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Sep 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.
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Jan 05, 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.
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Jan 05, 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.
