How to Buy Retro Clothes

If you enjoy adapting the looks of old to fit your personal wardrobe, learn to buy retro clothes, and add a little flair to your personal style. Keep reading to discover how to add some inspired pieces of days-gone-by to your closet.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Visit thrift stores and consignment shops for a variety of retro clothing styles, sizes, eras and prices. Compare several shops, as quality and value can vary greatly. Check in periodically; good finds come and go quickly.

2. Pay attention to size differences. The sizes of clothes today are hardly consistent with the sizes of yesterday. Check measurements when purchasing clothes that you aren't able to try on, rather than going by size alone.

3. Check locally for estate sales. It's amazing what things people will keep around for decades. Many estate sales offer funky and fabulous retro clothes for the buying public. Show up early for the best selection.

4. Browse the Internet for the occasional retro clothing bargain, but be careful. Take note of any flaws mentioned in vintage or retro clothing pieces sold online. Some flaws are tolerable, while others will ruin the garment for most buyers.

Tips & Warnings

• Shop in person for retro clothes whenever possible. When you can actually see the colors and touch the fabric you'll have a much better feel for the purchase. Also, there is no better indicator for how an item will look on you than actually trying it on.