How to Buy a Vintage Suit

Many of today's fashions are so trendy, they won't see much wear after a season or two. If you want to add something more durable to your wardrobe, you can buy vintage suits in ageless styles or go for something a little more off-beat. Follow these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Decide what style you are looking to find suits from. Many suits from the 1950s and 1960s are still readily available, while older suits, such as ones from the 1930s or 1940s are harder to find, but still exist in wearable condition.
2. Search everywhere clothing is sold. You can buy a vintage suit anywhere from second hand stores to eBay. Look at roadside sales when commuting or try for a garage sale or estate sale on the weekend.
3. Raid your grandfather's closet. Look for department store bags or zippered suit bags. You might find what you are looking for in a storage bag.
4. Learn what popular fabrics were used decades ago to make your search easier. Look for flannel, tweed and herringbone as these have stood the test of time and were used frequently in suit making.
5. Look for signs of distress that will be hard to fix. Stains, holes or massive alterations are difficult to work with. However, suit linings are simple and inexpensive to replace.
6. Find suits with sensible styles, something that will adjust to the work and social environment of today.
7. Measure yourself or have a tailor get your measurements before you start looking. Know what your size is and you will be able to search through the suits much faster.

Tips & Warnings

• Steam suits to clean them or have them pressed.
• Take measurements over a T-shirt and well-fitted pants.