How to Buy Vintage Clothes

Whether you want a unique evening gown or just an unusual everyday dress, buying vintage clothes can expand your wardrobe. You can avoid pandering to current trends while still being a style maker in classic vintage pieces. Vintage clothing can range from quite costly to a great bargain, depending on where you shop and what you are looking for.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tape measure

1. Choose an overall look or period to shop for if you want to buy vintage clothes. Also consider whether you are buying vintage clothes to wear or to collect, since sizing issues can be a factor. You may find that eclectic pieces from a variety of periods fit well in your wardrobe and express your personality.

2. Figure out where to shop. Local thrift stores, garage sales and estate sales offer the best chance of affordable bargains on vintage clothes. You may also find that you have to spend more time shopping and leave with fewer items than if you shop more specific sources for vintage clothes. Vintage clothing shops will have a better selection and may have dead stock items that have never been worn. The prices will be higher. Finally, online shopping offers some good choices when buying vintage clothes. You can search on eBay or try specialty shops.

3. Take along not only a clear mental image of your own wardrobe and what you need but also a tape measure. Much of the time, you will buy vintage clothes without the opportunity to try them on. Measuring the bust, waist and hips can help make sure a garment will fit, especially if you know your own measurements and even the measurements of a few favorite garments. Keep in mind that much vintage clothing has limited additional wearing ease and may require special undergarments to fit properly.

4. Look carefully at the fabric for discoloration, holes, damage and weakness. Be especially conscientious of stress points in seams and the underarm area. While some damage can be mended, know your own abilities or how much repair work you are willing to pay for, and factor this into your total cost. Zippers are easily replaced, but shattered fabric is nearly irreparable. If you are buying evening wear, you may want to talk to your cleaner or ask a local vintage clothing shop for a recommendation for a good dry cleaner.

5. Buy only what you love and will treasure. This is equally true if you buy vintage to wear or simply collect. If you are buying vintage clothing to wear, be certain that all pieces you keep fit well and that you have the undergarments you need to carry them off in style.

Tips & Warnings

• Know what shapes and silhouettes flatter your body.
• Be aware of typical period fits, and wear clothing the way it was meant to be worn.
• Avoid buying items with significant odor issues.
• Shattered and disintegrating fabric cannot be repaired, so avoid buying unless you are simply collecting.