Celebrities in classic vintage clothing fanned the public’s awareness of vintage fashion. Today, more than ever, the concept of wearing clothes owned by people from earlier eras is not anymore limited to period parties and plays; going vintage has eventually become a trend.
In strictest sense, vintage clothes are those produced in the 1920’s to 1970’s. Some, however, say that 1980’s clothes could still fit into the vintage category. Those made before 1920’s, on the other hand, are considered antique. Vintage clothes essentially are old, secondhand, and used, although a fraction of the vintage clothes were never worn by their original owners and thus belong to the dead stock market.
These clothes are more expensive than the used ones. Yet, there are also called vintage reproductions or repro. These are brand new clothes with designs and structures resembling those of the original vintage. Because they are produced in the contemporary times, there is more leeway in the use of fabrics, sewing techniques, and sizing.
Where to find vintage clothes
Because of the hype in vintage fashion today, sources are pretty much abundant. Vintage stores are one. These stores have all the possible vintage items you are looking for—from evening dresses down to shoes and accessories. Vintage stores are privately owned and are regularly in search for more vintage items to buy and sell.
You can also try and look in thrift stores, which sell donated vintage items for charitable purposes. When you buy from a thrift store, not only will you satisfy your vintage urge, you also get to help other people.
Then there are the consignment stores. These stores act as sort of a middle man. People place their vintage clothes in consignment stores to sell, which if bought, the consignment store gets a predetermined percentage from the sales. If the items, however, are not bought during a specified period, the store returns them to the seller.
You can also ask people in the family if you want to get a vintage item without spending a single dollar. Maybe your grandparents kept something in their closet, which they probably have no use for. Try also asking your aunts, uncles, and everyone else who might own old stuff. They probably have vintage items that they intend to pass on to the next generation.
Assessing vintage condition
Considering the age of vintage clothes, it is very likely to spot signs of tear and damages. So when buying a vintage item, it is very important to evaluate its condition. There are terms used in describing the condition of a vintage item. They are the following:
1.) Mint. It means the item is as perfect and flawless as it was first made. There are no indications of damages, as if it wasn’t even worn. Mint vintage items are rare, though.
2.) Near Mint. It means the item is still in pristine condition, but has slight signs of wear.
3.) Excellent. The garment shows signs of wear due to occasional use. It is wearable and in superior condition, though.
4.) Very good. The vintage item is wearable, although it shows some surface and structural flaws such as stains.
5.) Good. A good classic vintage clothing is also still wearable, but has serious flaws that even repairs cannot bring it back to its pristine condition.