When shopping for used vintage clothing, it is important to remember to check for any damage present, to consider pricing, and to try clothes on before buying. Since there is more than one reason someone may wish to buy vintage, there will also be different guidelines to follow. Those looking for a good deal in terms of price should stick with thrift stores and consignment shops. For shoppers who are looking for clothes in good condition in order to create a fun and more stylish wardrobe, vintage specialty shops are probably the way to go.
One thing to consider when buying used vintage clothing is the condition that these items are in. Since vintage generally refers to clothing between 20 and 100 years old, there is a good chance that many items will have some fading, tearing, or stretching. This is not always the case, since clothing was often made from higher quality materials than clothing today.
Rips or tears not found on a seam are usually not repairable. On some items, the clothing can be altered to get rid of tearing and other imperfections. For instance, a dress with rips at the bottom may be shortened and hemmed, thus getting rid of the tear. Stains can sometimes be cleaned. Fading may also be fine if the fading is even and not noticeable.
Another factor shoppers should consider when buying used vintage clothing is that sizes have changed in various periods. A size 8 in the 50’s was not necessarily the same as a size 8 during the present day or in any other time period. For this reason, it is best to try clothing on before buying when possible. For shopping online, shoppers should take their own measurements at the hips, bust, and waist and use those to find clothes in their exact sizes.
Price is another important factor to consider when buying used vintage clothing. Those looking for a bargain would do well to find clothes in thrift shops by digging through the racks to find good vintage items. This is time consuming and there is no guarantee that older clothing will be in good condition. It is possible to find stylish and affordable items this way, but it is much more tedious.
Those who are not as concerned with paying the lowest possible price should consider shopping at vintage boutiques and retailers. These stores typically specialize in vintage clothing and they often sell higher quality items that have been pre-inspected for cleanliness and condition. Prices are often higher, but they usually carry more stylish pieces.