What is the difference between genuine vintage clothing and simply used clothing items? Vintage clothing was once only found in the closets of a few eccentric individuals, but it has seen a growth in popularity in recent years among fashion trendsetters. The majority of fashion designers have incorporated elements of vintage style into their clothing lines and this type of clothing is now sought after by a wide variety of people. You may have fallen in love with retro-style dressing but learning how to locate and recognize those vintage fashion gems is somewhat of an art. This article will help get you started on your path to finding incredible vintage clothing pieces to spruce up your closet.

What is Vintage?

Let’s start by defining exactly what qualifies an item to be classified as vintage. Various clothing manufacturers have produced clothing that imitates the retro look, which makes it tough for new vintage seekers to distinguish between real period pieces and vintage look-alikes.

Vintage refers to clothing that is typically at least 20 years old. This clothing was considered to be stylish back in its time and continues to represent good style today. These clothes were also built to last and are often more costly than vintage replicas. There are few things as satisfying to the serious fashion fan than to come across a stunning garment from another era.

Types of Clothing Stores

If you’re going to delve into the world of vintage clothing it can be helpful to understand the different types of clothing stores. Used clothing can be purchased from resale, consignment and online stores but this does not necessarily mean they are vintage pieces. The following points offer a brief explanation of each option:

• Resale

These stores are not great options for vintage clothing but they do provide deals on fashion items from the current or previous season. They also typically offer to purchase your clean and gently used clothes for cash or store credit.

• Consignment

The consignment industry may offer the best option for vintage and resale clothing. There is a wide assortment of clothing options that range from practically new to ancient. Shop owners tend to be very selective about their inventory and usually offer many designer items.

• Online Venues

There are numerous options when it comes to buying vintage online but it can be challenging to find actual vintage pieces that are not simply replicas. The most popular online marketplaces include eBay and Etsy but there are also smaller websites that offer great finds.

Quality and Price

The reality is that there is a limited amount of vintage clothing and some fashion hunters search for amazing pieces in a variety of locations around the world. However, it is not necessary to leave the country in order to find quality vintage items.

One of the great things about vintage clothing pieces is that they offer a unique style choice. Unlike many costly designer items, vintage items are not items that everyone else has the ability to buy. A typical vintage piece is usually more expensive than your everyday clothing but it is also generally more affordable than the majority of designer items.

Selection Tips

Your selection process will vary according to your individual tastes, body type and anticipated use for the clothing. These tips can help you narrow down your selection and help you find items that are both genuine and suited to your style.

• Classic Items

As you begin to discover the world of vintage clothing it is often best to start with a classic piece for your wardrobe. Something basic that can be worn for multiple occasions, such as a little black dress, is usually a safe choice.

• Clothing Era

The decade that the clothing was manufactured has a significant influence on the shape and size of the garment. For example, the 1930s came out with clothing that works well for slender, tall women with fabric that was made to cling to the body while the 1940s are more appropriate for curvier girls with defined waists.

• Undergarments

The size of the clothing is often less important than the garments that are worn underneath them. While sizing standards have changed over time, the biggest changes involve women’s undergarments. In order to make a piece fit correctly you need to pair it with the appropriate undergarments.

• Tailoring

You should not be afraid to tailor the items you buy but always aim to maintain the integrity of the clothing. There are not a wide range of sizes when it comes to vintage clothing and if the size doesn’t quite fit it can usually be nipped and tucked to be modified it to your shape. However, there are some items that cannot be altered so make sure to determine if the piece is going to work before you make a purchase.

• Fabric

Even if a piece looks good it is essential to examine the fabric to determine quality. Hold it up in the light and feel the fabric to make sure it is not too brittle and dry. If a garment looks like it’s fading, coming apart or contains holes or other flaws it is best to leave it alone.

• Seams and Fastenings

Check the item thoroughly for any stains and double-check to make sure the zippers are in working condition and there are no missing buttons. A small flaw in this area can ruin the integrity of the piece and require a good deal of alterations if you decide to buy it.

• Ask for Help

It’s always ok and usually highly beneficial to ask for advice from sales assistants or the store owner when you’re looking for specific vintage items. This will help you through the learning process and perhaps expose you to garments you wouldn’t have found otherwise.

A quality vintage garment has stood the test of time and has retained its value for any number of reasons such as historical significance or timeless style. Vintage clothing also features more handwork and attention to detail that is partly responsible for the durability that is not found in contemporary fashion. Once you get started on the vintage path it is likely to become a lifelong passion.