The demand for stylish, high-quality vintage women's clothing is increasing and shows no sign of halting anytime soon. Whether it is the peculiar textiles of earlier times, an admiration for the classic styles or the yearn to wear something completely unique for special event, a large number of women are choosing the fashion from the past to wear.
Keep scrolling for a guide to buying vintage clothing for the beginners in order to spend wisely and become cleverer vintage buyer.
Take the measurements
If you wish to wear vintage clothing, the first thing you must do before anything is get a tape measure for yourself to know your measurements. It is highly important as many sellers of vintage clothing online do not accept returns or charge a fee for restocking merchandise.
So if you have a measuring tape handy while buying the outfit and know your measurements already, it will save you a lot of time. This way you’ll not be wasting a lot of time in the changing room with dresses that may not fit.
Discern your body type
Every decade has its specific silhouettes and styles. Some are more commending on specific body types than others. For instance, if you have an hourglass or pear physique than a full skirt vintage dress from 50s or early 60s would look more pleasing on you.
Straight liquette styles from 20s, A line mini dresses, maxi dresses and empire waist dresses from 60s & 70s look better if you have triangular figure (Shoulders wider than hips) or a rectangular figure (hips and shoulders close to same measurement and only a few inches smaller waist). It makes sense to buy a dress that’ll look best on you, no matter how attractive a vintage dress is, if it doesn’t downplay the negative and highlight the positive, simply leave it!
Learn more and more
Learn everything possible about vintage clothing and acquaint yourself desirable labels, collectible designers and of course the fashions that are typical to certain eras. It simply helps in identifying the particular style of a designer and ensures you are getting what you are paying for.
Vintage clothing books, magazines and catalogs are best source to educate yourself with the bygone era styles. Along with these, textile and costume exhibits and museums are also an extremely helpful source for learning about antique and vintage clothing.
Inspecting carefully
Vintage clothing in mint condition, especially unused stock is uncommon. Hence most vintage lovers expect antique outfits to demonstrate some proof of previous wear. Obviously the more stylish and less wear condition of an outfit, the costlier it is. However those who like the uniqueness of the vintage clothing are more than happy to take small defects if they get wear a fashionable and one of a kind piece of history.
Best things about buying from a reputable vintage dresses online dealers is they will disclose every little detail about the condition of their vintage garments right in the description box, which means you know what you are getting, while mortar and brick stores often have inadequate lightings due to which a thorough inspection is not possible.
Wear & Care
Vintage dresses for special occasions from almost every decade often have embellishments and ornate decoration like sequins, embroidery and beading and fabrics are satins, laces and silks. Thus, even if in best condition for their life length, they must be worn with care. Some sellers clean their vintage womens clothing prior to sale while some do not. It is best to be sure by asking directly.
But even if you buy a pre-cleaned garment at some point or other you’ll need to clean it again. If the cleaning instructions aren’t available then email the dealer or ask the owner, if in store. It is always good to know beforehand if the outfit you are purchasing is going to be too expensive or difficult to clean.
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