Shopping for vintage clothing is a great way to find unique pieces. You never know what you’re going to discover. Learn how to shop for vintage fashion with ease.
What Is Vintage Clothing?
The word “vintage” simply means “from the past.” When it comes to clothing, items that are over 20 years old are generally considered vintage. (Antique clothing is over 100 years old.) Vintage clothing is usually secondhand (previously worn). Items that mimic past trends, whether they are vintage or vintage-inspired, are called “retro.” Unworn clothing—typically found in bulk in warehouses and factories—is known as “deadstock” but is typically not vintage.
Where Can I Buy Vintage Clothes?
From vintage boutiques to consignment stores to discount thrift chains, there are many types of vintage clothing stores.
- Thrift Stores
A thrift store is a discount store that typically sells secondhand clothing. You can find quality vintage when thrifting, but you may have to dig through many items to find your size and style.
- Consignment Stores
Consignment stores are places where individuals can resell items. When a piece sells, the store takes a cut. Consignment stores generally specialize in high-end and designer pieces and accessories, like handbags, shoes, and costume jewelry.
- Vintage Boutiques
Boutiques have a curated selection of unique vintage clothing that hews to a certain aesthetic of the past era. They are usually small, which means you can develop a relationship with the people who work there. A boutique might specialize in vintage haute couture, or it might only sell denim.
- Flea Markets
If you’re lucky enough to have a large flea market or swap meet in your city, it can be a great place to find vintage clothing. Flea markets are typically outdoors, and vendors sell a wide variety of items, including furniture and brand-new goods. You’ll have to seek out the vintage clothes sellers, who often have giant racks of unsorted used clothing. Come prepared to haggle for your vintage items.
- Shop Online
There are many online stores that specialize in selling vintage clothing, often direct from multiple sellers. The advantage of buying vintage clothing online is that you can search for specific key terms to find exactly what you’re looking for. The disadvantage is that you won’t get to try the item on, and buying vintage online is almost always more expensive than shopping at thrift stores.
How do I shop for Vintage Clothes?
- Keep an open mind
Unlike stores that sell new clothing in every size and color, vintage stores are stocked with one-of-a-kind pieces. Don’t go vintage shopping if you’re looking for a specific item, because you probably won’t find it. Instead, use a mood board for inspiration, and you might leave with some great vintage finds.
- Search for flaws
Unlike new clothing, vintage clothing often has flaws: stains, rips, missing buttons, and stuck zippers. Before making a purchase, thoroughly inspect your item for any flaws. If you fall in love with a flawed item, ask yourself if you can live with the damage or if it will always bother you. Some flaws are fixable, like too-long pants that need to be hemmed. Other flaws, like fraying silk, aren’t. Don’t expect to be able to remove any stains yourself, and don’t buy items that need mending unless you’ll actually mend them.