any women have an affinity for clothing of a bygone era. The choice of fabrics, the cuts, the prints and the accents such as frills and ruffles hold a different charm. A diehard fan of vintage styles will sail through the shopping errand, but those looking to get their feet wet wonder what to choose and what to leave behind.
If you're a little skeptical about splurging on vintage clothing, you needn't be. This short article shares tips on buying vintage clothing the smart way.
1. Look in the right places -
Knowing where to look will not only save time but also guarantee quality stuff for your collection. Brick-and-mortar and online stores dealing in vintage clothing are the best place to start your search. You should attend an auction only if you intend to buy items in bulk. One place most of us overlook is our mother or grandmother's closet.
2. Take a peek at the labels -
Labels are a mark of authenticity; they help identify authentic and replicated vintage clothing. A label is typically stitched to the neck of the dress or under the collar. Before you go shopping, you should find out which clothing labels are true vintage. Union labels in blue are an indicator of quality. Side-snap closures, pinked seams and metal zippers are other identifying features.
3. Smell the garment -
Many vintage pieces of clothing bear an unpleasant smell. The smell vanishes after a session of dry cleaning however; avoid buying a dress or blouse if the smell is too strong.
4. Proper sizing -
Sizing standards have changed over the decades. Knowledge of your body proportions will help find a suitable size. When you go shopping, wear the right undergarments. Undergarments such as corsets, girdles and bullet bras will truly make a piece fit correctly. For those unsure of the size, especially when buying online, buy one size larger.
If you like a piece but can't get a perfect fit, tailor it to your size. Garments can be altered - nipped, tucked, shortened and tightened. Such clothing is expensive hence, we recommend altering it with a good tailor.
5. Feel the fabric -
You should inspect the quality and condition of the fabric before you buy it. Touch and feel the fabric. Do not buy a faded fabric that is cracking or falling apart.
6. Shop with an era in mind -
Clothing older than 25 years is considered vintage. Each decade is identified by distinctive fashion trends. You should shop with an era in mind. It restricts you to a specific selection of designs. You can also mix and match designs from different fashion eras. Do a bit of research on the clothing of each era.
7. Store your vintage beauties -
It is necessary to store garments with care to prolong their life. Clothes are usually stored in plastic to prevent them from getting dirty and dusty. Dresses should first be air dried before they are stored in plastic bags. Moisture accumulation can cause mildew growth.
So, buy vintage garments and spice up an otherwise ordinary closet.
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