Vintage Q&A

Jodie McLaughlin

1. Isn’t vintage just another word for old? Yes, but so is antique. A lot of people have misconceptions about vintage or secondhand clothing. They believe that it is all extremely out of date, or that the shop they go to will be gross, or that only poor people shop at those places. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The best deals are found in resale & thrift stores. Just give it a chance! 2. Will it fit? MEASURE, MEASURE, MEASURE! or if you are shopping in person, TRY IT ON! When buying online, it is CRUCIAL to be honest with yourself about your measurements. The easiest way to be sure an item will fit is to take a piece of our existing clothing that fits you well, lay it flat and take the measurements of the garment. Unsure, ASK QUESTIONS! When buying at a store, try Things On! Fashion & sizes have changed dramatically in the last couple of decades. Fabrics have changed… there is no spandex in vintage clothes! Clothes were worn tight and fitted, not loose like today’s clothing. 3. Can I make it fit? YOUR BFF IS A SEAMSTRESS! In couture and custom made gowns, the gowns were literally made directly on the body of the woman ordering the dress. Thus, it is hard to find a vintage garment that fits you perfectly.. or even today’s clothing. Vintage clothes have larger seems and can usually be made to fit up to a size difference either way. And with shorter dresses being more in fashion than longer ones, hemming is an easy option to update a long vintage dress. 4. CELEBRATE YOUR UNIQUENESS! A lot of the vintage pieces that are around now are one-of-a-kind pieces. Perfect solution to make sure you don’t run into someone else with the same outfit! Don’t forget vintage accessories as well. Sure to perk up your wardrobe. 5. THE QUALITY! THE DETAILS! Where vintage pieces are certainly unique, the biggest advantage to buying vintage is the quality, the cut, the workmanship and the fabrics. Vintage clothing was typically sewn by hand, using the best quality fabrics, and built to last. Seams are finished. Garments are lined. Structure is built in. They are a work of art. Good quality clothes were treasured. A lot of vintage dresses look as good on the hanger as they do on the body. Something that really can’t be said about today’s garments. 6. A GOOD INVESTMENT! As with all collectibles, the value of any piece is based upon the market, quality, condition, relevance and availability. Vintage clothing can be both a fashion statement and an investment. Vintage clothing from the 1950s and later is generally fairly easy to locate. However, designer & couture pieces, many one-of-a-kind, can be expensive as they have become desirable collectors items. Highly collectible items, such as high-end designer gowns, can be quite valuable and will continue to grow in value. 7. IT’S GREEN! Consider all the vintage clothing that is available. Perfect condition, great quality, better than most new clothing. Now, consider all the energy, materials, chemicals, etc. that go into making a new garment. Then, consider the same elements in getting it through the distribution chain. A vintage garment is already produced, ready to be worn without any further waste in resources. A little nip and tuck and you are good to go! 8. REWORK IT! Find a piece that needs a bit more updating? Don’t be afraid to take off sleeves, hem the skirt, etc. Now, I wouldn’t recommend doing that to the highly valuable and collectible, designer pieces, but for a little everyday piece, go for it! From an environmental standpoint, it just makes sense!

2009-09-18T11:54:50-04:00

why-vintage 3491772

2009-09-18T11:54:50-04:00

355282

Vintage Q&A 2009-10-17T20:43:44-04:00 *1. Isn't vintage just another word for old?* Yes, but so is antique. A lot of people have misconceptions about vintage or secondhand clothing. They believe that it is all extremely out of date, or that the shop they go to will be gross, or that only poor people shop at those places. This couldn't be further from the truth. The best deals are found in resale & thrift stores. Just give it a chance! *2. Will it fit?* MEASURE, MEASURE, MEASURE! or if you are shopping in person, TRY IT ON! When buying online, it is CRUCIAL to be honest with yourself about your measurements. The easiest way to be sure an item will fit is to take a piece of our existing clothing that fits you well, lay it flat and take the measurements of the garment. Unsure, ASK QUESTIONS! When buying at a store, try Things On! Fashion & sizes have changed dramatically in the last couple of decades. Fabrics have changed... there is no spandex in vintage clothes! Clothes were worn tight and fitted, not loose like today's clothing. *3. Can I make it fit?* YOUR BFF IS A SEAMSTRESS! In couture and custom made gowns, the gowns were literally made directly on the body of the woman ordering the dress. Thus, it is hard to find a vintage garment that fits you perfectly.. or even today's clothing. Vintage clothes have larger seems and can usually be made to fit up to a size difference either way. And with shorter dresses being more in fashion than longer ones, hemming is an easy option to update a long vintage dress. *4. CELEBRATE YOUR UNIQUENESS!* A lot of the vintage pieces that are around now are one-of-a-kind pieces. Perfect solution to make sure you don't run into someone else with the same outfit! Don't forget vintage accessories as well. Sure to perk up your wardrobe. *5. THE QUALITY! THE DETAILS!* Where vintage pieces are certainly unique, the biggest advantage to buying vintage is the quality, the cut, the workmanship and the fabrics. Vintage clothing was typically sewn by hand, using the best quality fabrics, and built to last. Seams are finished. Garments are lined. Structure is built in. They are a work of art. Good quality clothes were treasured. A lot of vintage dresses look as good on the hanger as they do on the body. Something that really can't be said about today's garments. *6. A GOOD INVESTMENT!* As with all collectibles, the value of any piece is based upon the market, quality, condition, relevance and availability. Vintage clothing can be both a fashion statement and an investment. Vintage clothing from the 1950s and later is generally fairly easy to locate. However, designer & couture pieces, many one-of-a-kind, can be expensive as they have become desirable collectors items. Highly collectible items, such as high-end designer gowns, can be quite valuable and will continue to grow in value. *7. IT'S GREEN!* Consider all the vintage clothing that is available. Perfect condition, great quality, better than most new clothing. Now, consider all the energy, materials, chemicals, etc. that go into making a new garment. Then, consider the same elements in getting it through the distribution chain. A vintage garment is already produced, ready to be worn without any further waste in resources. A little nip and tuck and you are good to go! *8. REWORK IT!* Find a piece that needs a bit more updating? Don't be afraid to take off sleeves, hem the skirt, etc. Now, I wouldn't recommend doing that to the highly valuable and collectible, designer pieces, but for a little everyday piece, go for it! From an environmental standpoint, it just makes sense!