Afraid to Shop for Vintage Clothes? Don’t Be
Some folks absolutely love shopping at second-hand or vintage shops, while others want nothing to do with clothing that has ever belonged to someone else. Even if you’ve always felt hesitant about shopping for or wearing used clothes, it may be worth giving the practice second look. Sure, some second-hand and vintage shops are filled to the rafters with nothing but junk. But there are others offering real treasures.
Remember, when it comes to vintage and second-hand clothing, “old” does not necessarily equal “worn out.” Clothing produced in earlier eras is generally of high quality than merchandise manufactured today. These garments were often made using superior fabrics and better construction. Plus, pieces from the past have timelessness about them that help keep them interesting and chic.
People who frequent vintage shops regularly often find the experience exhilarating and satisfying. Yes, it can be a challenging undertaking. Sure, it can take plenty of time and effort. But it can also be fun and rewarding.
Although some of the best treasures might be well hidden, finding something really special in a second-hand or vintage shop can feel like unearthing buried gold. Besides, it’s quite unlikely anyone else will ever be wearing the same unique item you’ve discovered at a second-hand or vintage shop.
Here are a few tips from veteran vintage clothing shoppers.
Tips from veteran vintage clothing shoppers
- Keep an open mind. Just because the pickings seem slim when you first walk in the door, it doesn’t mean the store’s racks hold nothing worthy of your attention. Never give up right away. Keep moving through the racks and take the time to canvas the whole store.
- Pick up items as you find them. Unlike most retail clothing stores, no storage room exists in the back of a second-hand or vintage shop filled with extra stock. Whatever is out on the floor is all there is to be had. If you like something you come across, grab it right away so you can try it on before someone else discovers it.
Look for items with tags still attached. Surprisingly, vintage stores carry clothing that has never been worn. These pieces were originally purchased new by someone, perhaps on a whim, who then decided against wearing them for some reason or another.
Go for the classics. Until you’ve become an old hand at vintage shopping, stick to clothing with clean, simple lines and basic silhouettes. Look for versatile pieces you can wear over and over again to a variety of places and events.
Avoid anything that’s stained. Even if you love a piece of clothing, don’t waste your money on if it appears marked or soiled. Since the previous owner couldn’t get the stain out, odds are you won’t be successful either.
Trust your sense of touch. Feel the fabric of a piece that interests you. If it feels stiff, brittle, or dry, you should probably put the item back on the rack. Most likely, its best days are behind it.
Don’t concentrate too much on sizing. Clothing sizes have changed quite a bit over the decades. Today’s size 10 is not the same as a size 10 of yesteryear. Most pieces can be tailored to fit as long as the fit isn’t too far off. If you’re already getting a deal on an item, it will probably still be a bargain even with the added cost of tailoring.
Age Adds Flavor
We are not old, we are seasoned!
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