Vintage clothing has been around for generations and continues to gain popularity with each passing day. The allure of vintage clothing lies in its unique design, quality fabrics, and the opportunity to own a piece of history. For fashion enthusiasts, vintage clothing is a great way to add flair to their wardrobe. However, finding vintage clothing that suits your style and budget can be challenging.
Many people are interested in vintage clothing but need to know where to begin. The search can be overwhelming with so many online and in-person stores selling vintage clothing. You are in the right place if you are one of those individuals. In this blog post, we will show you 5 ways to find vintage clothes that fit your style and budget.
Where to Buy Vintage Clothing
There are many types of vintage clothing stores, from vintage boutiques to consignment stores to discount thrift chains.
1. Thrift stores:
Thrift stores offer a unique shopping experience different from buying clothes at regular stores. When thrifting, you can find quality vintage clothing, but you may have to dig through many items to find your size and style. However, the effort is worth it as you can find unique pieces no one else will have.
When you shop at thrift stores, you are getting a good deal and helping the environment by keeping clothes out of landfills. As the fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to pollution, buying secondhand clothing is an eco-friendly way to shop.
Thrift stores offer vintage clothing from eras such as the 60s, 70s, and 80s. You can find anything from retro dresses to vintage leather jackets, and old-school band tees. The best part is that you can mix and match these vintage pieces with modern ones to create a unique look that is entirely your own.
2. Consignment stores:
Consignment stores work by allowing individuals to sell their items to the store. When the item sells, the store takes a cut of the profit. This system benefits both the seller and the buyer. The seller can make some extra money off their unwanted items, while the buyer can purchase quality items at a discounted price.
Many consignment stores specialize in high-end and designer pieces, making them the perfect place to find vintage clothing. You can find everything from handbags to shoes to costume jewelry. And because these items are gently used, they often have a unique character that you can’t find in brand-new items.
3. Vintage boutiques:
Vintage boutiques are small stores specializing in curating a selection of unique vintage clothing. Unlike larger retailers, vintage boutiques offer pieces that are one-of-a-kind and hew to a certain aesthetic or past era. Whether you’re looking for vintage haute couture or a favorite pair of denim, a vintage boutique is the perfect place to find it.
4. 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 start your search. These outdoor markets are bustling with vendors selling various items, from furniture to brand-new goods. But for the vintage clothing enthusiast, the real magic happens when you find the sellers with giant racks of unsorted used clothing.
The beauty of buying vintage clothing is that each piece has a unique history. You’ll be able to find one-of-a-kind items that can’t be found anywhere else. And not only are you getting a unique piece, but you’re also doing your part for the environment by recycling clothing instead of buying new.
5. Online:
buying vintage clothing may be just the thing for you. And with the convenience of online shopping, it’s easier than ever to add vintage pieces to your wardrobe. Numerous online stores specialize in selling vintage clothing directly from multiple sellers. Whether you’re looking for a vintage dress, a statement jacket, or a classic pair of boots, you can easily search for specific keywords (such as skjorte for høye menn) to find exactly what you’re looking for.
If you’re hesitant to buy vintage clothing online, consider starting with accessories. Vintage jewelry, belts, scarves, and bags are often easier to incorporate into your wardrobe and are less risky to purchase online.
How to Shop for Vintage Clothing
Vintage shopping is an adventure, and with a few simple skills, you can develop your own unique vintage style.
1. Keep an open mind.
When shopping for vintage clothing, paying attention to the item’s quality is important. Vintage clothing has been worn before and may have some wear and tear, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth buying. Look for well-made pieces and check for any damage or stains. Remember to check the sizing, as vintage clothing sizes vary greatly from modern sizing.
2. Set a time limit.
Setting a time limit for vintage shopping has many benefits. First and foremost, it helps you stay focused and avoid getting lost in the sea of clothes and accessories. When you have a limited amount of time, you’re more likely to be efficient and strategic in your search for the perfect vintage piece.
3. Try on anything you like.
Sizing between brands varies widely—especially when it comes to vintage clothing. In the past, sizes skewed much smaller, and washing can shrink pieces. Regarding vintage shopping, the size on the tag is virtually useless. You’ll need to try it on to know if a garment fits.
But what do you do when a fitting room isn’t available? This is often the case when shopping online or at flea markets. Luckily, there are ways to ensure you get the right fit, even without trying items.
4. Search for flaws.
When it comes to vintage clothing, flaws are part of the charm. However, you must thoroughly inspect your item for any damages before purchasing. If you are shopping online, look for items with plenty of high-quality images and ask the seller if the item has 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, such as too-long pants that must be hemmed. Other flaws, like fraying silk, are not.
Conclusion
Buying vintage clothing can be a unique and exciting way to add personality to your wardrobe. With the increasing popularity of vintage fashion, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. However, by following the 5 ways to find vintage clothes discussed in this blog post, you can comfortably navigate the world of vintage shopping and find the perfect pieces for your style and budget. Whether you shop online or in person, remember to have fun exploring the endless possibilities of vintage fashion.
