| Garments made between 1920 and 1980 are | | | | very careful, treating them like the finest silk. |
| considered to be vintage clothing. Clothes were | | | | Although they are fantastic quality, they simply |
| generally made with a lot more care, durability and | | | | are not made to withstand the modern day |
| individuality, and garment collectors value their | | | | washing methods we us. If it is something you |
| vintage clothing items as prized possessions. | | | | wear regularly, you will need to wash it, but don't |
| What Is Considered As A Vintage Item? | | | | be shocked if it does get a little ruined in the |
| Owning vintage clothing is like having a time | | | | process. |
| machine to the past for some. Some collectors | | | | Be careful when buying vintage clothing made |
| have shows featuring the most popular and | | | | from glazed cotton, as it usually doesn't keep its |
| classic items from times gone by, divided into | | | | finish. Velvet fabrics are very hard to look after |
| eras or fashion trends. We have been through so | | | | as it often shrinks or loses its coating. Never ever |
| many over the past eighty or ninety years, but | | | | put a vintage clothing item in the clothes dryer or |
| some that stand out for all of us would be the | | | | washing machine, as this will surely ruin it. Always |
| Victorian style, bright floral shirts from the mid | | | | pay to have anything made from rayon |
| 1900's, flairs from the sixties and seventies and | | | | professionally cleaned, and be extra careful with |
| balloon dresses and ruffle skirts from the eighties. | | | | any wool or silk garments. Lace is another thing |
| Most vintage clothing is the result of high quality | | | | on a lot of treasured vintage items which is |
| craftsmanship, and it is not uncommon for vintage | | | | extremely delicate and can lose it's shape easily. |
| clothe collectors to exclusively pursue any high | | | | In exceptional cases, some exclusive designer |
| fashion items. This is something which would have | | | | outfits are classified as vintage after a few years. |
| originally been custom made by hand for the | | | | The term actually means any item that |
| wearer, and would have exquisite detail in the | | | | represents the public's general taste at the time |
| needlework and the fabric would be of the | | | | or the time it was from. Versace is an example |
| highest quality. One item of vintage clothing may | | | | of this, as some designs have been known to be |
| have taken over a two hundreds hours to | | | | classed as vintage only after three years. It is |
| complete. | | | | considered as amazing if a design is labeled as |
| Paris has always been famous for its haute | | | | vintage in today's current design world. |
| couture, or high fashion garments. Some of their | | | | Why are You Shopping For Vintage? |
| gowns have countless beads hand sewn all over | | | | Consider what you want your vintage items for, |
| them! If you are searching out some vintage | | | | and then you will know what quality you need. If |
| clothing, always note the needlework and the level | | | | an item is vintage and there is no damage |
| of detail in the design. | | | | whatsoever, it is considered to be in top or mint |
| Fabric And Conditions | | | | condition. Some have never had anyone wear |
| Fabrics come in a wide array of quality. This is | | | | them before ever. If there is a little sign of wear |
| why you can buy one shirt for $5 which will last a | | | | or aging, then it is considered to be in near mint |
| month, and something more expensive and high | | | | condition. If the vintage clothing has had some |
| quality may be $50 but will last years. Vintage | | | | average wear but has no rips or tears, it is in |
| clothing has lasted so long because the material is | | | | excellent condition; where as very good will have |
| high quality as is the way they are sewn. | | | | a stain or mark. If something is merely wearable, |
| If an item is vintage and there is no damage | | | | it is probably only useful for a dress up party or |
| whatsoever, it is considered to be in top or mint | | | | one time novelty ware. Collectors of vintage |
| condition. Some have never had anyone wear | | | | clothing would only be interested in mint to near |
| them before. If there is a little sign of wear or | | | | mint, as these are the items that will retain their |
| aging, then it is considered to be in near mint | | | | value most easily. |
| condition. If it has had some average wear but | | | | Summary: |
| has no rips or tears, it is in excellent condition, | | | | Clothing which is classed as vintage was usually |
| whereas very good will probably have a stain or | | | | designed prior to 1980. If you own any vintage |
| mark. If something is merely wearable, it is | | | | items, you must ensure you look after them |
| probably only useful for a dress up party or one | | | | properly. When shopping for unique vintage items |
| time novelty events. | | | | of clothing, look carefully at detail and quality, as |
| Care Instructions - Read Carefully! | | | | well as condition. If you buy vintage items that |
| If you decide to wash your vintage clothing, | | | | are in good condition and you look after them |
| understand that without tags and after washing, | | | | very well, they can only increase in value over |
| they do depreciate in value. You also must be | | | | time. |