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How Do I Choose the Best Vintage Clothing?

Tara Barnett
Tara Barnett

Choosing the best vintage clothing requires balancing quality with fashion intuition. Many people feel that certain strategies for picking out vintage items are effective, but what works for an individual is largely a matter of experience. One way to choose the best vintage clothing is to look at reputable websites where professionals select attractive vintage items. If a person is highly industrious and has access to sources of vintage clothing other than retail stores, it is often possible to find very unique or rare items, which can be a great value. When choosing this type of clothing, it is important to pay attention to the quality and durability of the item, but a buyer should still consider the way the clothing fits and looks as well.

There are many different types of vintage clothing available, and no particular era or style is necessarily the best. In certain situations, a person might be more interested in clothing that was produced by a famous designer than generic vintage style clothes. Clothing that is not made by a major label may still be attractive and fashionable, so this rule is not absolute.

A boutique could specialize in vintage women's clothing.
A boutique could specialize in vintage women's clothing.

One important fact to consider when choosing vintage clothes is that these items have often already been worn and may be quite worn out. It is important to choose items that are durable and in good condition to ensure that the clothes last for a long time. In certain cases, a very valuable item might be worth repairing or altering if it is a good deal, but choosing the best vintage clothing usually means checking the clothes for wear and tear. Looking at areas of weakness, such as seams or missing buttons, can be a good strategy when picking out clothes of this type.

Vintage or used clothing is an example of sustainable fashion.
Vintage or used clothing is an example of sustainable fashion.

Other than the quality of the clothing, other considerations are largely personal. Making sure that the clothes fit is a good idea, as sizes have changed over time. Looking at vintage clothes in retail stores can be a great strategy if someone is not sure if an item is fashionable, because retail stores typically only sell clothes they have decided are currently in style. This can be helpful for people who are not picky about clothes but do not wish to wear something that is not stylish.

Tie dye was very popular in the 1960s and '70s.
Tie dye was very popular in the 1960s and '70s.

When building a collection of vintage clothing items, many people find that creating a diverse wardrobe is difficult. Often, it is easy to find one type of clothing but difficult to find others that match or go well with that item. Diversity in a clothing collection is important, but it is usually considered more important to create a wardrobe that matches a person's own desires and tastes.

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    • A boutique could specialize in vintage women's clothing.
      By: adisa
      A boutique could specialize in vintage women's clothing.
    • Vintage or used clothing is an example of sustainable fashion.
      By: PhotoSG
      Vintage or used clothing is an example of sustainable fashion.
    • Tie dye was very popular in the 1960s and '70s.
      By: bellemedia
      Tie dye was very popular in the 1960s and '70s.
    • Check seams for weak areas that could need repair before wear.
      By: Eky Chan
      Check seams for weak areas that could need repair before wear.