HOW TO SHOP VINTAGE

There’s no feeling quite like finding fashion gold nestled in the archives of a vintage shop or thrift store. But these treasure troves are more than a place to find hidden, pre-loved gems, they’re also a great way to alleviate fashion’s impact on the planet. As we all try to shop more sustainably, vintage is a good place to start, but you need to know what you’re looking for. It pays to be extra savvy when shopping vintage, so here are a few things to consider.

1. Know your measurements

Eyes aren’t enough when trying to spot a vintage beauty. Touching your clothes will immediately tell you how well made they are, and can help you differentiate between something real and something fake. Feeling the material with your fingers is the perfect way to determine if knitwear is a true cashmere jumper or a blend, and separate your cotton T-shirts from your polyester. This may take longer, but trust us, it’s worth it.

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2. Find a tailor

Rather than going off standard sizing - which many vintage pieces won’t follow - know your desired measurements for different items of clothing: dresses, skirts, outerwear, trousers, etc. Even if it has your normal size on the label, don’t assume it will fit, as vintage pieces might adopt a different ratio. Try it on or ask for more specific measurements. And remember, no matter what bargain you stumble across, if it doesn’t fit, leave it behind.

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3. Utilise your senses

Eyes aren’t enough when trying to spot a vintage beauty. Touching your clothes will immediately tell you how well made they are, and can help you differentiate between something real and something fake. Feeling the material with your fingers is the perfect way to determine if knitwear is a true cashmere jumper or a blend, and separate your cotton T-shirts from your polyester. This may take longer, but trust us, it’s worth it.

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4. Pre-loved may need some love

Shopping vintage means shopping pre-loved. And this means that you may have to contend with a missing button, lost sequin or even the odd mark. Rather than discarding them, consider it an opportunity to create something unique, or embrace the “flaw” as part of its history.

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5. Check its authenticity

If you do happen to come across a label during your search, a word of caution before you celebrate. Any item that boasts a name outside of an authorised retailer should be scrutinised until proven otherwise. Ask the staff for more information about the piece, such as where they got it and how long they’ve had it for? A quick internet search on your phone will reveal common counterfeit signs to look out for, which you can then compare to the piece in front of you.

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6. Study the care instructions

Whether it’s designer or not, many vintage pieces come with specific care instructions, often dry-clean only. If the item really makes your heart sing, ask yourself if regular dry cleaning or complex care is something you want to keep up.

Before you hand over your card, be sure to know what demands this new addition to your collection will be making. If it’s a special occasion piece, wonderful - this means that you won’t have to care for it regularly. Although you might want to think twice if it’s more suitable for everyday wear.

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7. Have patience

Whilst you may have a piece in mind that you’re looking for, remember that vintage shopping is largely about luck as well as skill. Don’t be tempted by every item that catches your eye; take some time to truly make sure it’s for you. Vintage shopping is a marathon, not a sprint, and it may take several trips to your favourite stores before you snap something up.

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