Vintage and second-hand clothing are a great way to save money, conserve natural resources, and set yourself apart with a unique style that is impossible to duplicate. Most communities have at least one second hand store, and most cities have several. In addition, you can also look at garage sales, estate sales, and on auction websites like Ebay.
Part of the fun of buying vintage is the thrill of the hunt. It’s true, you do have to wade through a lot of mediocre junk to find something really good, but when you do, it is well worth it. I once found a vintage Dior jacket at Goodwill for $10! Most of the garments that you buy used need to be cleaned and may need some minor tailoring or repair—but for the most part they are in good, usable condition.
The best part is that you will probably never run into another person who owns the same piece. Aside from sewing your own clothing or paying for haute couture, buying vintage is practically the only way to ensure that your wardrobe is one-of-a-kind.
Here are a few other tips for buying vintage and second-hand clothing:
1. Look for pieces that you can pair with your existing basics. Buy a pair of perfect jeans, or a pair of black dress pants and then find something extraordinary from a vintage shop to wear with them.
2. Take your time and be prepared to walk away with nothing. Consider vintage shopping to be a sport. Sometimes you win—BIG. Sometimes you lose and come up empty handed. It should be a relaxing and fun past time so don’t go if you’re in a hurry or if you need something to wear RIGHT NOW. The best way to shop vintage is to just go on a regular basis without any expectations. Allow yourself to be surprised when you do find something extraordinary.
3. Look at labels, but don’t make it a priority. If you fall in love with a piece, buy it and use it.
4. Try it on. Sizing varies widely from different time periods and from different manufacturers, so you can’t just go by the size on the tag. If you don’t want to try it on there, find out what the store’s return policy is.
5. Look for pieces that have detail: beading, lace, sequins, embroidery. If the workmanship is excellent, but you’re not crazy about the style, think outside the box and consider buying it and having it altered or made into something new.
6. Most vintage stores also sell belts, handbags, scarves, jewelry and hats as well as shoes that need some TLC. Find a cobbler and make friends with him.
You will be surprised (and possibly dismayed) at the amount of perfectly good clothing that is discarded and donated every year by people who simply want something new to wear. Second-hand clothing is often in impeccable condition and is priced at least less than half of what the item would cost brand new. Why wouldn’t you shop vintage?
