Vintage clothing is a generic term for new or second hand garments originating from a previous era.
The word vintage is copied from its use in wine terminology, as a more polite word for "old" clothes!
Generally speaking, clothing which produced before the 1920s is classed as antique and clothing from the 1920s to 1980 is considered vintage. Retro, refers to clothing that is modern, but that resembles an earlier period of clothing. Opinions differ on these definitions.
Although there has always been some demand for old and/or second hand clothing, the awareness, demand and acceptance of this has increased dramatically since the early 1990s.
This increase in interest and demand for vintage clothes is due in part to vintage clothing being increasingly worn by celebrities such as Julia Roberts, and Kate Moss.
Guide to buying Vintage:
Due to increased demand, pre-1950s garments in good condition are becoming more difficult to find, and more expensive to procure.
Popular places to buy vintage clothing include charity-run second hand clothing shops, garage sales, car boot sales, flea markets, antique markets, estate sales, auctions, vintage clothing shops and vintage fashion, textile or collectables fairs.
You can do really well at some online auctions in picking up some real bargains, try Vintage.
Or failing that, raid your older friends and relatives wardrobes for clothes they have kept!
If it's a unique one of a kind wedding dress you're after, there are some particular favourites of mine at: Vintage Bridal/Formal from the 1920's (my favourites) to the 60's.
Some things to consider include sizing (many old garments were custom made and won't include sizing labels, or if they do, the old systems of sizing often differ from modern ones)
For a fascinating history of clothes and fashion check out Wikipedia
For some more modern classics have a look at Fashion By Location.
Tuesday, 22 July 2008
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