Shopping for vintage clothing at estate sales can offer many bargains and many one-of-a-kind pieces that are sure to pique your interest. Vintage clothing could be from the 1930s to the 1980s at this point, but the most sought after eras will be from the 1950s to the 1970s. There are many things to consider when choosing vintage clothing, especially depending on what you want to do with it later. Some people buy vintage clothing from estate sales to resell on their personal website or eBay store, while other people may buy them for their own collection or fashion purposes.
Knowing how to identify vintage garments should be one of your main concerns. There are a few things to look for to determine if you’re really buying authentic vintage clothing. It’s not hard for people new to vintage clothing to get confused about what time period vintage clothing really is. Usually, if the clothing tag says it was made in China, it’s probably newer. You’ll want to look for clothes that are from places like France, the US, Italy, or Hong Kong. Vintage clothing may also have union labels printed in blue or red/blue text. Once you get really good at identifying vintage clothing, you’ll be able to tell if the clothing is older just by touching the fabric and feeling the texture of the textiles. Patterns and colors will also be a clue, although there are now many designers who are remaking new clothes to look vintage, so be careful.
Always inspect clothing as carefully as possible, most vintage clothing will usually show some signs of wear and if not then a little care should be taken. Collectors and fashionistas swear by retro-style clothing because it’s stylish and unique, and you’re sure to wear a one-of-a-kind piece that won’t look out of the ordinary.
Estates are a great place to shop for mid-century clothing because you’re more likely to get a great deal rather than buying it from consignment stores or eBay, where it’s already been flagged. You also get a chance to see the garment up close, which you certainly can’t if you buy it online. Don’t hesitate to ask the person in charge of sales if you can go into the bathroom to try it on if you buy it for personal use.
Things to check for when shopping for vintage clothing include old stains, odors, fading or discoloration in the fabric, and holes or tears. Old stains can be extremely difficult to remove, so you’ll probably want to pass up any stained clothing you find. Clothes with old scents often suffer the same fate, as scents that have been attached to the fabric for a long time are likely to linger. Vintage clothing is generally safe to withstand the regular dry-cleaning method, but be sure to do your due diligence to be sure.
If a great vintage piece is simply missing buttons, needs a zipper repaired, has an undone seam, or needs a hem shortened, it’s still a worthwhile purchase, as it’s cheap to take to a seamstress for a quick fix. Certainly take advantage and haggle over the price with the seller if you see any issues affecting the condition.
Enjoy your wonderful vintage finds and wear them in style!
