About 4-1/2 years ago, I had to dispose of my father's clothing, which ranged from the 1940s-50s to the 2010s. There were many suits, shirts, coats, hats, shoes, belts, etc, mostly from mid-range manufacturers. (Forty-one ties alone.) A number fell in the "hipster" category.
And no vintage clothing store in about a fifty mile range wanted them.
I was specifically told that if I had high-end things there might - *might* - be some interest; but normally, vintage stores were looking for designer items about 2-3 years old. Reaching out to a TV studio wardrobe area was the other suggestion, but tracking down a contact was a little beyond my capabilities.
Seventeen bags of clothing ended up with Goodwill (whom I suppose sent them somewhere overseas).
So forgive me if I'm a little skeptical about this article.
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The focus on high-end clothing and accessories seems to reflect a certain laziness. Many pieces from modestly priced brands (those without interlocking letters or readily identifiable logos) have held up beautifully--both in terms of style and serviceability--and can be found on the cheap at tag and estate sales.
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@H.L.: I agree totally; this emphasis on "designer duds" is very materialistic and has little to do with genuine quality. It has always been possible to find well-made, classic and ageless clothing at tag, estate, thrift and resale stores at a fraction of original prices -- especially where logos and brand-names are of minimal importance.
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I have clothes which I purchased at craft shows and sweaters from European travels in the 1970's. When I wear them, young women ask about them and I explain that they are older than the young women themselves.
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@SW: the best clothing IMHO is ageless -- not tied to any one fad or style, but flattering -- well constructed -- of beautiful design and craftsmanship. It can be simple classic items OR interesting original or hand-crafted items. But good design is forever.
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I've still got Art Deco handerchiefs that my mom owned back in the 1930s.
For those of born this century, everyone had those, because they hadn't invented paper tissues yet. You used it, washed it overnight, used it the next day.
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@Andrew Porter: what a great collection! I collect vintage handkerchiefs and you are very lucky, because Art Deco styles are among the rarest and hardest to find. Most vintage hankies have pretty floral patterns or embroidery, but stylized Deco is more unusual. Also, they work for both men and women, as they are not overtly feminine.
I have a couple hundred, in every imaginable color and style, a collection started by my grandmother -- continued by my mom -- and now I contribute to it. Alas, no younger member of my family is the least bit interested.
BTW: the proper washing and ironing of hankies is a bit of an art! to get them "just so" and perfectly starched & folded! I remember learning to do this as 3rd grader...
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Just use the adjective “vintage” on Etsy and the item will sell quicker.
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I have loved thrift store shopping for years. There is so much waste that happens in the USA. I am happy when someone has the sense to donate a usable used or unwanted item. Better than pitching into the land fill.
Now I sew most of my clothing . That way I can wear what I like , it fits pretty much how I want and it keeps me entertained with the planning and construction process. I value the items so much more having spent my time creating it.
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This is a real puff piece and basically says nothing. Fashion/style in 2018 is pretty inclusive and it is no surprise that vintage clothing can fit right in. Nice dress, Kim!
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All I see in this article is pointless and wasteful conspicuous consumption, which has always been terrible regardless of what era it's from.
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Clothing oneself is a basic need. Doing it w second hand clothing is doing it in an environmentally friendly way and so much less consumeristic than 99% of what we do. Why gripe?
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I have a hard time calling things from just 5 to 10 years ago “vintage” regardless of how beautiful they might be.
My late aunt always advised me to keep good accessories because they always come in and out of style. I still happily wear her lovely costume jewelry and other things from the 30s and 40s along with other things I’ve acquired from later eras. A 50s pink and black satin evening gown of my mother’s get compliments whenever I wear it.
Keep good things. Forever.
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@Parkbench: in traditional antiquing, something is only considered vintage if it is at least 25 years old but yikes! that would be 1993!
I collect vintage clothing, mostly things like hats and gloves, and also vintage jewelry, but the term to me means "1920s-1950s" and not stuff from the 90s.
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Eh. As a student of historic fashion, stuff has always been recycled at varying frequencies. The bustle went out like light in 1876, only to resurge to even bigger sizes in 1883, this time making women look like a tailored a centaur rather than the previous frothy "baby got back" look.
In the 1840's there was a huge trend for "vintage" fabric gowns, re-purposed from the 70 year old (at the time) silk fabric.
Current fashion has been pulling from the 1830's for a hot minute now. Which is certainly saying something...
So it has always been, so it will always be.
18
Low-rise jeans are the worst. They were popular when I was in high school and about 99% of girls should not have been wearing them (myself included). Low-rise jeans, thongs, and short shirts. Ugh, what a nightmare. I envy my 11-year-old that she can wear high-rise jeans without people laughing that they're mom jeans. I'm converted to mid to high-waisted jeans and am old enough to not care what anyone thinks about it.
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Lowrise jeans are so much more comfortable and forgiving too!
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@Charlotte
Low rise jeans are 'forgivong'? They emphasize the widest part of a woman's figure! If you're curvy with an actual, you know, waist, they're anything but forgiving. Even worse is that if they're made of stretch denim (100% cotton jeans seem to be a thing of the past), they slide down, too.
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@Observor
Their comfort depends entirely on body type.
Many short-waisted women find low-rise jeans much more comfortable than mid- or high-rise, which can cut in just under the ribs and are better on someone with a long torso.
11
Would someone please tell me why I (or anyone) should care about this? Serious question. Thank you.
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@BGZ123 Wearing vintage is a way to reuse/ lessen consumerism and BE GREEN.
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@BGZ123
You needn't care about it.
Those who are interested in fashion as an art form or in the clothing industry in general might very well care.
The resale market also promotes recycling, in its own way, and provides platforms for individuals to buy and sell desirable items that are preowned but still wearable.
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@BGZ123
I look for vintage all wool sweaters. They are better made and warmer than synthetics that are so prevalent now. That is why vintage interests me, but it is like food.....an individual taste. And you absolutely do not have to read any article you don’t like either.
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