Vintage fashion is a world filled with unique styles, histories and stories. How can you tell if you are buying a real piece or a knock-off of a vintage item? How do you maintain that vintage piece once you have found it? When discovering the world of vintage, it can be a confusing process when attempting to identify and care for such items.
With so many questions, where is best to start? For instance, speaking to reputable businesses and personnel in the industry could always be a good starting point. Wholesalers such as Vintage Wholesale Store can offer an abundance of knowledge, and work closely with those in the world of vintage every day. This is just one of the options for learning how to identify and care for vintage clothing. Here’s a guide that will help you to navigate it, from identification to caring for your item.
How to Identify Vintage Clothing
1. Check out the tags
Tags are the quickest way to determine whether an item is vintage or not. Vintage clothing tags can be a good indicator of an earlier era. You can find union labels on clothing from the UK and USA made between the 1930s and 1990s. These labels will tell you roughly what decade the garment is from. These labels may also have changed their logos through the years. A quick search on the internet will show you these changes.
2. Look at the Stitching
Vintage clothing is often distinguished by unique stitching, which differs from mass-produced clothing. Older garments are more likely to have been hand-sewn or feature single-stitching. Uneven or varying machine stitching can also be an indication of an older item. In contrast, double stitching became more popular in the later decades.
3. Examine the Materials
Fabric is an excellent indicator of the age of a garment. Wool, linen, cotton and silk were the most common natural fibres before 1960. In the middle of the 20th century, synthetics such as polyester were introduced. You may find a mixture of natural and synthetic fibres in a 1960s-era piece. Early pieces are usually made of 100% natural materials.
4. Metal Zippers, Other Hardware and Related Products
Metal zippers can be a sign that clothing was made in the 1960s. Plastic zippers began to be used after the 1960s. The placement of the zip can also tell you the era. Side zippers are common on mid-century pieces or older, while back zippers indicate later periods.
Caring for Vintage Clothing
1. Cleaning Vintage Garments
Vintage clothing should be treated with care. Depending on the fabric, hand washing or dry cleaning is preferred. Cotton and linen are usually hand washable with a mild detergent. However, some materials like silk or wool need to be dried and cleaned to avoid damage. Do not wring out these garments. Instead, gently squeeze the water out and lay it flat onto a towel.
2. Storing vintage pieces
To preserve vintage clothing, it is important to store them properly. Store garments away from direct sunlight which can weaken fibers and fade colors. Hang items on padded or wood hangers to keep their shape. Or, better yet, place delicate items in acid-free tissue boxes and archival boxes. Avoid using plastic garment bags as they can trap moisture, causing mildew or mould.
3. Repairing and maintaining
Minor repairs can prevent more serious damage. To keep vintage clothing wearable and beautiful, reinforce loose buttons, repair small tears and replace the worn-out elastic. Consider taking your vintage items to a professional with experience in vintage fabric repair and care if you are not comfortable using a needle and a thread.
4. Handle with care
Handle vintage clothing with extra care. Be careful when wearing vintage clothing to avoid catching the fabric with accessories such as belts or bags. Rotate your vintage wardrobe to prevent excessive wear.
Conclusion
A vintage collection is more than just a fashion statement. It’s a way to preserve a piece of history. Knowing how to recognise genuine vintage pieces and care for them will ensure that they have a long life. Vintage is more than just owning old items. It’s also about appreciating the stories and craftsmanship that are embedded in each stitch.
