With clothing styles changing by the year, some styles of vintage clothing, from bygone eras, continue to grow in popularity. Finding quality vintage items can be difficult, but you can find quality vintage garments, at reasonable prices, if you know what you are looking for.

Condition
Don't be blinded by first impressions. Inspect the item carefully, and you may find that it is poor quality. A leather coat may have the potential to look fabulous, but is of minimal value if the condition of the leather is poor. On close inspection, the stitching may be falling apart; the leather itself may even have an odour. If the item belonged to a smoker, the smell may be impossible to remove. Garments with broken zips or missing buttons can be a bargain. These, along with small holes in the interior can be repaired. An item that has damage across the bottom could have that portion cut away, if the item will still fit at the shorter length.

Where to Buy
Some shops cater exclusively for vintage clothing, usually filled with quality pieces. Since they have searched out quality pieces in wearable condition, this is reflected in higher prices. If you are searching for a particular style or piece, a specialist shop may be best, as they often have garments that are impossible to find elsewhere. Second hand clothing outlets may offer some bargains. No distinction is made between clothing that was new yesterday and twenty years ago. Visit these shops when you have sufficient time to search thoroughly and be prepared beforehand by acquiring some knowledge of what you are seeking. This will go a long way towards finding a bargain. Courtesy of online auction sites, such as EBay, clothing that may never have made it out of storage is finding its way to the sale floor. Thus, vintage lovers now have the opportunity to discover such finds. It is imperative that you know what you are looking for, especially as you cannot physically inspect items. Knowledge of a style or brand name can help you quickly narrow your search. Houses being emptied after elderly occupants passed away or moved on to different accommodation with less storage, often give little heed to clothing. They may sell whole lots of clothes for a few pounds. Any unwanted items can be resold to a vintage store or EBay.

1920s.
Many of the dresses sold under this category are reproductions. Real "flapper" dresses should have skirts of knee length+ and no low necklines. Heavy beading, dropped waists and layered or tiered skirts are features of the period.

1930s.
Look out for the slinky bias-cut. It is great for just about any shape. Watch for long evening dresses with fishtail skirts, chiffon sleeves and halter necks. Jackets are broad shouldered but small at the waist, and quite cropped as well. 1930s suits and jackets tend to be durable, often in thick wool or tweed, in either autumnal colours (red, brown etc) or pretty pastels.

1940s.
A boxy 'utility' shape, with padded shoulders, is typical of the war years. All but the most expensive garments will be quite plain, due to cloth rationing). 1945-49 is more akin to the early 1950s with the introduction of the New Look by Dior. Padded shoulders stay but waists become very small, and skirts flare out very wide. Black and white is popular. 1940s shoes tend to be great clunky platforms; though not many survive from the war because of leather rationing, shoes being frequently made of wood and even cardboard.

1950s.
An age of experimental shapes and classic cuts. The continuation of Dior's New Look with its wide skirts. Lots of sweet cotton sundresses also survive from this era, as well as pencil skirts and knitted twin sets.

1960s.
The introduction of less durable fabrics (polyester etc.) as fashion became much more mass-produced and youth-oriented. 1960s vintage is split between a classic/mod style (shift dresses, high-necked knits, boxy jackets) and looser hippy styles (maxi skirts, denim, velvet and suede garments, embroidered detailing etc.). Lots of 1960s vintage is homemade, particularly jumpers and dresses, so check the quality first.

1970s.
A lot of non-vintage "'vintage" tends to be categorised as 1970s. Knits and dresses are the best things to go for from this era. The 70s is a great era for accessories, especially slouchy boots and bags. Popular 70s styles include a trashy disco look (denim, rainbow bright colours, old-school t-shirts). 70s colours and patterns tend to be bright and noticeable.

1980s.
A lot of EBay "vintage" comes from the 1980s, probably from people clearing out their wardrobes. Cinch belts, metallic lame tops and plastic costume jewellery are all popular. 80s dresses and suits take a lot of careful searching, as much can seem ridiculous to a modern taste.

Fabrics
Wearing vintage clothes is great fun, but if a garment is uncomfortable, all the fun goes out of it. Where possible, buy the highest quality fabric you can afford (leather instead of PVC, cotton or wool instead of man-made etc.). Natural fabrics last longer, hang better , don't stain as easily and look more expensive. This is especially important when buying vintage from about 1960 onwards, as synthetic fabric becomes more popular.

Sizing and Fit
People were smaller in the past. The shape of the average British woman has changed considerably over the last 50 years, from a size 12 hourglass to a size 14 / 16 pear-shape Vintage clothes will often be cut to accommodate the old average shape, and smaller size guides. Measure you own waist, hips and bust. Ask a seller for specific garment measurements if they haven't already provided them.

Buy vintage that looks just as stylish today as it did when it was first made, and mix things up a bit with new and high street clothes. Wearing top-to-toe vintage every day is strictly for fancy dress purposes only. "Vintage" doesn't necessarily mean "old" so check your dates. Finally, have loads of fun hunting down your next beautiful item.
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