Perhaps this is your first foray into vintage shopping, inspired by the slow fashion movement, or like myself, you’ve previously dabbled with vintage and would like to continue expanding your wardrobe.

But sometimes the sheer volume of items sold online, on reselling sites or apps, or good old brick and mortar stores, can feel overwhelming and put you off navigating vintage (aka thrifted or second-hand) shopping.

Through this guide, I hope to remove some of the fog and illuminate the truly exciting treasure trove of vintage which awaits you. To this end, I’ve split this guide into three sections:

  1. What items should I look out for?
  2. How do I choose good quality pieces?
  3. Where can I buy Vintage?

So let’s get going.

What items should I look out for?

From past experience, it is very easy to be tempted by fun floral prints or nostalgic brands and logos. But this can also lead to impulse purchases which inevitably lay unworn in our wardrobes. So to focus your next vintage shop, try to prioritise the staple items which you wear regularly, and narrow down your search further by filtering to the colours or tones that best fit in with your existing wardrobe.

Of course, if you are looking for something bold or statement to mix up your outfits, vintage is a fun and sustainable way to try something new. But consider whether it is something you are happy to splash your cash on, knowing you are buying for occasions rather than daily wear. For my own wardrobe, staple items include:

Spring/Summer: Denim Jackets, Midi Skirts and Dresses, Slogan and Band T-shirts

Autumn/Winter: Mom or Boyfriend Jeans, Shirts and Blouses, Jumpers and Cardigans.

How do I choose good quality pieces?

In some cases, returning or exchanging items are possible, but a bit of a faff, while certain vintage sellers on Ebay and Depop will not accept refunds. So it is very important to pay attention to item descriptions regarding size, fabric and overall condition and prevent them going to the landfill.

  • Sizing: always remember that sizing varies over time and across brands. 80s/90s fashion tended to be more oversized, compared to more fitted styles in the 60s/70s. Where possible, compare the measurements of a garment (always request them if you are in doubt) against your own for an indication of the fit. Generally, buying your size or larger will mean you have more space to play with which lends well to a more relaxed, oversized fit. Buying an item hoping for an exact fit is risky and you may need to tailor it, so consider additional costs, unless you are handy with the sewing machine!
  • Fabrics: whilst I am making efforts to pick sustainable fabrics when buying new items, vintage shopping is a snapshot of fashion trends of the past and where sustainable fabrics were less of a consideration. So if you are tempted by items made from materials like polyester, viscose and cotton, I think it is better to buy vintage and extend the lifeline of previously manufactured items.
  • Fit: if you are shopping in a physical store, try on items wherever possible so you can feel the item on. If it feels hot or itchy in a changing room, if will feel uncomfortable worn throughout the day and stop you wearing it as often. Pay particular attention when buying knitwear or polyester shirts and blouses which can leave you feeling very hot very quickly. Also look out for any bobbling, tears, loose buttons or faulty zips, as indicators of the overall condition of the item.
  • Care: I tend to avoid items which require dry-cleaning, for budget and eco reasons. Consider this when buying Vintage: as heart-breaking as it may be to leave an item on the rack or online which you love the look of, if you will thank yourself for swerving that dry-cleaning bill.

Where can I buy vintage?

  • Depop: my go-to app where you for pre-loved and vintage items. Whilst there is a range of vintage available, I would say a larger volume of items are 90s or early 00s pieces, which reflects the way in which fashion trends continue to be recycled and favoured. Depop sellers usually set a price but will say if they are open to offers.
  • Ebay: another reliable platform is Ebay, where you can bid on items in auction, make an offer or Buy it Now. From my experience, Ebay takes more time and precise searching than Depop but you can still find some great one-of-a-kind items and more pieces from the 80s and earlier.
  • Beyond Retro: an online haven with huge amounts of staple and statement vintage items, reasonably priced and accurately described.

So there we have my guide to vintage shopping. I’ve regained my own appreciation for vintage during lockdown, enjoying the process of browsing online and looking for prints and pieces which are one-of-a-kind and can add inject some fun into my wardrobe. I am definitely looking forward to returning to physical vintage shops when they reopen and soaking up the quirky atmosphere. I hope this guide helps you to choose vintage more often and enjoy the process when doing so.

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