A disposable fashion culture creates an atmosphere in which the speed of clothing manufacturing far outpaces the time it takes to naturally dispose of clothing waste. One way to combat this is to give old clothing a new lease on life by repurposing or reincorporating it into your wardrobe.

Vintage fashion is fun to wear and better for the environment. Purchasing second hand clothing helps minimise waste while saving you money at the same time. Not only can vintage styles run the gamut from feminine to edgy, but the clothing itself is often constructed with more care. To take advantage of the benefits of wearing clothing from a different era, you’ll want to find quality sources and have fun playing with vintage style.

Image source: Favim

Ease in to Vintage Style

What keeps many away from wearing old-fashioned styles is the fear that the end result will look more suitable for a fancy dress ball than a day at the office. Yet many of today’s hottest high street trends are based on vintage looks to begin with. If you’ve already been rocking peplum skirts or ironic jumpers, why not look for originals from the 80’s and 90’s instead? Colour blocking, skater dresses, and peter pan collars have all been seen before in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Yet you won’t see anyone else wearing the same dress when you buy vintage, helping you form your own unique sense of style.

Another way to ease into wearing vintage looks is to incorporate accessories into your regular wardrobe. Costume jewellery, belts, handbags, and shoes can transform an ordinarily drab outfit into a playful new look. This breathes new life into your clothing so you can make outfits last longer.

Top Sources of Vintage Clothing

Whether you live in a major city or small town, chances are that you’ll find at least one vintage boutique on hand. Some of the best finds can be found at jumble sales and charity shops, which gives you the added thrill of the hunt. The internet is another trusted source of second hand clothing. With even a small inventory on hand, anyone can create a website to sell their wares. Shopping from independent online boutiques and ecommerce retailers can yield some fabulous deals. If you start to cultivate your own love for vintage, you may even want to think about using a website builder to create your own shop in the future!

When buying or selling vintage online, there are a couple of tips to keep in mind. Standards in sizing have changed over the years, so a size 12 from the 1960’s may be closer to a size 6 today. Always look at a garment’s measurements rather than the size and ask about return policies before placing an order.

Taking Care of Vintage

You’ll make your clothing last even longer if you learn how to take care of it. Older textiles may require slightly different washing techniques. When you acquire a new item, always look at the tag for washing instructions. Hand washing may be the way to go for delicate or ancient fabrics.

By choosing vintage looks that complement your sense of style and treating them with care, you’ll build a wardrobe that you’ll be happy to pass down to future generations.