Buying Vintage Clothes Like a Pro (5 Tips)

Vintage clothing has a magical allure. When you shop vintage, you can find unique pieces that are also much higher quality than what you'll find at H&M or Zara. Here are five valuable tips for finding the best vintage gems.

1. View EVERYTHING

This is the best tip I can give you: you never know what gems are hidden among all those dozens, or maybe even hundreds, of items if you don't look at them all. So my tip? Dig through all the racks or dive into that mountain of clothes at the flea market and let each piece pass through your hands. And yes, it's a lot of work, but take your time and remember, hard work pays off. For example, I once found a beautiful Yves Saint Laurent silk scarf at the bottom of a whole pile of clothes for 5 euros!

2. Pay attention to the material

A key indicator of quality in vintage clothing is the fabric, and it's important to understand the textures of different materials.
Thanks to my background in textile science, I have extensive knowledge of materials, so I can quickly distinguish between high-quality and inexpensive fabrics and can usually tell right away whether something is made of silk, for example. If you're not quite so good at this yet, check if the item still has a legible material label. Natural materials like silk, wool, cotton, and semi-natural fibers like viscose, rayon, and acetate are more comfortable against the skin and are of better quality than synthetic materials like polyester and acrylic. However, silk is a very delicate fabric and therefore more susceptible to damage. The same goes for wool, which is prone to moth holes. So, pay extra attention to garments made of these materials to ensure there are no defects.

3. Careful inspection

A thorough inspection of the entire garment is essential. So, carefully check the garment for any defects before you enthusiastically check out. Always check for:

• Stains, especially under the armpits and in the collar.
• Holes, hold the garment up to the light to spot even the most minuscule holes.
• Seams and hems, check all seams, hems and any slits, check that they are not torn.
• Closures: check that all buttons are still attached and that zippers and snaps are still working properly.

And if something is wrong with it, it doesn't necessarily mean it's written off. With minor defects such as a loose seam or a missing button, a small repair can breathe new life into the garment.

4. Look at the labels

The easiest way to estimate a garment's age is by looking at the label. Pay attention to the style and quality of the label, as well as the country where the garment was made. In the past, significantly more production took place in Europe, so a designation like "Fabriqué en France" can often indicate vintage clothing. Furthermore, labels can provide valuable information about a garment's quality. Designer labels and labels from renowned brands from the past often indicate high-quality materials and craftsmanship.

5. Ignore the size

Vintage clothing comes from all over the world, and sizes can vary by country. For example, an Italian size 42 is equivalent to a Dutch size 36. Moreover, sizing used to be very different. In short, the sizes on vintage garments mean absolutely nothing. Therefore, my advice is to ignore the size label and simply try the item on.

Finding quality vintage clothing requires patience and attention to detail. By paying attention to the fabric, seams, and labels, you'll be better able to identify high-quality items that not only have a unique look but also have proven their quality, having stood the test of time. Vintage shopping isn't just about finding that one gem amidst all the clutter; it's also a journey of discovery through the history of fashion and craftsmanship.

If you're thinking, "I don't have time for that at all," you can certainly find your vintage pearls here . We've already done all the work for you, with a lot of love.

Curious about my favorite vintage shops in Paris? Then read this blog post .