The reality is very different from how vintage is sometimes stereotyped as flowery blooms and foul-smelling faux fur; in the era of rapid fashion, vintage may actually be the key to defining your own distinctive style. Here are our top five justifications for going back in time:
It is resilient
350,000 tonnes of worn clothes, or an estimated £140 million, are disposed of in landfills each year in the UK alone, according to WRAP.
We can relieve the strain on the high street and reduce the quantity of perfectly nice clothes that is thrown out after a few uses by choosing to buy vintage and used rather than new.
Consider giving them a second shot at life by selling them online or donating them to your local charity store if your wardrobe is accumulating things with their tags still on.
It has higher quality
Most of the time, vintage clothing is of much greater quality than high street clothes because of the “make do and mend” mindset of earlier times. High street apparel frequently compromises on manufacturing value in order to provide a cheap price point.
Numerous fabrics profit from the natural wearing process and can look even better with some age, from beautifully handcrafted items to reinforced denim and leather.
Just keep in mind that vintage sizing might differ from current sizing, so always try a garment on to make sure it fits your needs. Don’t rely too heavily on the label size.
It won’t cost a fortune
Even if buying that one truly special item is usually worthwhile, shopping vintage doesn’t necessarily require getting a new loan. If you’re prepared to put the effort into looking, you may find many great deals while shopping on sites like eBay, Depop, or Etsy.
There are many shopping events across the nation for those who prefer to shop in person. Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair and The Vintage Kilo Sale are two of our favourites that travel throughout the nation and promise good prices in a fun and welcoming shopping environment.
Get ahead of the trends
Everybody knows that everything ultimately goes out of style, so if being current is vital to you, keep an eye on the catwalks and get some crucial vintage pieces before they become widely available.
Why not get the genuine article rather than a contemporary replica when the 1980s are so popular this season? With a little searching, you may find plenty of ruffles, sports labels, bright colours, and shoulder pads in your neighbourhood vintage store or charity shop.
Express yourself
Fashion is all about having fun and showcasing your own identity. If you have a wonderful wardrobe full of stuff you genuinely adore and are confident you won’t see on anybody else, it will be much simpler to pull this off.
There is truly no finer feeling than finding a wonderful dress or handbag for a great price in a location you’d least expect it. The eclecticism of vintage will inspire you to venture outside of your comfort zone.
Often, the journey may be just as enjoyable as the destination!
