Vintage is one of those words that we use and see all the time, but when asked to explain it, we struggle. This is due to the fact that it has developed a very particular meaning that extends beyond its original meaning
WHY IS VINTAGE SO POPULAR IN 2023? WHAT IS VINTAGE?
WHAT VINTAGE MEANS
The term “harvest of grapes to make wine” in French is the source. This developed into a generic adjectival notion of “being of an earlier time,” then evolved to denote “age or year of a particular wine.”
Recent usage: The term “vintage” now refers to more than only apparel and other objects from a bygone era. Not only are those clothes and items ancient, but they also serve as a time capsule for the period in which they were created.
WHAT DEFINES VINTAGE, ANTIQUE, CLASSIC, RETRO, AND JUST PLAIN OLD, THEN?
Vintage: to qualify as vintage, an object must be at least 20 years old and in some way reflect the time period. So although a pair of unremarkable denim shorts from the 1980s would not qualify as vintage, a white blazer with enormous shoulder pads definitely does!
Antique: To be properly categorised as antique, clothes and other objects must be older than 100 years.
Classic: Items from more than 20 years ago that belong to a timeless collection but are not generally emblematic of the era in which they were manufactured are referred to as classic. Think about vintage autos. Therefore, unless it featured some very evident element (like a Peter Pan collar) that was particular to the 1960s, a 60s LBD would be deemed classic and not vintage (and is still extremely coveted).
Retro: Also known as repro retro. These are contemporary (or recent) items like clothing and other items that harken back to a bygone age. Therefore, a flapper dress created now is retro rather than vintage.
EVERYTHING SOUNDS SO DIFFICULT. WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR CONFIDENCE?
I’m not an expert, and let’s face it, neither are most of us. Because they are bringing their knowledge and expertise and curating collections for you to browse, reputable vintage shops and sellers are to be trusted and can charge more for the items they are selling than you might pay in a charity shop for the same item.
That is not who I am. Although I’m aiming to build a vintage collection, it currently includes antiques, classics, retro, and just plain old items. But I’ll be upfront about it and never make statements I can’t stand by.
WHAT IS THERE TO LOVE ABOUT ANTIQUE CLOTHES AND OTHER ANTIQUE OBJECTS, THEN? WHY IS VINTAGE GARMENT SO POPULAR?
It benefits the environment.
I’ll start with that since I’m me! We can all live longer on this earth if we reuse clothing and other stuff and give them a second life. Absolutely, I say. The world’s resources are used up and garbage is produced more slowly the less we buy brand new. I’m so passionate about this because I’m so afraid of what the future holds. The globe will become more inhospitable if we don’t modify the way we live because we are in a climate emergency.
You may develop your own distinctive look
You don’t have to follow fashion trends; you may wear anything you find looks and feels fantastic on you. Exploring uniqueness and originality through antique shopping is a terrific idea. Nobody you encounter will ever have the same appearance as you.
Your clothing will endure more
These garments have already been used, yet they will still last longer because they are durable. Fast fashion is a relatively new concept. In general, vintage clothing is of higher quality, and the patterns and fabrics are more attractive.
Your clothing tells a tale.
Although some individuals don’t like it, I do! I always look up the label to learn as much as I can about an item. If you’re unable to learn the provenance (that’s the fancy phrase for the tale! ), you may while away many a happy hour fantasising about the exploits your clothing has previously experienced. There is a feeling of staying connected to the past, of claiming your place in history, and of preserving history. This outfit has survived. It is spiritual. It holds recollections.
THIS IS HOW TO DETERMINE IF THE CLOTHING YOU’RE ACTUALLY BUYING IS REALLY VINTAGE
Some people sell fake vintage goods. As you acquire expertise, you’ll get more adept at recognising this. Go for it if you believe you can pull it off, but be aware that it can give you a bewildered expression.Sizing is never simple. The fit of vintage clothes is sometimes much smaller than that of our current sizing charts. When purchasing online, request dimensions.
Look at the situation. Ask inquiries before making an online purchase. Request pictures of any damage being mentioned. Of course, there will be some wear, but particular defects should be mentioned.
