Buying Vintage Clothing Online
Tips on Investing in Vintage Fashion on the Internet & Where to Buy
Jun 4, 2008
Similarly, if a recent trip to a vintage store leaves you feeling disappointed then there is a wide choice of vintage clothing accessible over the internet, where geographical location proves no barrier.
Many of the world’s great vintage stores sell their pieces online and there are also dedicated websites catering to the antique clothing and accessories market, such as archivevintage.com. Alternatively there are a number of eco-friendly swishing sites, whereby you can swap, buy or barter items that others don’t want.
Whether its Pucci silks, a '50s prom dress or a quirky clutch you are after, whilst browsing the net there are a few simple guidelines to follow before you buy:
Points to Bear in Mind When Buying Vintage Online
- Sizing is more of an issue when buying vintage online. This is why stores will give you actual measurements for the bust, waist and hips. The sizing on the label may not correspond to sizing today, either because the garment has been altered, or in the past, cuts and tailoring where made to fit a smaller silhouette, as the shape of women has changed over the decades.
- Pay close attention to the site image. Observe how the outfit hangs on the model. Are there any noticeable flaws, does the fabric hang well, are their any likely photographic differences in color? Online stores should give a comprehensive description, but if in doubt email them with questions before you commit to buy.
- Ensure that you understand and agree to the site's terms and conditions, refund and exchange policy, in case the item does not fit or is unsuitable.
- If you can’t find what you are looking for, some sites offer a membership sign up, to be kept up-to-date with newsletters or notification of new stock.
Online Vintage Clothing Stores
- Archive Vintage is an e-boutique based in the U.S. which offers some amazing designer pieces spanning the ‘60s to the ‘90s. It features pieces from great designers such as Chanel, Dior, Gaultier, Gucci, Halston and Yves Saint Laurent and many more. If you have any vintage items to sell then contact Archive by email. Prior to Archive Vintage, owner Kerry Bonnell managed a well-known vintage designer boutique in New York City and worked with stylists on editorial shoots for fashion magazines. According to their website, Bonnell set up Archive out of her love for vintage fashion and design.
- NYvintage.com, website of the New York based shop, What Goes Around Comes Around is one of the best vintage sites/stores around.This outlet is a favorite of Carmen Haid, communications director for Tommy Hillfinger, and has piles of vintage clothing including never-worn original 501's. Shop online, with international delivery costs around £18 to the UK, says Elle magazine June 2008. Join their mailing list for news of special events and offers.
- Absolute Vintage is a vintage retail outlet that also sells its pieces online. Awarded “Best Vintage Shop in London 2008” by In Style magazine, this store has over 1,000 pairs of vintage shoes mainly sourced from Canada and Europe. Take an interactive virtual tour from their website and take a look at some of the bargains to be had online. International delivery is available.
- Rokit based in Convent Garden, London has an eclectic range of classic and quirky pieces, often sourced by fashion magazines and designers. You can search by clothing type or era from the ‘40s to the ‘80s. Its website is comprehensive and user friendly and enables you to sign up for regular newsletters, keeping you up-to-date with latest products and special offers. Rokit ships internationally and refunds are available on unwanted purchases if items are returned unworn.
Buying vintage is more popular now than it has ever been, due in part to the many celebrities who request their stylists to source one-off outfits, so that they can be photographed in something unique. For many women there is something magical about wearing a piece from yesteryear, which has a history and a touch of glamour. Simply by adding an elegant clutch to your outfit, wearing Pucci silk, or a vintage Halston dress, can transform you into feeling like a Hollywood goddess. However be warned. Once you get the vintage bug, it is infectious, and can be seriously damaging to your bank account!
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