How To Find The Best Vintage Clothing: A Collector’s Guide

Stepping into the world of vintage clothing is like embarking on a treasure hunt, where each piece holds a story and a unique charm. But with a vast array of styles, eras, and potential pitfalls, how do you navigate this exciting landscape and unearth those truly exceptional finds? This collector’s guide about how to find the best vintage clothing will equip you with the knowledge and skills to confidently explore vintage shops, online marketplaces, and beyond, helping you curate a collection of timeless pieces that reflect your personal style and stand the test of time.

Finding the Best Vintage Clothing in 10 Easy Steps

  1. Understand What Counts as Vintage
  2. Identify Your Style & Preferred Era
  3. Research Authenticity & Labels
  4. Know Where to Shop for the Best Finds
  5. Check the Condition & Repair Potential
  6. Find the Right Fit (Vintage Sizing vs. Modern Sizing)
  7. Consider Price & Rarity
  8. Properly Store & Care for Vintage Clothing
  9. Mix Vintage with Modern Styles
  10. Enjoy the Hunt & Keep Collecting!

Step 1: Understand What Counts as Vintage

Not all old clothing is considered vintage clothing. To qualify:

  • Vintage typically refers to items that are at least 20–100 years old.
  • Clothes from the 1920s to the early 2000s can be classified as vintage.
  • Anything over 100 years old is considered antique rather than vintage.

To refine your search, familiarize yourself with different fashion eras (e.g., 1920s flapper dresses, 1950s swing skirts, 1970s boho styles).

Understand What Counts as Vintage

Step 2: Identify Your Style & Preferred Era

Identify Your Style & Preferred Era

Before you start hunting for vintage pieces, define what you’re looking for:

  • Do you love romantic 1940s dresses, bold 1980s power suits, or grunge 1990s streetwear?
  • Are you looking for everyday wear or statement pieces?
  • Consider the practicality of older designs- some vintage silhouettes may require tailoring or modern styling.

Building a mood board with inspiration from vintage magazines, old movies, and Pinterest can help guide your shopping.

Step 3: Research Authenticity & Labels

To avoid replicas and reproductions, learn how to spot genuine vintage-type clothing:

  • Check Labels & Tags:
    • Vintage labels often feature “Made in USA,” union tags, or older fonts and logos.
    • Size labels may use outdated measurements (e.g., vintage size 10 is closer to a modern size 6).
  • Inspect Construction & Materials:
    • Hand-sewn hems, metal zippers, and unique stitching techniques indicate older pieces.
    • Natural fabrics like wool, silk, and cotton were more common before the 1980s.
  • Look for Union Labels:
    • Garments with union labels (e.g., ILGWU) date back to pre-1980s manufacturing.

If shopping online, request additional photos of tags, stitching, and fabric close-ups to verify authenticity.

Research Authenticity & Label

Step 4: Know Where to Shop for the Best Finds

Know Where to Shop for the Best Finds

There are many places to find quality vintage clothing, both online and in person:

Online Stores & Marketplaces

  • Etsy: Independent vintage sellers with curated collections.
  • Depop & Poshmark: Great for secondhand and unique vintage styles.
  • eBay: Auctions for rare and collectible vintage items.
  • ThredUp & The RealReal: Luxury vintage at discounted prices.

Thrift & Vintage Stores

  • Local thrift shops and flea markets often have hidden gems.
  • Specialty vintage boutiques curate high-quality, authentic pieces.
  • Estate sales and auctions can offer rare, well-preserved clothing.

Clothing Swaps & Garage Sales

  • Community clothing swaps may have authentic vintage at little to no cost.
  • Estate sales from older generations often include well-preserved vintage apparel.

If shopping in person, examine garments closely for signs of wear, stains, or needed repairs.

Step 5: Check the Condition & Repair Potential

Not all vintage items are in perfect shape, but minor flaws can often be repaired. When inspecting a piece:

  • Look for stains, holes, missing buttons, or loose seams.
  • Smell the fabric—strong odors (like mildew or mothballs) can be hard to remove.
  • Check elasticity in items like vintage swimwear or lingerie.

If you love an item but it’s slightly damaged, consider:

  • Tailoring or Alterations – Hemming, taking in/out fabric or replacing zippers.
  • Dyeing or Stain Removal – Some stains can be lifted with proper cleaning.
  • Upcycling – Transforming vintage pieces into modern wear.

Be mindful of delicate fabrics—some old textiles are fragile and may not withstand modern wear.

Check the Condition & Repair Potential

Step 6: Find the Right Fit (Vintage Sizing vs. Modern Sizing)

Find the Right Fit (Vintage Sizing vs. Modern Sizing)

Vintage sizes run much smaller than modern sizes, so always check measurements rather than relying on label sizes.

How to measure correctly:

  • Bust, Waist, and Hip Measurements – Always compare with the seller’s listed measurements.
  • Shoulder & Sleeve Length – Older designs often have different proportions.
  • Allow for Tailoring – Many vintage items can be adjusted for a better fit.

When shopping online, request detailed size charts or comparison guides.

Step 7: Consider Price & Rarity

Pricing varies based on era, rarity, designer, and condition.

  • Affordable Vintage ($20-$100): Common thrift finds, 1980s-1990s casual wear.
  • Mid-Range Vintage ($100-$500): High-quality pieces from the 1950s-1970s, handmade dresses, and unique styles.
  • Luxury Vintage ($500+): Rare designer brands (Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent), pre-1950s gowns, and collectibles.

Check similar listings to ensure fair pricing, and don’t be afraid to negotiate at thrift stores or flea markets.

Consider Price & Rarity

Step 8: Properly Store & Care for Vintage Clothing

Properly Store & Care for Vintage Clothing

To preserve your vintage pieces, follow these care tips:

  • Washing: Hand wash delicate fabrics, avoid harsh detergents, and air dry.
  • Storage: Use breathable garment bags, avoid plastic, and keep items in a cool, dry place.
  • Hanging vs. Folding: Heavy items like coats should be hung, but delicate fabrics (like knits) should be folded.
  • Moth Prevention: Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets instead of chemical mothballs.

 

Step 9: Mix Vintage with Modern Styles

Not every outfit has to be head-to-toe vintage! To make vintage clothing wearable for everyday fashion:

  • Pair vintage blouses with modern denim.
  • Style a 1970s blazer over a contemporary dress.
  • Accessorize with vintage belts, hats, and scarves.
  • Layer vintage cardigans over casual outfits.

Mixing eras and styles creates a unique, personalized look without feeling outdated.

Mix Vintage with Modern Styles

Step 10: Enjoy the Hunt & Keep Collecting!

Enjoy the Hunt & Keep Collecting!

As you grow your collection:

  • Keep learning about different eras, fabrics, and designers.
  • Join vintage fashion communities or follow collectors for styling tips.
  • Experiment with different vintage aesthetics until you find your signature style.

Each vintage piece tells a story—so enjoy curating a wardrobe full of history, craftsmanship, and timeless fashion!