With clothing styles changing by the year, some styles of vintage clothing, from eras gone by, continually grow in popularity. Shopping for quality vintage items can be a task, but if you set about it with the right approach, know both what you are looking for, and know how to decipher the details, you can find quality vintage garments at prices that will not leave you penniless.

Condition Counts

Too often, when shopping for vintage attire, we can be blinded by an item's first impression, or its intended impression. Maybe you saw a similar item elsewhere and it was in prime condition. Until you take the time to inspect the item in hand, you will not realize that the piece is sorely lacking in other ways, especially quality, and as the saying goes, quality counts! A leather coat that has the potential to look fabulous and has the cut you have been searching for forever, even the stitching you dreamed of, is of no value if the leather has not been cared for through the years. On close inspection, the stitching may be falling apart; the leather itself may even have an odor. If the item previously resided in a smoker's household for example, it may be nearly impossible to remove that smell.

While some damage can be repaired, it may be impossible to repair damage that affects the overall structure of an item. Material that is so damaged it has become brittle has little value, as does an item that is stained in an area that cannot be altered in a way that the stain is removed or hidden, or the stain itself is beyond removal from the fabric. If the item is made of leather and has the hair intact, for instance a vintage cowhide jacket, check to make sure that the hair is not falling out. It may look intact, but that could be because it has been hanging in the back of someone's closet, relatively untouched for decades. An item that will never be worn, and only hung in a closet, is not worth purchasing, even at a deep discount.

The same item that has been well cared for, but worn to the point the zipper is broke, or buttons are missing, can be a bargain. Zippers, buttons, even small holes on the interior of an item, can all usually be repaired. Even an item that has damage across the bottom part could have that portion cut away, if the item will still fit at the shorter length, and the remaining part of the material is in good condition. If you are going in search of a particular item, and you realize that damage of this kind may exist on items you find, it may be of benefit to you to inquire of a seamstress beforehand on what items could be considered repairable, and what may not be.

Sizing Comparison

Do not rely on modern sizing to determine if you will fit in a vintage item. Past sizes varied greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer, and from decade to decade. Measure yourself in all pertinent spots, such as bust, waist, hip, shoulder to wrist, underarm to inside elbow, etc. Keep these measurements along with a small tape rule with you, in case you come across something that you are unable to try on.

Where to find your next Great Find

Vintage clothes can be purchased at numerous outlets. Some stores cater to vintage clothing, and their inventory is usually filled with quality pieces. The problem with shopping stores such as this is often the price factor. Because they have spent the time to search out these quality pieces in wearable condition, their time is recouped through higher prices. For you, the buyer, this is a decision to be made, of what is of more of value to you, your money, or your time. If you are searching for a particular style or piece, a store that specializes in vintage may be your best option though, as they often have merchandise that can be hard to find, if not impossible, elsewhere.

Second hand clothing stores, not to be confused with those that cater to those looking for vintage, but more to those just looking to save a few dollars on clothing in general, may offer some choices. Oftentimes, the clothing found is in good condition. Clothes is sorted and shelved as long as it is clean and in reasonably good shape. No distinction is made, on the racks and shelves, between clothing that was sold new yesterday, or twenty years ago. It is up to the consumer to look through the racks for those hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Head to these shops when you have the time to look thoroughly through the racks, and be prepared beforehand by acquiring some knowledge of what you are searching.

St. Vincent DePaul and Goodwill are two of the more popular second hand shops, and are oftentimes treasure troves for those hunting for vintage items. Knowledge of what you are searching for will go a long way towards making sure you find a bargain.

Online outlets such as Ebay, the auction site, are modern technology's gift to the world of vintage shoppers. Clothing that may never have made it out of storage during another era, is both finding its way to the sale floor, and into homes of vintage lovers who may never have had the opportunity to discover such finds, due to physical limitations such as where they live. As with the other methods it is imperative that you know what you are shopping for, even more so as you cannot inspect items other than through photographs and the information provided by the seller. If you are knowledgeable of a style or brand name, you can narrow your search quickly to find what you are searching.

Estate sales and auctions can provide some of the finest treasures. Households being emptied after elderly occupants passed away or moved on to different accommodations with much less storage, often give little heed to clothing. They may sell whole lots of clothes for a few dollars. Any items you do not want can in turn be resold to a vintage store or through an online site such as Ebay.

After the Sale

Shopping for vintage clothes is only the beginning of your quest. Wearing your find is the running of the race, and the care you give to the garment is the grand finale. Some garments may be able to be laundered in the same manner of new clothing of the same fabrics. Some may need to be hand washed or dry cleaned. Do not depend on a garment's instruction, which is if there are any, as vintage clothing may be tagless, or have had the tag removed by a previous owner. Any garment, whose cleaning method may be questionable, should be taken to a professional dry cleaner for at least an initial consultation on how to clean.