TOP TIPS FOR BUYING VINTAGE CLOTHES…

Long live vintage

1.Always check the garment’s care label for washing instructions,if they don’t have any on them they should still have what the fabric is made of, so you can still find out how to clean it.
2.Always try the article on for size as the sizes in the 1950’s/1960’s is nothing like the sizes of today.
3.Always check for moth infestation as if you find one hole you will probably find more.
4.If you have found something you like in a charity shop but you can’t afford it ask for a discount as most charity shops will give you one.
5.For the 1950’s and earlier, if there is a zip it should be metal and poppers, hooks and eyes means it could well be early 20th Century clothing.
6.If it has shoulder pads, they should be small, neat and fairly rigid.
7.Look for hand stitched hems as well.
8.After the 1950’s look for plastic zips.
9.Shoulder pads would be large and spongy and inner seams were over locked.

MORE TIPS ON CARING FOR VINTAGE CLOTHES…

vintage pics

If you find some old lipstick on a collar and the fabric is machine washable, saturate the spot with hairspray, let it sit for about 10 minutes, then dab the area with a damp cloth and wash as usual.

Silk is tough, they used to make parachutes out of it so hand wash it with care to last you for years.

If a silk outfit has perspiration stains on it, don’t buy it, as it could be impossible to remove.

HOW TO STORE VINTAGE CLOTHING…

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Roll trousers up or if you prefer to hang them do not fold over a hanger, peg them to the hanger by the end of the legs instead.

Keep jackets in good shape by stuffing the sleeves with tissue or newspaper.

Roll up silk scarves inside an old loo or kitchen roll tube.

If you are worried about damp in your wardrobe then tie a handful of sticks of chalk together and hang them inside. They will absorb the moisture.

To avoid moths eating the woollens, they hate bay leaves, all spice berries, lavender or cedar chip or spray with moth replant.

Use padded hangers for knits, jerseys, and silks.

Always button up your outfits when storing them as it keeps the shape better