Vintage fashion is making a huge comeback these days. More and more people are turning to vintage and thrift stores to find unique, high-quality items at affordable prices. Vintage shops allow you to curate your own distinctive style while avoiding fast fashion.
If you love thrifting and are looking for new places to browse, here are 7 more places to get your vintage fix:
Local Consignment and Thrift Shops
One of the best ways to find vintage treasures is to browse your local consignment and thrift stores. Every town and city likely has at least a few shops dedicated to pre-loved clothing and accessories. These stores often have a wide selection of vintage pieces mixed in with more modern second-hand items.
The thrill is sorting through the racks and display cases to uncover that perfect vintage dress or leather jacket. Since inventory changes regularly, visiting frequently can result in lots of great finds.
Some tips for consignment/thrift shopping:
- Ask the staff when new inventory arrives so you can visit on those days
- Get to know the layout and organization of your favorite shops
- Bring a reusable bag to easily carry multiple items
- Try on anything you’re seriously considering—check for flaws, proper fit
- Know your prices—set a budget so you don’t overspend
By putting in some time and effort, local second-hand stores can become your go-to spots for quality vintage on a budget.
Flea Markets and Swap Meets
For an excellent selection of vintage items, head to your nearest flea market or swap meet. These lively open-air markets bring together multiple vendors and sellers to provide a wide array of goods.
Flea markets are especially great spots to find vintage clothing, accessories, furniture, collectibles, antiques, and more. As you browse the aisles, keep an eye out for booths and stands selling vintage items. Dealers who specialize in used, retro, and antique goods are your best bet.
Some tips for shopping flea markets:
- Arrive early before the best items get snatched up
- Bring small bills and change for easiest transactions
- Be prepared to haggle on prices
- Shop with a purpose or budget so you don’t get overwhelmed
- Check items carefully for flaws before purchasing
- Bring reusable bags for carrying fragile goods
With numerous vendors and goods, flea markets take time and energy. But you can walk away with amazing vintage scores at negotiable prices.
Online Auctions
Online auctions like eBay provide 24/7 access to thousands of vintage auction listings. As a massive global marketplace, eBay offers an incredible selection of unique vintage clothing, jewelry, accessories, furniture, and collectibles.
Vintage eBay tips:
- Search using targeted keywords like “vintage [item]” or “retro [brand]”
- Filter to see auctions ending soonest or by lowest price
- Read item descriptions and inspect photos closely
- Ask seller questions prior to bidding if details are unclear
- Set a max bid you’re comfortable with and stick to it
- Pay promptly once you win the auction
Online auctions require good researching and bidding tactics. But with the enormous selection, you can likely find any specific vintage item you’re seeking.
Estate Sales and Garage Sales
For the ultimate thrill of the hunt, visit local garage sales and estate sales to uncover vintage treasures. These are held right at people’s homes so you can browse belongings they are looking to clear out.
Vintage home sales tips:
- Check listings in the newspaper or online for upcoming sales
- Arrive as early as possible for the best selection
- Bring cash in small bills to pay on the spot
- Be prepared to carry purchases out to your vehicle
- Keep an eye out for hidden gems in junk piles
Home sales take diligence and luck to find the true vintage gems. But the low prices make it worth perusing for quality retro finds.
Vintage and Retro Instagram Shops
Instagram has become a popular platform for vintage sellers to connect with interested buyers. Search hashtags like #vintageforsale, #retroresale, or #secondhandvintage to discover specialized Instagram shops.
Many individual sellers and small businesses sell their vintage wares this way. Browsing the photos and profiles allows you to get a feel for their inventory and aesthetic before purchasing.
Tips for buying vintage on Instagram:
- Ask questions about sizing, flaws, or other details
- Clarify payment methods, shipping costs, and timelines
- Review shop policies regarding returns, exchanges, etc.
- Pay via a protected payment system like PayPal Goods & Services
- Keep documentation of orders and conversations
Instagram allows easy access to vintage sellers across the globe. Just be sure to verify legitimacy and use protected payments when purchasing.
Vintage and Retro Facebook Groups
Lots of niche buy/sell groups have popped up on Facebook for those seeking and selling vintage items. Join groups related to your desired era or style to access member listings.
For example, search terms like “vintage clothing sale group” or “70s retro exchange” will reveal specialized buy/sell groups to explore. Members frequently post photos of vintage items they have for sale.
Tips for buying in Facebook groups:
- Browse group photos and discussion posts to vet legitimacy
- Ask questions publicly in comment threads or privately through messaging
- Review group rules and seller/buyer protocols
- Use PayPal Goods & Services for payments when possible
- Keep all documentation of exchanges and shipments
Well-moderated Facebook groups provide a more intimate community for connecting vintage sellers and buyers.
Vintage Fashion Rental Services
Vintage fashion rental services allow you to try out different vintage styles before buying. Rental services send curated pieces from various past eras for you to wear and return.
Popular services like Rent the Runway, Nuuly, Le Tote, and Haverdash offer both vintage and contemporary styles. But services like Mine for Nine specifically focus on vintage fashion rentals.
Tips for renting vintage:
- Browse available inventory online to get a feel for offerings
- Carefully note rental terms, policies, fees, and return timelines
- Understand how sizing works and get measurements if unsure
- Handle pieces gently and follow care instructions
- Extend rental period if you’re not done wearing a piece
- Purchase any pieces you absolutely love
Renting vintage lets you experiment with eras and styles before investing. In the end, you may just find your new go-to vintage item to purchase.
Vintage Sewing Patterns and Fabric
For crafty individuals, vintage and retro sewing patterns can become the basis for brand new vintage-inspired wardrobes. Online sites like Etsy, eBay, and specialty retailers sell a wide variety of vintage and retro sewing patterns from clothing to home goods.
Likewise, many fabric stores carry some retro-style printed fabrics that pair well with vintage patterns.
Tips for vintage sewing projects:
- Start with easy beginner patterns before attempting more advanced projects
- Pre-wash any fabrics before cutting to prevent shrinking
- Always make a muslin mockup before cutting into good fabric
- Note pattern sizing and adjustments needed to get a proper fit
- Use the vintage instructions, but look up tutorials when needed
- Add your own creative twists and personal flair
Sewing your own vintage or retro pieces allows full customization for the perfect fit. Plus, you get to enjoy the crafting process.
Continue Exploring All Things Vintage
Vintage fashion and goods provide endless inspiration, no matter your style. While thrift stores and flea markets offer local browsing, online platforms open up more global options.
Challenge yourself to keep exploring new-to-you vintage retailers and resale communities. Joining local vintage enthusiast groups can also connect you with more specialized resources and sellers.
Tracking down quality vintage requires time and persistence. But the hunt for hidden gems always delivers satisfaction. Expanding your vintage horizons allows fresh opportunities to curate your own style from past eras.
So try out these 7 additional places to continue fulfilling your vintage fix all year-round. With some savvy searching, you’re sure to discover amazing vintage items that seem totally one-of-a-kind. Let the thrill of the vintage hunt begin!
Frequently Asked Questions About Vintage Shopping
What era is considered vintage fashion?
Vintage fashion typically refers to garments made roughly 20 to 100 years ago. So at this time, clothing and accessories from the 1920s to 1990s would generally fall under the vintage category. Styles 100+ years old would be antique garments.
Where can I find vintage designer items?
Online sites like Etsy, eBay, and 1stDibs are great resources for authentic vintage designer clothing, handbags, jewelry, and accessories. You can search for specific brands and items. Local high-end consignment stores may also have some vintage designer offerings in stock.
Is vintage clothing more expensive?
While some highly desirable vintage designer pieces can be pricey, the average resale price of vintage is often lower than buying new. Well-made vintage items also yield more wear for your dollar. Take time to hunt for vintage bargains at thrift stores, flea markets, and garage sales.
How can I verify an item’s authentic vintage status?
Examine fabric, stitching, labels, hardware, wear/distressing, odor, and other subtle details up close. Search online for images of confirmed vintage examples and carefully compare specifics. Request original photos of the item, material tags, stamps etc. to validate vintage status before purchasing online.
How should I clean and care for vintage items?
Read all garment labels and care instructions. Hand wash or dry clean only when specified. For machine washing delicate vintage, use cold water, gentle cycles, and air drying. Don’t use heat. Store vintage properly between wears to prevent damage. Handle with care.
Is refurbishing or altering vintage pieces OK?
Light alterations for fit or reinforcements are generally fine if done professionally. But take care not to damage original details and fabrics. Refurbishing can reduce vintage value, so aim to clean and restore existing elements first. Focus any creative changes or embellishments on less visible areas.
Conclusion
Vintage shopping provides endless opportunities to find unique items with timeless charm and quality craftsmanship. Beyond well-known thrift stores and flea markets, many online shops and communities can connect you to specialty vintage sellers. Curating your own retro style requires persistence and creativity, but ultimately rewards the effort spent. Use these 7 additional vintage resources to both learn more and expand your options. Let the vintage hunt yield treasures you’ll cherish for years to come.
