Valentine's Day - For fashionistas

Ok, so I’m a few days late, but I thought this was brilliant and perfect for us vintage fashionistas…….. :-)

Caring for Vintage Clothing

Today we look at how to care for your vintage clothing:

Vintage clothing has soared in popularity in recent times because of its timeless elegance. However, taking care of vintage clothes can be tricky because they need some extra TLC. Read on to find out how you can prolong the look, feel and fit of your vintage collection:

Determine wash type: Vintage cotton, nylon and polyester are easily washable. Some blends of silk and rayon might also hold well in a washer but woollen items must ideally be dry cleaned to avoid shrinkage. Clothes with unusual trims (common in vintage clothing) and those made from velvet, vinyl, leather and fur need extra care; it is best to have them cleaned professionally.

Washing your vintage clothing: The safest bet is to hand wash all vintage clothing; take care though, not to wash all your vintage clothing at one go. It is best to wash them separately after sorting them carefully based on colour, fabric and specific care directions (if any) mentioned on the clothing label.

Use gentle cleaning products: Vintage garments are usually fragile and delicate, so use the mildest detergent available. Liquid detergents work better than powders on vintage clothing.

Cleaning stains: Pre-treating is the key to getting rid of stubborn stains on vintage clothing. Apply the detergent on the stain and keep it covered with cling wrap for one or two days. Most stains should come out if they are pre-treated like this.

Rinse well: Soap residue is harmful for delicate fabrics and you must ensure that you rinse each garment with cold water several times until all traces of soap are gone. Thorough rinsing and gentle wringing are crucial for enhancing the look and longevity of vintage clothing.

Dry naturally: Once you’re done rinsing, it’s time to dry. Tumble/spin drying can be harmful for vintage clothing. You want to dry vintage clothes naturally, but never in direct sunlight. Find a shaded zone with plenty of natural air.

Avoid wrinkles: Vintage clothing tends to wrinkle easily so make sure to iron them soon after they’ve dried. Use low heat for synthetic items, medium heat for blends and high heat for linen and cotton. Use padded hangers: These are a necessity for vintage clothing so that the soft shoulder areas do not develop hanger kinks. However, never hang woollens or knit items – keep them neatly folded on shelves instead. Never use wire hangers.

Store vintage clothes properly: Vintage clothes must not be vacuum sealed. Place them instead in muslin (available at most fabric shops) or acid-free tissue. Store them in plastic containers – not in cardboard/wooden boxes – in a cool and dry place.

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To Wear Worn: A Guide to Wearing Vintage Clothing

The timelessness of clothing designs from years forgone like the skinny jean, the waist- high pencil skirt and the plimsoll is what makes them reappear in future fashions. Classic clothing styles never die. Vintage fashion is about reworking these eternally beautiful pieces of fabric through a modern perspective; but it is also about finding something that is gorgeously unique. Part of the fun with going Vintage is the challenge to get right the balance between old and new; and to make the look your own. While you buy vintage online or at markets, here are a few things to keep in mind.  

Tips for Buying Vintage:

 

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  Always try to have some modern aspect in your Vintage outfit to avoid looking like you are going to a fancy dress party. The key to looking good in Vintage is to find the right balance between old and new.

  
  


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  Shoes & Accessories can be used to make a vintage outfit have a modern feel to it.

  
  


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  Be aware that sizes then were smaller than they are now. Rather ask the seller for the centimetre sizes of the garment— and measure yourself to be sure— than rely on standard size numbers.

  
  


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  Avoid cheap fabrics when it come to Vintage; these clothing items are also an investment and you should aim to buy good quality items that will last.

  
  

Tips for caring for your Vintage Clothing:

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  Always clean your vintage clothing according to the instructions listed on the label. 

  
  


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  Cottons, acrylics, and polyesters must be washed by hand. Rather than use a tumble dryer, air or drip dry your Vintage clothing. 

  
  


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  Never leave Vintage garments in the plastic from dry cleaners.

  
  


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  Garments made from delicate fabrics should be folded and not hung to avoid stretching. All other Vintage clothing should be hung on padded hangers.

  
  


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  Do not allow Vintage clothing to stand in light or smoke. And do not allow animal hair onto the garment.

  
  


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  It may help to keep older and heavier items in paper boxes instead of hanging them, but make sure that these are acid–free boxes. 

  
  


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  Wool items should be stored away with mothballs during the summer.

  
  

 

How to look Vintage:

 

Clothing:

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  Floral, chequered and lace are popular vintage patterns.

  
  


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  Emphasize your waist— wear waist high skirts and waist belts to do this.

  
  


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  Don’t wear too much black.

  
  


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  Plimsolls are good Vintage-style shoes.

  
  

 

Make-up & Accessories:

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  Wear ribbons and bows— in your hair, around your waist and on your blouses.

  
  


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  Curl your hair—try finger curls. 

  
  


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  Wear pearls—but the length and style of pearls will differ according to the Vintage era you are trying to emulate.

  
  


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  Wear clutch bags—real Vintage clutch bags tend to have fewer pockets than modern ones.

  
  


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  Curl your lashes—apply lots of mascara.

  
  


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  Use eyeliner on your top lid.

  
  


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  Wear red lipstick (but don’t make dramatic eyes and lips; pick one to emphasize)

  
  


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