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About Vintage Clothing



I don’t normally wear vintage clothing… what should I expect?

  • At VintageTrends.com, you will find vintage clothing that instantly identifies you with an "era of fashion". Vintage clothing by definition is used, and has been worn. Items may show wear, so it is important to acquaint yourself with our terms for describing the items (such as Grade and Shade). Any details about the item will be mentioned in the description, and it is important to pay close attention to these details. Not all of the items we offer are wearable, some are valuable as collectibles, or for the fabric, pattern, etc.

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Why does vintage clothing cost so much, aren’t they used?

  • Not all vintage clothing is created equal. The items that we have on our web site are hand picked by our vintage consultants for their quality, desirability and historical significance, and there is a lot of demand for such vintage clothing garments across the globe.

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Why is vintage clothing so popular?

  • Vintage clothing has become popular for a number of reasons. Many pieces are collectible, and are hunted down for their rarity and value. A 1940s silk Hawaiian shirt or a 1960s pair of Levi Big E jeans could be the one item a collector has been searching for. Militaria also has its own group of collectors who seek out original issue pieces, such as World War II leather G-1 jackets. Vintage designer items from Christian Dior, Pauline Trigere, Yves Saint Laurent, etc. are also highly collectible.

    What makes vintage clothing popular to non collectors though, is the fact that many of these items are classics and are completely wearable with today's fashions. Individuality has always been a major part of personal style, and unique vintage pieces make a subtle statement. Fashion history will always repeat itself and classic pieces are always in style!

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FASHION THROUGH TIME

Here at Vintage Trends we would introduce you to fashion through the ages with the clothing as the star. Clothing has always been a necessity to everyday life and has developed into high fashion and an avenue for people to express themselves. Through its influence on society, fashion has come to define separate eras, providing a freedom for people to dress to an image they want to portray.
At Vintage Trends we offer you the full spectrum of clothing ranging from the 30’s to the present. We would like to give a brief introduction to serve as a basic guide to the clothing, which has gone on to define its time. The reason we feel so strongly about our inventory, and the service we would like to provide, is because we realize we are dealing with original works of art that even today’s designers are still drawing inspiration from. People are looking at vintage clothing as an investment not only financially, but also as a link to understanding and educating themselves about the past.
As we travel through the decades it was not until the 30’s that independence in dressing became the norm. Although it was a lot more conservative to what we are used to in today’s times. In the 40’s, with the advent of the war, a less formal tone was first experienced. Returning G.I.’s introduced one of the biggest turning points in fashion with something as simple as the t-shirt. This represented a drastic change is the dress code of the time, and being seen as a form of rebellion, changed how people felt they could express themselves.
Leading into the 50’s, fashion started to become very creative with this new freedom, and from sociological and industrial advances, people drew inspiration. The optimism in space travel was brought forward in abstract art forms. The rise of pop-culture icons left lasting memories of denim jeans, leather jackets and rock-n-roll shirts. Full skirts, stiff petticoats, Capri pants, Bermuda shorts and western wear marked this drastic change.
Fashion, which had begun to shape in the 50’s, blossomed in the 60’s. It was a great time to be young and fashion became split along the lines of age. Experimentation was the feeling of the time. Sub-cultures from the hip, cool, groovy beatniks to the psychedelic explosion of the hippies spawned from this. People were defined by what they wore. The tie-dye and flower power was in great contrast to the other defining movements of a time of great change. Consider the Black Panther movement in stark contrast to the space race and young girls in mini skirts and bikinis.
As you can see, fashion became a form of expression, a way to say what you were feeling and what you believed in. This moved on into the seventies with people wearing military clothing as a form of protest against wars we were involved in. Music and pop culture continued its love affair with fashion giving rise to disco and punk with the respective clothing being as contrasting as the music. Designer jeans and polyester became a trend along with art deco and blazers.
Continuing with the trend of self expression, the 80’s fashions really showed people up with asymmetrical, oversized shoulder pads and wide belts exemplified the “over the top” attitude of the day. Lingerie, worn as outerwear, would be a lasting impression linked with oversized hair and excessive makeup.
Designers have always looked to the past for inspiration, which holds true for today’s trends where people are wearing reconstructed clothing made from vintage garments. At VintageTrends.com, with our unmatched inventory and extensive vintage clothing knowledge, we hope to offer you the opportunity of not only finding collector’s items, but also the means by which you can find the clothing through which you can express your unique style and individuality.
Vintage clothing also offers you the amazing comfort that worn in clothing affords you.
Welcome to the experience!


VINTAGE FASHION at VintageTrends.com

Women's Vintage Clothing
Throughout the decades, women's apparel has reflected the political, social and economic events of an era. From the movie-star glamour of the 1930's and wartime minimalism to the soft, curvy silhouettes of the 1950's and the groovy hippies, the classics will live in our closets forever. After all, real style never goes out of fashion.
Men's Vintage Clothing
From dapper to dashing, men have continued to express their individuality through style. Whether influenced by the smooth moves of Fred Astaire or the glory of World War II, the free-thinking Beatnik era or the 1970's disco craze, men's fashions have become timeless fashion statements with a personality all their own.
Kid's Vintage Clothing
Who doesn't want to share the best of yesterday with the next generation? From dresses and denim jackets to car coats and sleepwear, yesterday's children's fashions are a slice out of time. Give your children the styles they'll always remember.
Vintage Housewares
As the saying goes, they just don't make things like they use to. So why not decorate your home with treasures from the past? Choose from area rugs, pillowcases, wall décor, napkins and more. Yesterday's household "finds" will make any home uniquely yours.


MILITARY FASHION at VintageTrends.com

Military Vintage
When World War II broke out, military fashions changed dramatically. Gone were the brightly colored tunics of the Civil War.
As military branches became increasingly mobile and used more efficient weapon technology, military uniforms changed to a color called khaki, meaning "dust colored" in Hindu. Today, we also know this color as "camouflage", a derivative of the French word for "disguise".
By the end of WW II, every major military power in the world was wearing khaki uniforms, a color popular in many of today's fashions. And this was only the beginning of how military fashions would influence everyday styles. From WW II leather bomber jackets to the loose, rip-stop combat pants of the Vietnam War, vintage military styles have inspired and influenced the creations of designers worldwide.
Military Surplus
During the Vietnam War, long hair and military attire were popular fashion statements among protesters of the war. Yet by the end of the Vietnam conflict, the comfort and functionality of military clothing had become well known, and the trend continued into the 1980's and 1990's.
Today, modern surplus military attire such as combat boots, oversized jackets and camouflage pants continue to enjoy widespread popularity, blending increased comfort and ease-of-wear with trend-setting style.


RECYCLED FASHION at VintageTrends.com

Recycled Women's
Why pay retail for fashions from your favorite designers? From Ralph Lauren sweaters and Prada suits to Nieman Marcus skirts and Eddie Bauer jackets, these like-new styles create a name-brand wardrobe without the designer price tag.
Recycled Men's
One true thing about men and clothes: men know what they like. Whether you are trying to replace your favorite-but-worn Eddie Bauer fleece jacket or find that perfect pair of Levi jeans, in search of a baseball shirt for last year's pennant winner or a college sweatshirt from your alma mater, this is where the best just keeps getting better. And men with style will especially enjoy recycled designer finds like Adolfo suits and Ralph Lauren ties.
Recycled Kids'
Buy your children the quality brand names they deserve at prices you can afford. From Patagonia fleece coats and Osh Kosh bib overalls to Adidas athletic wear and Polo shirts, your children will look like a million dollars in recycled designer styles.
Recycled Household
Isn't it time to spice up your living space? Re-decorate your home with little-worn or never-used household accessories. Extra touches like cozy pillowcases, inviting area rugs and elegant table runners turn any home into the ultimate expression of your individual style.


NEW FASHION at VintageTrends.com

Riley
A recognized name among Hollywood's top stylists, the Riley line blends vintage materials and embellishments with new fabrications, silhouettes and stylish alterations.
This street-smart "reconstructive" look flatters the female form in a style that is hip, edgy and sexy all at once.
Since the Riley collection incorporates one-of-a-kind recycled and retro-chic fabrics, every piece is a true original with a distinct personality all its own.

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