Feel free to scroll through the post to read all vintage style FAQs, or click any of the questions below to be taken immediately to the answer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is vintage?

What is the difference between “vintage” and “thrift”?

Is vintage clothing used?

What is antique?

Ebay vs. Etsy?

How do I know my vintage size?

How can I tell its vintage?

How can I wear vintage clothing?

What is vintage?

Vintage fashion is an article of clothing or accessory that’s 20 years of age or older. Technically anything made in 1992 or prior is considered vintage.

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What is the difference between “vintage” and “thrift”?

There are many ways to acquire vintage, and “thrifting” is just one of those ways. Thrifting is the act of shopping at a thrift store, flea market or some other secondhand outlet. You can also “thrift” for modern pieces too.

Vintage relates to thrifting because you can find vintage at thrift stores but vintage can also be found in a multitude of other ways including vintage boutiques, online vintage stores, estate sales and collectors.

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Is vintage clothing used?

Yes, for the most part but not always. While most vintage clothing was possessed from previous owners and therefore technically used/secondhand, there is a small market of what’s called “deadstock vintage,” which are pieces that have never been worn. Deadstock vintage is best identified with its original tags still attached to the garment itself.

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What is antique?

Antique clothing and accessories are at least 100 years older, dating from approximately 1912 or earlier.

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Ebay vs. Etsy?

Ebay is an online shopping marketplace for a variety of new and secondhand goods, including vintage clothing and accessories. Ebay sellers list vintage for either auction with a starting bid or as a “buy it now” price for immediate purchase.

Etsy is an online shopping marketplace with a focus on vintage and handmade goods. All listings are “buy it now” prices with no opportunity to purchase via auction.

Although these are the two largest, there are other sites that sell vintage. Read my post on Where to Buy Vintage for more information on shopping vintage online.

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How do I know my vintage size?

Actually — you don’t. The reason you can’t have a concrete vintage size is that the sizing system has changed numerous times, so there is no one “set” size to use as reference when shopping vintage.

The best rule of thumb is to know your body’s measurements. For example, knowing your waist and bust size help determine whether a vintage dress will fit, especially when shopping for them online.

There are certain vintage clothing silhouettes best suited for modern body types. Read my post on wearing vintage for your size to learn more.

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How can I tell its vintage?

There are many ways to tell whether an article of clothing is vintage; from material, shape and design to construction, care and labels.

For vintage newbies, I suggest learning about the key style differences between the eras as well as reading my post on how to identify a vintage garment by its tag.

Sites like the Vintage Fashion Guild and books on vintage fashion are also great resources to study the historical art of vintage style.

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How can I wear vintage clothing?

Wearing vintage clothing is just like wearing anything else in your wardrobe. It’s about infusing vintage into your lifestyle in a way that’s appealing and attractive for you.

To avoid looking like you’re wearing a costume or a piece of vintage that’s not on trend to modern styles, follow these inspiring and easy rules to matching vintage outfits. Or, learn about the trends in 1960s fashion that influenced the modern styles of today and how to dress like a lady thanks to 1950s women’s fashion.

Many women incorporate vintage into the outfits worn on milestone events, like wearing vintage wedding dresses while reciting those vows!

Or, get vintage fashion inspiration from some celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, vintage supermodels and ‘70s fashion icons like Lizza Minelli, Bianca Jagger, Diana Ross and more!

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