Do you prefer shopping for vintage clothing or fast fashion items, and why
Do you prefer shopping for vintage clothing or fast fashion items, and why?
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I definitely prefer shopping for vintage clothing over fast fashion items. There’s something unique and special about finding a piece with history and character. Plus, I love the sustainability aspect—reusing clothes instead of contributing to the cycle of mass production and waste.
That’s true, fast fashion does offer a lot of variety and is definitely more accessible. But don’t you find that the quality is often lacking? I’ve had so many fast fashion items fall apart after just a few wears. With vintage, the pieces are usually better made and last much longer.
That’s encouraging to hear. It’s good to know that some fast fashion brands are making efforts to improve. I just love the thrill of the hunt when it comes to vintage shopping, though. Each piece feels like a treasure and I enjoy the stories behind them.
I’ve never really tried vintage shopping, but you’re making it sound really appealing. Maybe I should give it a shot. Do you have any tips for someone new to vintage shopping?
Absolutely! Start by visiting local thrift stores or vintage boutiques. Take your time to sift through the racks and don’t be afraid to try on things that look different from what you usually wear. Also, check for quality—look at the stitching and fabric condition. And remember, it’s not just about finding designer labels; sometimes the best pieces are from unknown brands.
Thanks for the tips! I’ll definitely check out some vintage stores and see what I can find. It might be fun to mix some unique vintage pieces with my current wardrobe.
That sounds like a great plan! Mixing vintage with modern can create a really unique and personal style. I’m excited to hear about what you discover on your vintage shopping adventures!
where are you based in by the way?
I am not knowledgeable about vintage shopping but would like to try if i have the time. It can be very time consuming and involve a lot of online and in-person digging which I do not have the time for right now.
I also really dislike online shopping, especially for clothes, so it would have to be in a boutique/store.
Plus there are no vintage shops were I live but if I go to Japan I'll check them out.
I am okay with fast fashion if the high street clothes are a little bit more hard wearing. Once a while I'll find a decent blazer from Zara and I have 2 that I love and take care of. I can tell the won't last long, maybe 2-3 years but I get my use out of them.
I'll usually buy something high street of a style or color that I would like to try and if I like it enough, I'll get the RTW version of it.
I do prefer RTW, mostly because I can go in and try on items and tailoring adjustments can be made in-store. But I do love vintage RTW pieces, just again, not knowledgeable enough and don't have the time to go looking for them.
I also really dislike online shopping, especially for clothes, so it would have to be in a boutique/store.
Plus there are no vintage shops were I live but if I go to Japan I'll check them out.
I am okay with fast fashion if the high street clothes are a little bit more hard wearing. Once a while I'll find a decent blazer from Zara and I have 2 that I love and take care of. I can tell the won't last long, maybe 2-3 years but I get my use out of them.
I'll usually buy something high street of a style or color that I would like to try and if I like it enough, I'll get the RTW version of it.
I do prefer RTW, mostly because I can go in and try on items and tailoring adjustments can be made in-store. But I do love vintage RTW pieces, just again, not knowledgeable enough and don't have the time to go looking for them.
I enjoy the occasional vintage item but fast fashion is more convenient especially when it comes to laundry. I don't want to have to go through individual care instructions for each piece of clothing, for majority of the high street clothes, just toss in the machine and I'm ready to go!
I wear a lot of vintage and antique in addition to things like my J.Crew, my modern denim, my raw denim, my Target collabs. I look mostly at construction of garments when I shop no matter the price point. With vintage I feel like I have something super special to me--the silhouettes are incredible and especially in my much older pieces a wonder to look at the construction. Years ago I started thrift shopping for cost reasons (back when thrifting was real cheap!) and I loved building a wardrobe that was very me at a fraction of the cost. My most special acquisition was a vintage Versace ready to wear dress--an above knee dress, two false flap pockets on one side, and a square neckline. My favorite thrift store (RIP Thrift Town) had color tag sales and money was tight for me, but I took that beauty home half price at $20! I still remember looking at their color tag sale of the day sign and matching it with my tag and all I could hear was the blood rushing in my ears! I never could have found something so beautiful and perfect anywhere else. I wore it to my high school graduation, a New Year's Eve fête, and yes I still have it.
I'm a bit of a nut when it comes to laundry and I end up air drying a lot of things, like special tees and all my denim. I used to mix my own oxiclean until I broke down and bought a giant tub of it. Even my tees and whites get the deluxe spa treatment.
I try to buy things that will last. That said, I still have a Forever 21 studded cotton moto jacket from 2013 that I can still wear. It's lost a couple studs and the cuffs have gotten worn, but whenever I clean it I throw it into a full load of towels inside out in a mesh bag and air dry it. It tickles me that I still get a lot of compliments on this jacket and I'm so happy that it has lasted!
I have been very happy to pass along or resell some of the things I've fallen out of love with because I love caring for clothes
I'm a bit of a nut when it comes to laundry and I end up air drying a lot of things, like special tees and all my denim. I used to mix my own oxiclean until I broke down and bought a giant tub of it. Even my tees and whites get the deluxe spa treatment.
I try to buy things that will last. That said, I still have a Forever 21 studded cotton moto jacket from 2013 that I can still wear. It's lost a couple studs and the cuffs have gotten worn, but whenever I clean it I throw it into a full load of towels inside out in a mesh bag and air dry it. It tickles me that I still get a lot of compliments on this jacket and I'm so happy that it has lasted!
I have been very happy to pass along or resell some of the things I've fallen out of love with because I love caring for clothes
Have you watched Brandy Hellville & the Cult of Fast Fashion? There are scenes of beaches in Ghana piled high with fast fashion clothing. Its pretty disturbing that all those clothes turn into unrecyclable trash. After watching the documentary, thrifting is a better option.