Starting a Vintage Clothes Collection, Where to Start

Are you thinking about starting a vintage clothes collection? Do you have a passion for a particular era? Perhaps you have been buying vintage for a while and have built up a small collection without even thinking about it. Whatever your reasoning (and there are plenty of good reasons to start a collection) there is so much scope for which direction you take.

A vintage clothes collection can take virtually any form for instance; you may have a passion for a certain brand of trainers or jeans. Maybe it’s a particular era such as the 1970’s. Certain designers too, attract a following where a collector will seek out items from their ranges.

Okay, so you have found your niche and want to get collecting, where do you start. For many, a fledgling collection starts with regular trips to jumble sales and charity shops. Delving and exploring these shops and events can unearth some exciting pieces but often, these expeditions can be fruitless leaving you feeling disheartened or unsatisfied.

Another great place to look is your local vintage clothes shop. They specialise in sourcing a whole range of different items, which means that you are more likely to find an item that fits the bill. Another good feature of a vintage clothes shop is that the owner or staff will generally have a good understanding of the vintage and retro clothing culture and as so can advise you on what to look for and may even be able to source key pieces for you.

Now, you might be thinking, “well that sounds great but I don’t have a retro clothes shop anywhere near me”. However, do not be disheartened. The Internet provides access to a vintage clothes shop, only in an online format. Think about it in exactly the same way as the local variety only with some interesting advantages.

An online vintage clothes shop will still specialise in sourcing those key items you need to continue your collection and more than likely, still be operated by staff that are passionate and knowledgeable about all things vintage. Now, we mentioned some advantages but what exactly are they?

Using an online vintage clothes shop means that you have 24 hour a day access to further your collection. This provides the ultimate in convenience perfect for anyone who is perhaps housebound or works unsocial hours. Home delivery is another advantageous aspect of an online shop. Financial transactions via the Internet are as safe and secure as they can be since many online retailers will take PayPal or other secure methods of payment.

Look at an online vintage clothes shop as joining an extended community or family that can give you the help and guidance you need to make your collection grow. In many cases, they may be able to help you avoid common pitfalls such as buying fake items or how much you should pay for each piece. Remember that an online vintage clothes shop can be a powerful ally and a very good friend.