The term ‘vintage’ is probably one of the widely used terms in the world of the fashion and lifestyle industry. In a world of low-quality and high-volume items, the search for something unique and high value leads people to vintage items. Although they have a bad reputation as bad-smelling furs and fussy florals, vintage items have created a niche for collectors, fashionistas, and eco-conscious individuals who view vintage pieces as treasure.
Aside from raiding your grandma’s closet, antique malls are home to vintage items and collectibles. This is a haven of connecting artisans, collectors, and vendors for a unique passion for quality merchandise that comes with timeless value. Shopping for vintage has also become a rewarding pastime since it’s very economical and sustainable.
Vintage items have become a form of reclaimed, upcycled fashion that has paved the way for a brand-new sense of self-expression and individuality. In this article, we’ll discuss the three major reasons why shopping vintage makes a huge lifestyle difference. So before you start cringing at the thought of vintage, learn what makes them valuable and exceptional.
Celebrates an individual’s creative pursuit
Vintage items are often frowned upon by many as people see them as old, unworn, smelly, and old-fashioned. But beneath those smells and outdated style lies their artistry, history, and the stories of people who used them before. One reason many collectors are fond of vintage items is their ability to keep a part of their memories alive. When you use and wore vintage items, you carry a history of the past that drives you to question about the life back then.
Vintage collectors found an escape with vintage items. Wearing vintage clothing or drinking from an old teacup is like watching an old movie that lets you experience a different persona through an old item. Even shopping for vintage is a thrilling activity itself, where the buyer takes on an exciting and creative pursuit of unique items.
While we have malls and e-commerce websites that offer stylish, modern pieces, finding a one-of-a-kind vintage piece is more rewarding than simply spending on an expensive item. The idea that you must work before finding the piece that works for your tastes becomes a satisfying pastime on its own.
Reduces commercial waste
The fast fashion industry has created a massive environmental crisis. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans are throwing seven million to 14 million tons of unwanted clothing in U.S. landfills in the last 20 years, which accounts for 80 pounds per person.
These ugly statistics should drive people to explore ways to prevent this unsustainable behavior and lessen the impact it has on the environment. One way to do this is to shop for vintage or secondhand items instead of new ones to cut down on wastes. Saving vintage clothes also takes the pressure off the market to mass-produce clothes and reduce the number of perfectly good clothes in landfills every year.
One of the great threats of the modern fashion industry is the use of materials made from animals. High-end stores are known for animal cruelty, where they produce luxury items made of animal skin. There are also synthetic fabrics carrying microplastic wastes in bodies of water, while new clothing demands the use of plastic packaging.
In vintage fashion, shopping for old clothes is seen as a sustainable and ethical fashion choice that promotes environmental preservation. Although trends are cute and fun, we should remember that fashion is a fast-moving industry where everything is temporary.
Offers better quality
Here’s a fact: the quality of vintage items is superior to any modern clothing because they were made to last. In the old days, the principle of the fashion industry revolves around quality over quantity because of cultural and financial reasons. This is the reason behind the luxurious details on vintage clothing, such as specially crafted buttons, generous hems, and French seams.
These days, you have to pay hundreds of dollars to get a high-quality fabric and design on clothing. Although there are plenty of boutiques that sell average-priced clothing, you’ll never find the same quality vintage clothing offers. In fact, true fashionistas go thrifting at antique stores to find high luxury clothes, bags, and shoes at a less-than-luxury price tag.
Vintage items aren’t just a collection of trends that have come and gone. They are valuable, glorious, and unique pieces of clothing that allow you to express your unique personality. Aside from the points above, there are still many reasons vintage shopping is a rewarding experience, whether you’re saving some bucks or want to look fashionable. So the next time you want to add something unique to your closet, consider shopping for vintage and you’ll never get disappointed.