Condition

Buying a vintage clothing item is not like buying a piece of new clothing. Many of the older items are very fragile and must be handled with care, when trying on and when storing. The fabrics are also must be maintained with care to keep them in good condition.

Condition Chart

MINT: No visible imperfections or flaws whatsoever. Sometimes, unworn with tags. (Deadstock)

EXCELLENT: One, perhaps two teeny issues. A barely-there spot or a slightly frayed cuff, for example.

VERY GOOD: A few minor imperfections. (Will be included in item description - so read carefully and feel free to ask questions.)

Sizing

As vintage sizing varies so much, not only from decade to decade, but also country to country and manufacturer to manufacturer. I list the garments actual measurements so there will no surprises when you receive your garment. Always mentally allow 2 to 3 inches additional ease to these measurements - if you like things tight 1 to 2 inches.

Measuring yourself is the best way to get a proper fit and can save hours of frustration lusting after a garment you take a fancy to, but which would split if it looked at your thigh or upper arm! If you dont know what your measurements are here’s how to take your measurements...

1. Get a measuring tape, a pencil and paper, and put on lightweight clothing.
2. Draw the tape around the fullest part of your bust. Make sure the tape is taut but not tight, and it is flat, not twisted. Write down the measurement where the tape meets itself.
3. Repeat for the smallest part of the waist, and the hip (about 7" below the waist)..
4. Or if you are purchasing a coat or blouse you can take measurements from an item you already own and know that fits you the way you like.

How to Care for Your Vintage Garment

Due to the age and fragility of most vintage garments I would recommend that you either Dry Clean or Hand Wash your vintage item. Do Not USE A WASHING MACHINE OR DRYER FOR ANY VINTAGE ITEM.

Washing Your Vintage Item|Handwashing

Vintage fabrics suitable to hand wash:

Cotton- Linen - Polyester and some Wools usually when mixed with nylon and acrylics.

Tips for handwashing

• Please handwash one item at a time
• Zip- up any zippers before washing.
• Spot check garments for color-fastness by wetting an inconspicuous corner of fabric with water and detergent.
• Make sure the sink is clean prior to filling it. Use cold water for natural fabrics, such as cotton, and warm water for synthetic fabrics, such as polyester.
• Add a mild detergent (such as Woolite or Ivory Snow) to the water. Use one capful of liquid detergent or 1/4 cup of powdered soap per gallon of water.
• Add the clothing to the sink and gently agitate with your hands for a few minutes.
• Drain the water and refill the sink, rinsing soap from the garment as you do so.
• Repeat if necessary until no soap remains in the clothing.
• Hang the garment on padded hanger, lay it over a towel on a towel rack, or lay it flat to dry.

Washing Your Vintage Item|Drycleaning

Not all drycleaners know how to deal with vintage items to make sure the cleaner you choose is experienced in cleaning vintage clothing. A cleaner not familiar with cleaning vintage clothing can destroy your garment. Rhinestone buttons not removed before cleaning can melt or be damage beyond repair. Vintage fabric can also fade with some drycleaning techniques.

I use Madame Paulette’s. I mail them any special item I feel that can be easily destroyed by normal drycleaning.

http://www.madamepaulette.com
42-20 12th Street
Long Island City NY 11101
(212) 838-6827

Vintage fabrics suitable to dry clean:

• Rayon - any vintage fabric that obviously rustles or looks as if it has a special finish should be drycleaned. Whilst many modern moiré fabrics wash easily, older versions and other taffeta like fabrics may be silk, rayon or acetate based which with washing will not only lose all body, but may shrink, lose colour and distort beyond recognition to look like a limp rag. Some rayons will disintegrate and 'split and shred' in water and I have had this happen with fine silk too. Many older fabrics are not colour fast, but dye fastness has improved enormously over the years.
• Wools and Silks
• Velvet, Crepe, Taffeta
• Items with Sequins/Rhinestones or Trim - Trims will collapse if washed. Lace will frequently lose crispness and some trims may shrink and pull along a facing edge distorting the neckline etc.