Vintage Care

Vintage items and label sizing can vary from today’s standard sizes. We measure all our items flat in inches and advise the appropriate size for today’s standardised clothing sizes.

All of our product descriptions will include detailed measurements. Please carefully check them, we recommend doing this by measuring a similar item you own that fits well to compare the dimensions, or by measuring yourself.

CARING FOR YOUR VINTAGE CLOTHES 

Washing Vintage Clothes 

Read the care labels! Wool and silk can shrink at high temperatures.

Are your clothes dirty or can you simply spot wash or brush to remove any stains.

Check your vintage garments for holes, frays, loose seams before washing to avoid further damage.

Clothes can be turned inside out and hung to air in a humid place or outside to remove odours and freshen up. Less risk of damage to your garment and kinder to the environment.

Always hand wash any pre-1960s vintage garments. Hand wash silks, wool or garments with beading. If in doubt don't wash it and do not EVER wash embroidered satins and silks!

Always turn clothes inside out for machine washing.

Put delicate fabrics in a laundry bag.

Take care with detergent, less is more as excessive use can create a build up on fabric.

Always wash a 30 degrees using a gentle cycle or hand wash. These are safer and greener options for your vintage garment.

Always air dry vintage garments to avoid damage to fabric, shrinkage etc.

If your garment requires dry cleaning find a reputable eco-friendly dry cleaner. Eco-friendly dry cleaners use non-toxic detergents that are kinder to your vintage garment and better for the environment.

Try not to wear your vintage garment more than two days in a row without airing (as above) to remove odours and freshen up.

Storing Your Vintage Clothes 

Always store your vintage garments in a dry, dust-free environment away from direct sunlight which can fade your clothes. Damp or humidity can cause delicate vintage fabrics to go mouldy or rot.

Store vintage garments where they can breathe not in plastic covers or containers which is not healthy for these old fabrics.

Moths can eat through a wardrobe in no time at all! Check clothes from time to time and invest in anti-moth hangers which deter them.

Use the right size hangers for your vintage garments. Too big and you will be left with a shape difficult to remove. Wooden hangers are better than metal which could leave a rust residue on the garment. Also fabric-covered hangers.

Always fold delicate vintage garments such as beaded garments, silks and knits rather than hanging them.

Maintaining and Repairing Your Vintage Clothes 

Be nice, they are old and deserve your respect!

If you can sew then you can make your clothes last longer. Holes can be darned, hems can be turned up and fixed, buttons can be replaced.

Worn areas on denim can be left to distress or add a patch easily attached by sewing or iron-on options.

Keep your vintage garment zips lubed either with graphite pencil, zipper lube or vaseline. This will keep them moving smoothly.  Zips can be replaced if they are completely broken. If this is out of your comfort zone a good dry cleaner or seamstress will do this for you. 

Recycling Your Vintage Clothes 

Rework, upcycle, redesign. They are lots of ways to up-date a garment into something useful by cutting, cropping and customising. You don't have to throw out that dress because its two sizes too big. A good seamstress will be able to alter the dress to fit, make finding one a priority!

Sell unwanted vintage (has it come to the end of its life) and preloved garments on sites such as eBay, Depop or DM us and we'll take care of it.

Donate unwanted garments to charity organisations where they might be sold on or reworked into a new item. 

Swap with friends and family, but keep these items moving!