While fast fashion’s synthetics can end up in a landfill for eternity, a more sustainable choice is turning to vintage gems. Buying vintage reduces dyes and textiles harmful to the environment with the added bonus of owning a beloved garment having already stood the test of time. We spoke to Louise Pinson, owner of Palm Beach Vintage, to walk us through the finer points of fine vintage buying.
Condition Above All
First and foremost, check to see if the garment is in good condition. “You want to make sure that there’s no major issues, moth holes, stains that probably will never come out,” Pinson says. You also want to make sure it hasn’t been altered past the point of fitting and that it doesn’t smell, she continues. “If it’s something historically important…we can make exceptions for things that you’re never gonna find again,” Pinson says. “And if it has a little issue, it’s something that’s not blatant.”
It’s Quality Time
“High-end clothing from the past is made way better than throwaway clothing, disposable clothing, [or] fast fashion,” Pinson says. Many vintage fabrics aren’t made anymore and modern-day fabrics are highly pollutant. Good quality also means seams are finished “with either bias tape on the raw edges of the seams or an earlier overcast machine stitch,” Pinson explains, while couture pieces should be entirely hand-stitched. Structured garments should be lined to retain their shape. “The quality of the construction is really important,” she adds.
Style For Miles
Choosing something appropriate for you is key. “It’s a good idea to know what’s the best, [most] becoming style for your body. And it makes it easier to shop,” Pinson says. “You want to look good, and you want your clothes to reflect how you feel and what you want to say about yourself.” Instead of buying a lot of options and not wearing them, learn what you like, what looks good and hone a style, she suggests. “In this day and age, you want to have something to wear, but you don’t want to just throw your money away. You want to think about getting value for your money and looking good and getting good quality.”