Your Vintage Clothing Questions Answered – The My Vintage Q&A
- Emma
- 6 hours ago
- 5 min read
✨ Introduction
At My Vintage, we get asked a lot of questions about all things vintage and vintage clothing. From sizing mysteries to the difference between “vintage” and “retro,” it can feel like stepping into a whole new world. But don’t worry – we’re here to make it easy, fun, and stylish. Think of this as your vintage cheat sheet: the questions we’re asked the most, answered with love (and just a touch of groovy flair).
So, pop the kettle on, sit back, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of vintage fashion. 🌼
1. What is the difference between vintage clothing and retro clothing? A great question!
The two words get thrown around a lot, but they’re not the same.
Vintage means genuine, original clothing that’s at least 20 years old. That means everything we sell at My Vintage has truly lived a little – it’s a piece of history you can wear.
Retro means new clothing made in the style of older fashion. Think 60s-inspired shift dresses made last year, or 90s-style platform shoes hot off today’s production line.
Retro can be fun, but vintage is the real deal – with authenticity, craftsmanship, and a story built into every stitch.
2. How do you date vintage items?
Dating vintage is a mix of detective work and experience. Here’s what we look at:
Labels & tags – brand fonts, country of origin, care instructions (did you know washing labels only became mandatory in the 1970s?).
Fastenings – metal zips usually point to pre-70s, while plastic ones came later.
Fabrics & prints – certain materials and patterns were era-defining.
Silhouettes – shoulder pads scream 80s, while bias cuts hint at 30s.
At My Vintage, we draw on years of experience plus plenty of fashion history knowledge to give you accurate dates for each piece.
3. What is deadstock vintage?
Deadstock vintage is the holy grail for many collectors. It refers to authentic vintage clothing that has never been worn – often old shop stock that’s been forgotten in storage for decades.
Imagine finding a 70s maxi dress still with its paper shop tag attached – that’s deadstock. It’s vintage that’s essentially brand new, and it offers the thrill of stepping straight into the past.
4. How do I shop vintage if I don’t know my era/style yet?
The beauty of vintage is the freedom to play. You don’t need to know whether you’re a 50s pin-up or a 90s minimalist just yet – try different eras and see what sparks joy.
Browse our categories (dresses, jackets, menswear, accessories) rather than fixating on decades.
Start with versatile pieces: a denim jacket, a floral dress, or a classic leather bag.
Use our blog and social channels for styling inspiration.
The fun of vintage is in the discovery – today you’re channeling 70s disco diva, tomorrow you’re rocking 90s grunge.
5. Can I wear vintage every day, or just for special occasions?
Vintage isn’t just for themed parties or fancy dress. These are real clothes made to be worn, and with a little styling, they can be part of your everyday wardrobe.
A 70s blouse with your favourite jeans.
A 90s slip dress layered with a modern tee.
A classic trench coat that never goes out of style.
Vintage is versatile, sustainable, and endlessly fun – so wear it on the school run, to the office, or on a big night out.
6. Will an item come back into stock if it sells?
In short – no. Vintage is one-of-a-kind, which is what makes it so special. Once a piece is sold, that’s it. You’ll never find the exact same one again.
So, if something catches your eye, don’t wait too long – or you might miss out!
7. How should I care for my vintage clothing?
Vintage deserves a little TLC:
Hand wash delicate fabrics in cool water.
Air dry instead of tumble drying.
Store properly – hang structured garments, fold knitwear.
Avoid harsh chemicals – many vintage fabrics are sensitive.
Think of it like caring for a classic car – the extra love keeps it beautiful for years to come.
8. Does My Vintage ship internationally, or just to the UK?
We’re based in the UK but we also ship internationally 🌍. Delivery times vary depending on location, but we package every item with care so it arrives quickly and safely.
9. How do I know if an item will fit me?
Sizing is one of the trickiest parts of shopping vintage. That’s why we carefully measure every garment flat and provide modern UK size conversions.
Our tip: compare our measurements with a similar item from your wardrobe to check fit. Don’t rely on vintage size labels – they can be very misleading!
10. Why are vintage sizes different to modern ones?
Over the decades, sizing has shifted. “Vanity sizing” means modern clothes are often labelled smaller than they really are. A vintage size 12 is often closer to a modern size 8 or 10.
Body shape ideals also changed over time – from the cinched waists of the 50s to the athletic shapes of the 90s. That’s why we give you exact measurements, not just label sizes.
11. What is the difference between vintage and antique?
“Antique” generally means something over 100 years old. “Vintage” usually refers to clothing 20–99 years old.
So, a 1920s beaded flapper dress is vintage – but in a few years, it’ll edge closer to antique!
12. I’m new to vintage, where should I start?
Welcome to the club! 🎉 If you’re new to vintage, here are some easy entry points:
Dresses – timeless, versatile, and easy to style.
Accessories – scarves, jewellery, and handbags instantly elevate any outfit.
Outerwear – denim jackets, trench coats, and blazers are wardrobe staples.
Most importantly – have fun with it. Vintage isn’t about rules; it’s about self-expression, sustainability, and finding unique pieces you truly love.
🪩 Outro
We hope this Q&A helped demystify the magical world of vintage fashion. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just dipping your toe into retro waters, My Vintage is here to guide you every step of the way.
Every item in our boutique is handpicked, authentic, and totally unique – so once it’s gone, it’s gone. Don’t miss out on that perfect piece!
👉 Shop authentic vintage clothing online at My Vintage and find your one-of-a-kind treasure today.
Stay groovy 🌼
Emma x
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