How to Take Care of Thrifted Vintage Clothes
I must say, you have hit the jackpot. It is rare to find vintage clothing at thrift shops. As fast fashion swarms, vintage clothes have become unique and rare. These vintage pieces could be a stylish addition to your wardrobe; they are wearable. However, these fashion pieces have become vulnerable.
These thrifted vintage pieces need proper cleaning and storage. Here’s how you can care for your vintage clothing.
Check for holes, weak seams, stains, and other damages.
Although vintage clothes are made from high-quality materials, it is common for vintage pieces to have a minor damage on their fabrics. Check on its seams and zippers from wear, and you can also check other delicate areas of the clothes for any stains and holes. It is essential to check these to avoid worsening the situation.
If you notice any minor damages, consider pre-treating the stains and hand washing the garment to avoid further damaging the item. Do not wash the vintage clothes with clothes that have zippers and hooks, and they might get caught, causing the fragile fabric to tear.
Look for its wash label.
You have to remind yourself that vintage clothes are delicate. If you wash them incorrectly, they might have irreversible damage. Do not assume that you can traditionally wash them all; read the wash label first. If the wash label says “dry clean only,” do not ignore this. Bring the clothes to a dry cleaner.
However, it is common for thrift clothing not to have any wash labels. In this case, you have to use the default method— handwashing. It is better to handwash the vintage clothes than throw them inside the washer with harsh agitation, which may cause damage to its fragile fabrics.
Only use a gentle detergent.
If brand new clothes can be damaged by laundry detergents with harsh chemicals, how much more those vintage clothes? You must be careful about the detergent you use to wash your thrifted vintage clothes.
Fabric conditioners are a no-no. Instead of using fabric conditioners, use distilled vinegar. Distilled white vinegar is a good option to remove odor from the garment. Moreover, it is the best alternative to making clothes soft and smooth after washing.
Air dry them.
Vintage clothes are not preferred to be thrown in the dryer. High heat may shrink its fabric. Instead, air dry them. Turn the clothes inside-out to ensure the outer part of the clothes is protected.
When air drying them, only hang them on wooden hangers; metal hangers may transfer rust to the clothing. If you are worried that the garments are stretched out, use a hanger with pads to maintain its shape.
It is not an exaggeration that you have hit the jackpot if you see vintage clothes at a thrift shop, especially when it fits you! Vintage garments may not be fit for you, and it does not have any other sizes! That’s why there is a lot of stress looking and caring for vintage thrift clothes. Well, reduce the stress by taking these tips into the heart!
