Caring for Vintage Clothing
So … you’ve either sought out that perfect vintage dress or just happened across a beautiful vintage outfit. If this vintage piece was well cared for and it’s ready for wear right away, you just need to worry about regular care after you’ve worn it.
First of all, you don’t need to wash it after every wear. Use your judgement but sometimes airing it on the line is all it needs after one or two wears. However, you will eventually need to wash it. Take note of the fabric. Many vintage items may not have a label nor any care instructions, so you’ll need to get an idea of the fabric. When buying your piece that is one question you really should ask. The vendor may not know exactly the fabric, but they will have an idea.
Cottons and synthetic fabrics can be hand washed with a delicate laundry soap. Some silks may be hand washed, but it would depend on the item being washed. You will need to look at the shape of the item to determine if washing will alter it and turn it onto a bag of wrinkles! Having said that though, one thing to remember, is that this clothing has been around for a long time. It’s unlikely that you’d ruin it … just change it a little.
Many evening gowns, ball gowns, tailored pant suits, jackets and coats should really be dry cleaned. Before taking your vintage item to the dry cleaner, talk to your dry cleaner about your vintage pieces and ask if they feel comfortable cleaning them. The dry cleaner may ask you to sign a waiver but before you do that make sure YOU feel comfortable as well. After the discussion with the dry cleaner you will have a good sense of their experience and a comfort level that they will handle your vintage items with the proper care.
Stains on your vintage clothing are another issue. If you have placed the stain yourself don’t panic :). Just treat the stain right away as you would normally. You can dap it with club soda or water and a mild soap but the most important thing to remember is NOT TO SCRUB! I learned this the hard way. If you scrub you have a good chance of removing the colour dye on the fabric and you may see a pale spot.
Follow these simple rules and remember, these items are vintage. In some cases, if well worn, you may need to treat them carefully but, in many cases, they are well made items and have lasted many, many years. With some careful love and attention, some occasional hand washing, or dry cleaning in some cases, they will last many years to come.
