subject: The Difference Between Vintage And Vintage Inspired Fashion [print this page] Everyone loves to say that a piece of clothing is vintage, and both large chains and speciality boutiques like to advertise vintage clothing. But how do you know if a piece of clothing is vintage or simply vintage inspired fashion? It can be an embarrassing faux pas to brag that the piece youre wearing is an authentic piece from the 1940s, only to see someone else wearing the exact same piece. When this happens, most likely the outfit was vintage inspired rather than authentically vintage.
This confusion happens as retailers call pieces vintage or new vintage and buyers think theyre getting something decades old. Many large retailers stamp the word vintage onto their clothing labels or advertising campaigns in order to pique interest and increase profits. Retailers do this because vintage clothing is a hot trend popular with people of all ages. Unfortunately, its this misplaced branding that causes confusion among buyers as to whether what theyre purchasing is truly vintage or not.
What Is True Vintage Clothing?
True vintage clothing was worn by someone from another generation. It may have wear and tear that needs to be fixed before the piece can be worn. It may be slightly faded but easily jazzed up with the right accessories. It will have lines and patterns uncommon among mass produced clothing, and will often be handmade. Its a one of a kind piece thats nothing like the fashion available today.
Authentic vintage isnt usually available from mass retailers, but rather specialty vintage shops and boutiques. The prices may be higher than average because the clothing is unique and hard to replicate. A piece may also be cheaper than average if its not in good condition, but buyers can invest in a good seamstress to breathe life back into an old piece. Vintage clothing is not newly redesigned clothing from a previous decade made to look old.
What Is Vintage Inspired Fashion?
Clothing that looks vintage but doesnt use the same handiwork, materials, or craftsmanship as true vintage pieces is vintage inspired fashion. The materials are usually cheaper to use and the clothing is mass produced. Often the designer will simply use a cut or a pattern that was popular a few decades ago and call it vintage. Unlike true vintage pieces that are one of a kind, inspired vintage will resemble the new and the old.
Retailers wont always use the words vintage inspired fashion when marketing clothing. Words like new vintage and vintage-like fashion are other terms used to describe clothing thats inspired by styles and designs from decades earlier. Buyers can get confused as to whether or not the styles are truly vintage or simply new designs with an inspired design or pattern from a few years ago. Buyers can clarify with retailers by asking how old a piece is before making a purchase to insure that theyre getting a truly vintage piece as opposed to a vintage inspired piece.
