How to Buy or Sell — Clothing and Accessories

There are old clothes and there are vintage clothes. Styles change so quickly, that today, clothes 10 years old or more can be considered vintage. Anything that is wearable, in good condition, with no permanent stains or damaged fabric can be sold. The silly hats of the 1940s, the bowling shirts and Hawaiian prints of the 1950s, the plastic purses of the 1960s and, most of all, the very expensive (thousands of dollars!) couture handbags are in demand to be worn, not displayed. The white cotton petticoats and camisoles that were once underwear are now party dresses. Beaded flapper dresses or old lace wedding dresses are wanted for special occasions. Before you send old clothes to be sold at a charity or local thrift shop, be sure they are not worth money at a vintage clothing store.