Recently, vintage clothing and thrift shopping have taken off among young adults who want to shop sustainably, save money, or just find something that stands out against mass-produced fast fashion. And for many, half the fun is sharing their favorite finds on social media. Natalie Miller, jewelry designer and self-proclaimed “avid thrifter” and “slow fashion enthusiast,” posted a video on TikTok where she shared her experience at an estate sale. She found an interesting-looking patchwork piece that looked like a quilt at the bottom of a box. When she pulled it out of the box, she realized it was something more unusual—a sweater with a quilted front. And then she saw the Ralph Lauren label.
That wasn’t the only label on the sweater. When Miller unbuttoned it, she found a tag explaining that the sweater was “heirloom-quality clothing” and “made from an authentic antique quilt,” so it required special care and cleaning. “We recommend gently airing in the traditional nineteenth century manner” and “If cleaning should become necessary, please consult an expert in antique textiles” were part of the care instructions. Intrigued, Miller bought the sweater for $10 and took it home to do some research. She included her findings in her TikTok video: The sweater was part of Ralph Lauren’s Fall/Winter 1982 collection, which drew inspiration from American folk art and, to some controversy, used fabric from antique quilts. As Miller learned, another sweater from the collection is in a museum at the University of Minnesota.
Miller told Insider that she hopes to have the sweater appraised and possibly give it to a museum where it can be properly preserved.
Miller holding up her sweater.
Photos: Natalie Miller
Vintage dresses and jackets should be hung on well-padded hangers.
Clothing styles come and go … and come back again, thanks in part to thrift stores offering a variety of options for the past-fashion conscious. Vintage clothing is fashion from 20 to 100 years ago that is representative to that era. What was most popular in 2000, a time when Millennials were coming of age? Frosted lipstick, trucker hats, low-rise jeans, halter tops and lacy-looking choker necklaces. Go back another 20 years and you will find a world full of landing-field shoulder pads, sequined dresses, and dresses with cinched waists and wide belts. Vintage clothing collectors should look at what is hot now, buy it, wear it, then save it for the future, including oversized Victorian sleeves, pastel bucket hats, bucket-style handbags, and oversized gold necklaces.
Shop for vintage clothes at thrift stores, vintage clothing stores, flea markets and of course one of the many online shopping places. Your new “old” fashion is a way to jump on the trend of mixing vintage with current styles. See our buy/sell guides for online buying and selling websites.
Collecting tip: If clothing has a metal zipper, it dates from before 1970. A side zipper on a dress was used in the 1940s or 1950s, and also started appearing in the 2010s. No zipper usually means before the 1940s.