HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT VINTAGE DENIM
I own alot of jeans! most of which are vintage & thrifted, all in different fits, styles & brands. Some are new, some discovered in charity shops and some found in flea markets & some collectable vintage finds. Some vintage jeans ive paid a few euros for, others 50 dollars and some a couple of hundred bucks depending on how well they fit. The best thing about finding your perfect pair of vintage jeans is that every pair has a unique look, and the older they are the better they look. the better they wear, and the softer they become and each pair carries its own individual style.
If that wasnt enough, vintage shopping is having somewhat of a moment these days due to the interest and need for sustainable fashion, individuality and the thrill of thrifted finds.
However Finding the perfect vintage jeans can take some effort and research.
Here are a few tips to help you in your search. Let’s admit you just cant find the same quality or unique style from mass produced items.
Know what to look for
Determine your preferred fit: vintage jeans come in a variety of fits, such as straight leg, bootcut, or tapered. Decide which fit you prefer before starting your search.
Be prepared to try on Vintage Jeans
Vintage clothing from different decades can be sized differently to modern clothing. So a label sized waist 26 from the 80’s are not the same as a waist size 26 from the 1970’s. So my best advice is to know your measurements , take a tape measure & try on as many different fits and styles as possible until you find the perfect pair. And most of all ignore all sizing labels!
The perfect trick is to measure a pair of jeans or trousers excisting in your wardrobe that fit you well. Remember to measure your waist, hip size, and rise these are the most important details. Keep a note of these measurements on your phone for future reference and always take a tape measure
Authentic wash
The colour and fade of fabric is always a personal choice. Consider the distress level, but remember tears and holes can be added or mended. Look for individuality, like paint splatters, marks, creases and whiskering.
100% cotton fabric
Vintage denim will always be woven in 100% cotton. This means no stretch denim with elastane. Denim from 2000 and Y2K era onwards will probably contain stretch.
Refine your denim with a tailor
Once you have found your perfect vintage jeans they may need a nip and tuck around the waist or perhaps you’d like to customise them with patches. Maybe the crotch blow out needs repairing. Take your jeans to a professional denim expert to tailor your vintage finds, I can recommend Soldier Blue & Son of Stag in london.
Heritage denim brands
Look for classic heritage denim brands like levis, lee & wrangler. These brands will stand the test of time that are timeless classics. Look for authentic details: like leather patches, a red tab, woven labels and a big "E" on the back pockets, which are all characteristic of levi's vintage jeans. Look for quality: vintage clothing is often well-made and of higher quality than modern clothing. Look for signs of good craftsmanship, such as reinforced belt loops, sturdy zippers and buttons, and double-stitching.
Patients
Be patient: finding the perfect pair of vintage jeans may take some time, so be patient and keep searching until you find a pair that you love.
Where to shop for the best Vintage Denim
Shop at reputable retailers: look for vintage clothing shops, consignment stores, and online retailers that specialize in vintage clothing, and read customer reviews to make sure they are trustworthy. There are many places to shop for vintage jeans, both online and in physical stores. Here are a few options:
E-bay, Etsy, Depop & Vinted are great places to shop vintage clothing but you have to know what your looking for. Equally Grailed & Vestaire Collective are great for designer vintage. Online vintage clothing retailers such as asos marketplace, Rokit Vintage, and Beyond Retro. Flea markets and thrift stores can also be great sources for vintage denim and last but not least you can find some amazing treasures in your local charity & thrift shop.
By following these tips, you'll be sure to find the perfect pair of vintage jeans that will give your wardrobe a unique touch.