Top 10 Reasons Why To Shop Vintage
#1: It’s environmentally friendly
Annually, nearly two million tons of clothing end up in a landfill, according to BBC News. By promoting recycling (or “upcycling”) of vintage/pre-owned clothing and textiles, it saves one less item in the landfill and preserves our natural resources.
Also, by purchasing vintage, it slows/halts the production of new manufacturing which often leaves a large dent on our carbon footprint with the energy costs of making, transporting, and packaging mass produced items.
#2: You get to save some green in your pocket.
Vintage is priced competitively for apparel, houseware, electronics, and other items. Why pay +$140 for a new dress at a mass produced retailer (and which was probably manufactured irresponsibly) when you can pay $8- $28 for a one of a kind creation that will increase in value over time?
#3: There’s nothing quite like it
Ever walk into an event after spending considerate thought and time behind your ensemble– only to find out that another person has the exact same item you’re wearing?
No one can keep up with that Suri. Damn her.
We wear our personalities, moods, politics, and style through our fashion. Duplicity shatters our ability to self-express as unique beings with a killer eye for what looks and feels good. So save yourself that unfortunate comparison of who-wears-it-better by standing out on your own two feet with shoes that, guaranteed, no one else will be wearing. And they’ll be jealous they can’t get the same exact pair.
#4: Vintage can inspire slow fashion
You might’ve heard about the slow food movement which was created to restore quality, cultural practices, and sustainability back into the way we grow, eat, and serve food (think fast food as the antagonist here). But have you heard about slow fashion?
It’s a similar concept but designed for the production, distribution, and availability of fashion. In this era of fast fashion where factories and designers are churning out generic concepts at lightning speed without much consideration to fair labor practices or the environment, slow fashion is aiming to create a different standard in the industry.
Rather than pushing out poorly made, trendy items with a short shelf-span in its aesthetic and construction, slow fashion emphasizes that time, thoughtful design, and strong labor and environmental standards can extend the lifespan of products.
Who can resist that? Buying vintage encourages an existing market and pushes out the practice of sustainability and innovation.
#5: It gets better and more valuable with time
It’s like wine but without the calories and stained residue on your teeth. Vintage pieces from notable makers will actually increase in value over time. Maybe, just maybe, that H&M velvet lined leopard bolero that you got in 1995 will be worth something 30 years from now. Maybe.
#6: They don’t make ‘em like they used to
Vintage furniture pieces will last. Ever notice how pieces from places with Swedish names tend to break and deconstruct all too easily?
It’s because the design and construction wasn’t intended to last through the decades. It was meant to hold up through four semesters of beer pong, countless nights of couch surfing for unemployed friends, and your initial years of transition into the entry level paying workforce. After that, you’ll begin to feel and notice the wear and tear.
#7: It ups your style game
Self-explanatory. Anyone who wears vintage and wears it well is a style maven. Vintage will more than compliment, it will uplift your existing wardrobe and solidify you as a fashionista/o. You don’t look to mass produced creations for inspiration– you find it on their own.
#8: Mixing modern and vintage creates an envious and unique look
It’s one of our favorite aesthetics here at Retrofit Republic. By using unique vintage items as focal pieces and pairing them with modern complements, it creates an unbeatable vintage-inspired aesthetic with a modern twist. No doubt you will inspire others to do the same.
#9: Anyone can wear it
From the laywoman to global style icons, vintage is wearable and can be flattering on all different shapes, sizes, looks, and lifestyles.
Angelina Jolie in a vintage dress under $40 by Wasteland. Jessica Alba also donning a vintage floral print dress. Jennifer Garner in vintage Valentino.
#10: Buying vintage can support communities
This is a lesser known tidbit about buying vintage. The proceeds of many thrift stores benefit local children hospitals, senior housing, homeless shelters, and workforce development training for marginalized populations. Check to see which in your area are giving back to the community. Retrofit Republic commits to donating a portion of all sale proceeds back to groups that serve underrepresented communities and/or align with an environmental mission.
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