How To Buy Cheap Vintage Clothes

By: Laura Townshend

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Are you a savvy shopper who wants to know how to buy cheap vintage clothes? Fashion changes each season, and what's hot today falls out of favor tomorrow. Vintage clothes are a smart purchase because they can be used as costumes or daily wear. Whether you're looking for 1970s disco trends or the glamour of the 1940s, vintage clothes are affordable, fun and frugal!

  1. Haunt yard sales. A great way to buy cheap vintage clothes is to haunt yard sales. People don't know what they have, or they do know and don't want it. It's amazing what you might find, and the price will be rock-bottom cheap.
  2. Find local resale shops. Another frugal way to buy cheap vintage clothes is in local resale shops. Notorious for selling vintage clothing, these merchants showcase polyester galore, typically with accessories and shoes. Like yard sales, prices are affordable.
  3. Check with Goodwill. Checking with Goodwill is a great way to buy cheap vintage clothing. Aunt Harriet's fab clothing line from the 1960s was donated by her family after she died. Their loss is your gain, along with hats, shoes, accessories and luggage. You name it, Goodwill has it, and much of the inventory is vintage.
  4. Peek into your parents' closet. This is the boldest way to acquire cheap vintage clothes. Checking out your parents' closet can yield a variety of vintage clothing items hiding in storage. Both men and women are notorious for hanging on to apparel they don't need or want. Ask your parents to part ways with their vintage items, and you snag clothing for cheap, maybe even free!
  5. Find vintage specialty boutiques. Specialty resale boutiques often allow you to buy cheap vintage clothes. Because these retailers specialize in vintage, the items might be pricier than other options. However, all merchants must move inventory, so you will find sales. Sometimes you can haggle and get good bargains. The variety and quality of vintage clothing is often better at specialty boutiques.
Posted on: Jul. 17, 2010