When you purchase vintage clothing you are buying a piece of history.
Each vintage piece has had another life before finding its way to you. You can assume that they have been previously worn, gently used and loved, and then stored for many years.
Knowing how to care for your vintage purchase is essential to its continued long life. Proper care will ensure that you get the most wear and enjoyment from your vintage wardrobe.
The following are tried and true, care and storage tips for your valuable vintage:
* Never store vintage items in a plastic dry cleaning bags. Fabrics need to be able to breathe. If you want to cover your garments use old cotton pillow cases or sheets.
* Never use wire hangers! They can ruin the fabric at the shoulders of garments. The force of gravity stretches the fabric and can lead to tears and rips over time. Many times the hangers will poke through shoulders and can completely rip and disintegrate the shoulders of clothing. NEVER store a beaded 20's dress on a hanger. The weight of the beads will stress shoulder fabric and lead to tears. Always use padded or wooden hangers and fold or roll your fragile silks, knits, rayon’s and beaded items carefully instead of hanging. Try not to stack heavy folded items as this will cause creasing and fold marks if items are stored long term.
* Never store clothing in heat, like an un-insulated attic or in a damp place like your basement. It is best to store vintage in a cool dark area (under a bed, in a drawer, in a closet in a spare bedroom).
* Fur coats or any items with fur trim should be stored in a cedar closet or cool dry place - not the attic or the basement!
* Keep clothes away from light. Light will cause fading and can deteriorate fabric over time. Store vintage clothing in darkness.
* Use lavender to keep away pests; keep it near by but not touching the fabrics.
* If possible, clean a vintage item immediately after wearing to avoid stains (especially perspiration) from setting. Most vintage garments older than mid 1960s were not intended to be washed in a machine and should be hand washed or dry-cleaned.
* If you are just trying to eliminate an odor try an at home dry cleaning kit. These kits work in your dryer by steaming and scenting the clothing. They work well for eliminating musty mildew smells and cigarette or cigar smells.
* Ensure that your vintage garment is washable before putting it in water. Use liquid detergent instead of powder; dry clean or use Dryel if in doubt about washing certain fabrics. Prior to washing check for weak seams, holes or frays. Use cool to warm water to avoid fade or running of garment dyes and spot clean first before washing. After washing lay out the garment on a drying rack, never in the dryer.
* Always dry clean rayon, silk, wool, velvet, and any garment with beading. Be sure that your dry cleaner is experienced in vintage fabrics! If you can't find a dry cleaner you trust, consult the owner of your local vintage clothing store, or contact a nearby museum with a textile collection and find out who they use. For antique wedding gowns, delicate vintage formal wear, couture garments, we recommend Imperial Gown Restoration Co. (www.gown.com) located in Merrifield, Virginia.
