Vintage clothing
A generally accepted industry standard is that items made between 30 and 100 years ago are considered "vintage" if they clearly reflect the styles and trends of the era they represent.
[3] This sense of history allows consumers to express sentimental nostalgia for fashions of past eras and for aspects not common with modern items like craftsmanship.
[6] The internet has drastically increased the availability of specific and hard-to-get items and opened up prospective markets for sellers around the world.
In the last 20 years, social media in particular has become the most popular medium for consumers to obtain information about, and interact with vintage fashion.
[7] Typically in the United States, vintage clothing shops can be found clustered in college towns and artsy neighborhoods of cities.
Before the rise of industrial manufacture, construction of most articles of clothing required extensive hand labor.
During World War I, the United States launched a conservation campaign, with slogans such as "Make economy fashionable lest it become obligatory".
The authentic portrayal of 1960s fashions in the 2007 award winning series Mad Men sparked a resurgence of glamour in consumer interest.
Vintage fashion appeals to consumer interests of ethical clothing as it falls under categories of reusing, recycling and repairing items rather than throwing them away.
When new retailers try to enter the market for vintage clothing, they face certain barriers unique to this segment of the fashion industry.
While some people may keep these clothes in their possession for a long time, others may look to repurpose, mend, or pass these items to new owners.
[10] Historically based sub-cultural groups like rockabilly and swing dancing played a part in the increased interest in vintage clothes.
In Finland the vintage scene resulted in a registered non-profit organization called Fintage, from common interest in the preservation of material culture and the environment.
[12] In addition, authentic garments are made one at a time, with enough attention to detail to create an item that has long lasting value.
Garments closely resembling original vintage (retro or antique) clothing are mass-produced, for the most part, in China.
[13] Sellers claim consumer advantage in that, unlike the original garments, they are usually available in a range of sizes and perhaps, colours and/or fabrics, and can be sold much cheaper.
Influencers and celebrities gravitating toward branded items that are second-hand or vintage, have pushed consumers to own unique pieces that are more environmentally friendly, rather than shopping for cheaper fast fashion.
Giving vintage clothes a strong value in society and fashion has been crucial to making it a desirable choice for the greater public.
[18] One way of reducing waste and limiting the negative impact of fashion on the environment is the reuse and recycling of clothes.
