Because of the fast turnaround with trends, a lot of clothing items tend to fall off the radar and the trendy silhouettes seem dated, in some cases, only a few months after the wave of popularity calms down. However, if you shop second hand and vintage, you can avoid making this wasteful mistake. Because of the cyclical way that fashion comes and goes, a lot of vintage clothing tends to always be fashionable. They are timeless and surpass the fleeting trends of today’s world. Vintage pieces can be worn and reworn, over and over. If you are wondering what to look for when shopping, here are the top five pieces that you should always buy second-hand ir vintage and why.
Vintage denim
Denim jeans have become an integral part of everyday life, despite the range of innovative materials available, denim remains one of the most versatile, durable and highly sought after fabrics on the market. Started as work wear, now one of the most worn textiles and a staple in the everyday life’s of the majority of the population. Jeans transcend gender, age, and class – with most people owning more pairs then there are days in the week. Their appeal will always be timeless but the design and the fabric technology will forever change to accommodate the trends of the times.
The hunt for the perfect pair of denim jeans or a jacket can be a long one. But at Think2 you can find denim that will fit your preferences and will let you express your personality. Vintage denim is very popular right now: dresses, skirts, jeans, and, of course, jackets. The more eccentric the better. Denim is fashionable in general, but if you want something unique or special, you may have to pay a higher price,There's a vintage denim look for everyone. Each generation has infused the material with its own distinct character, from Western look, to the new craze – bell-bottoms, or the comfortable and baggy style of the 90s and the low waist skin tight ones for the nostalgic look of the 00s. The fit and quality of the jeans are also much better. For example, jeans made before the mid 70s are simply because they fade better. The old-school method of spinning yarn makes them softer, more durable, and gives them their significantly higher quality. Denim shines in more than just jeans. Denim jackets have been popular for decades, and they're perfect for personalizing with patches and buttons.
Sadly, denim isn't the most environmentally friendly fabric. The production of jeans leads to pollution of local waterways from the dyes used to produce the garments. A single pair of jeans uses about 4,000 litres of water to manufacture. There are alternatives to wearing the beloved blues that have less of an impact on our planet. And the best one is shopping pre-loved denim pieces. At Think2 we have all the top names from Levi’s, Wranglers, Lee, to more high end like Armani, Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss and Versace versions of denim, but with a lower carbon footprint. The best vintage jeans, after all, only get better with age, outlasting everything else in your closet.
Trench Coats
The trench coat is another timeless piece. People have admired the coat's utility since its origins as a garment for military officers during World War I. The trench coat is quite adaptable. It may be worn in almost any season and in any type of weather. Its amazing genderfluid design means you don't have to choose sides. It's equally adored by men and women. The trench coat is a simple garment that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. It will be your go-to overcoat whether you're headed to work or out on the town, ensuring that you always look fashionable and put-together. Trench coats haven't changed much in terms of design since Burberry first introduced them. There's no need because it is a simple, classic piece. Therefore trench coats are ideal pieces to look for when shopping second hand plus you won't be adding to your carbon footprint by choosing second hand. You can choose between the classic camel colour or a more daring version for a bigger statement. When shopping pre loved pieces you can get a higher quality piece for much cheaper. This is relatable to any vintage coat as you can find some amazing one-of-a-kind pieces when shopping at Think2. From very minimal and structured ones to over the top, statement coats with fur cuffs and fun patters for that special occasion. Great coat is a very important piece of your wardrobe, especially in winter when it becomes the focal point of most of your outfits. At Think2 you can find the one that will keep you warm while still keeping you stylish.
Silk handkerchief
It is the perfect accent to add to any simple outfit to make it look like you’ve really thought about your outfit that morning. Its core purpose is to act as a finishing touch to the outfit. Adding dimension and tying all of the colours together. In 1837, Queen Victoria ascended to the throne and it was during her reign that silk scarves became an accessory for the nobility, a symbol of luxury. Now, the same sentiment is still permanent.
In the 1950s and 1960s, all of the chicest icons we know today like Brigitte Bardot or Jackie Kennedy—used silk scarves to add effortless glamour to their outfits. Silk scarves were bolder in their design in the 1970s, inspired by the free-spirited ethos of the decade, with in-your-face designs and bright colors, and were worn as dramatic headwraps or around the neck to match flowy outifts.
In the more recent years, we’ve been seeing the revival of the silk scarf as more and more designers were showcasing them on the runway. That then translated into the high-street with young girls styling scarves in a more modern way – wearing them as tops and skirts in the summer or wrapping them in their hair. As hair accessories become more common, the silk scarf can be a great addition to your closet. When shopping second hand you can find some unique patterned silk scarves that will take your look to the next level.
Shirts
Similar to a great pair of jeans, a classic sneaker, or a basic tee, the white button-up shirt is a wardrobe essential everyone should have. White shirt is a must-have no matter the season (or decade, for that matter), whether it's an office-ready oxford button up shirt, a relaxed one, or a more innovative take on the poplin top. It's one of those classic core pieces that gets a lot of use, making it all the more vital to find one you like and that suits you and your day to day endevours. It’s also unique because it is a staple in both women's and men's wardrobes.
The shirt can act as a piece to layer or as a focal point if you choose one in an interesting pattern or colour. Given the garment's versatility, there are a variety of possibilities to explore—fit, fabric, silhouette, and price are all aspects to consider. It is important to mention that a quality shirt can be pricy if you’re buying it brand new, but when shopping second hand, you can find so many great quality ones for much cheaper. For a more trendy look, search for an oversize white button up shirt – if you still don’t have one, it will truly make dressing up in the morning much faster. For a classier vibe, look for structured and well fitted one – playing with materials and patterns. From silk to cotton. For an updated classic look for special details like puffed sleeves, contrast stitching, deconstructed silhouette. It can truly be styled for every occasion. There’s no point to look for a brand new one, when you can make a sustainable choice of giving a second life to a perfectly good one through shopping pre-loved on Think2.
Vintage designer clothing
Vintage designer clothing has a certain aura around it. Talked about and sought after by young fashionistas and collectors, the pieces can feel almost unattainable. The hunt for the perfect designer capsule item can also be a hard and expensive one. That’s why shopping vintage second-hand can be so rewarding. For most, it feels special to be able to get something that cherished. For those willing to look, all of the top names in luxury, from Versace to Miu Miu, Dior and YSL, have an enormous treasure mine of vintage pleasures. These brands build on their history of fashion success and inspiration with each new collection. While we admire modern brands, vintage shopping brings you closer to the original spirit of fashion. At Think2 you can find selected designer pieces for much cheaper.