Vintage clothing is timelessly beautiful and durable, but it also needs a little extra love. Whether you've picked up a velvet 70s blazer or a lace dress from the 50s, with the right care, your clothes will stay beautiful and wearable for longer. In this blog post, we share our best care tips to keep your vintage treasures going for years to come.
Why is good care important?
Vintage clothing is often made from natural, delicate fabrics like wool, silk, cotton, or viscose. These materials are beautiful, but also more fragile than modern synthetics. Moreover, vintage items have already seen a lifetime – making them unique, but also more susceptible to wear and tear. With a little care, you can prevent damage and keep your clothes in top condition.
General care tips for vintage clothing
1. Wash less, air more . Overwashing is one of the biggest culprits for vintage clothing. Often, just airing it out is enough to make your clothes smell fresh again. Hang your garment outside overnight or in a well-ventilated area.
2. Use a clothes brush. For wool items, a clothes brush is ideal. It removes dust, lint, and surface dirt without damaging the fabric. Avoid lint rollers, as they can pull fibers loose.
3. Store smart. Hang delicate items on wide, soft hangers to prevent deformation. Heavy garments like coats are best stored flat. Use breathable fabric covers, not plastic!
4. Avoid direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause colors to fade. So store your clothes in a dark place or behind a closet door.
5. Pay attention to jewelry and bags. Sharp edges on jewelry or bag straps can damage fabrics. Put on your clothes first, then your accessories.
Fabrics & specific care tips
Wool:
-
Use a special wool detergent and wash cold, preferably by hand or on the wool program.
-
Do not wring! Roll the garment in a towel and press gently to remove moisture.
-
Leave to dry lying down on a towel.
Side:
-
Hand wash in cold water with a silk detergent.
-
Do not soak or wring. Pat dry gently and let it dry flat.
-
Silk does not like direct sunlight or high temperatures.
Cotton:
-
Can often be washed in the washing machine at a low temperature (30 degrees).
-
Use a mild detergent and allow to air dry.
Synthetic fabrics such as polyester or nylon:
-
Wash at a low temperature and use a wash bag.
-
Air dry, do not tumble dry.
Lace and delicate details:
-
Place in a laundry bag or wash by hand.
-
Avoid wringing and dry flat to prevent deformation.
What you better not do
-
Dry cleaning vintage clothing without advice: some fabrics do not tolerate this well.
-
Using hot irons: always test on an inconspicuous area of fabric first.
-
Using synthetic deodorizers: These can cause stains or damage fabrics.
Flamingo Vintage takes good care of your clothes
At Flamingo Vintage, we believe it's important that vintage clothing can be worn for years to come. That's why all our items are carefully selected, inspected, and, if necessary, repaired or professionally cleaned. This way, you can be sure you're getting not only a beautiful piece but also one that's well-cared for.
Want to learn more about keeping your vintage clothes clean and fresh? Then read our blog about removing unpleasant odors from vintage clothing or browse our latest collection !
With a little love and attention, your vintage gems will continue to shine. Happy vintage loving!