Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is 'vintage clothing'?

Vintage clothing is by definition older than 20 years and usually secondhand. In our opinion, vintage clothing should actually be older than 30 years, otherwise you could still call something from 2005 vintage. And back then, fast fashion was already widely available. For these reasons, Flamingo Vintage sells clothing from the 1950s to the 1980s. This means the clothing is original and was produced in those years, unlike retro clothing like you see at shops like Top Vintage. There you might find a 1950s dress or a 1960s skirt, for example, but such an item is simply based on that style.

Where does vintage clothing come from?

The Flamingo Vintage webshop offers a wide selection of vintage clothing from renowned wholesalers. Sometimes I find great items elsewhere, like at vintage markets. I'm always on the lookout and searching for the most beautiful pieces for you, paying attention to quality, wearability, and style.

Why is vintage clothing sustainable?

Did you know that in the Netherlands, approximately 145 million kilos of clothing ends up in residual waste every year? That's an average of 24 items per person. And yet, more and more is being produced and purchased. By continuing to use high-quality clothing from the past, you ultimately reduce the impact of producing new clothing.

What is deadstock vintage?

If an item is labeled "deadstock vintage," it has a special characteristic. These items were produced decades ago but never sold or used. They've essentially always been in stock and are often still literally out of their packaging. How special and sustainable is it to still wear these items so many years later?

Why is the quality of vintage clothing better?

Vintage clothing is generally of higher quality than contemporary clothing because, in the past, it was produced in smaller quantities and was truly considered a quality product designed to last for years. Higher-quality fabrics, such as wool and cotton, were used. The production process, including the sewing, was also better and received more attention than today. So, a vintage item containing polyester or acrylic ( see this article for an explanation of fabrics ) can also be considered higher quality because it is better constructed and likely has more detail than a fast-fashion version.

About Flamingo Vintage

Why should I choose Flamingo Vintage?

Most importantly, I'm a passionate entrepreneur who pays close attention to just about everything related to my business. In my search for clothing, I select the most beautiful gems with a distinctive and feminine style. I also pay attention to the fabrics, the condition of the item, its comfort, and how it can be styled. All items that go are carefully inspected, repaired if necessary, and always washed and/or dry-cleaned. This way, you can immediately enjoy your purchase without any musty odors upon receipt. In short, with me, you are guaranteed fresh, high-quality, and sustainable clothing.

What are the prices based on?

As mentioned before, a tremendous amount of work goes into a garment. Besides the manual selection, checking, and washing, photos are also taken and the items are measured. Keep in mind that all that work is for just one item, sold = sold, while regular fashion webshops have a whole inventory of each item in various sizes. You can imagine that this is reflected in the price. In return, you receive a unique item with detailed information, which you can wear immediately after purchase. Compared to searching for vintage clothing at markets or in physical stores, this takes things a step further. I truly take the work off your hands, how great is that?

Service

What are the shipping costs?

For a letterbox package to the Netherlands, this is only €3.95 and to Belgium €5.95. Standard shipping to the Netherlands is €5.95 and to Belgium €7.95.

When will I see the shipping costs?

Once you have entered your address details at checkout, the shipping options and associated costs will automatically appear on the right-hand side.

What fits in a letterbox package?

Small items like blouses, tops, thin sweaters, and skirts. I can fit a maximum of two blouses in a letterbox-sized package. This means you'll pay less for shipping on small orders!