For women, in particular, one of the most popular things searched for at estate sales is clothing. Vintage clothing, particularly from the 40’s and 50’s eras, never goes out of style, and it gives people the ability to wear history in a very fashionable and beautiful way. Back in the old days clothing was made to last, rather than the fast fashion labels we have to day, and you’re like to find these vintage pieces at your local estate sale still in surprisingly good condition.
Because the styles of the 40’s and 50’s never go away, there are also a ton of vintage reproduction pieces floating around as well. While there is nothing wrong with vintage reproduction, and some are done very well, it’s not quite the same as having a true piece of history to call your own. Vintage reproduction has been popular since the 1970’s, and it is possible you can find a vintage reproduction piece that also counts as true vintage for your next estate sale find. For instance, in the 1970’s, 40’s fashion trends came back in a big way, and “70’s does 40’s” pieces with small bits and pieces of 70’s flair can still be found in estate sale markets rather frequently. Like today’s vintage reproductions, designers would take the base style of a vintage piece and add in their own little modern touches to bring it into the new era.
The vintage reproduction pieces found today really strive for authenticity, which is great for achieving that vintage look but a little tricky if you’re looking for a true vintage piece. Reproducing authentic vintage prints in fabrics and using vintage patterns almost exactly makes determining if a piece is true vintage or not is something you’ll need to train your eye for.
We can focus on one really popular style of vintage reproduction to really see these differences. 50’s era day dresses, whether vintage reproduction or true vintage, are some of the most sought after items at estate sales for retro clothing enthusiasts. In reproduction styles, you’re apt to see a hidden zipper going up the back of the dress, a belt that contrasts with the dress, wrap-type styles are popular, and a hemline that hits juts above the knee. Even if the piece matches in fabric and cut, these are all telltale signs you’re looking at a reproduction. If you took the same, for all intents and purposes, dress and looked at the true vintage version, you’ll see an exposed black metal zipper going up the back or side of the dress, a matching belt, a hemline that rests just below the knee, and no wrap-type style as this was typically reserved for evening wear during that time.
At Heritage Estate Sales, we want to help you to find these wearable pieces of history. To learn more about vintage clothing and estate sales, simply call us today.