Buying Vintage Lingerie

Buying vintage clothes is normally what comes first when getting into the vintage clothing world but to get those clothes to fit, and to really fit, there needs to be a proper foundation. That proper foundation is important because the shape made by a modern bra is not the same shape as a 40s or 50s bra and to get a certain look, one has to have the right foundation. Having the right shape for 40s clothes, or any clothes from a different decade, is needed to get that look and to get those clothes to fit and to fit right. Fit is also important because that can be the difference between an uncomfortable garment and a comfortable one. Today, I offer you a post concerning how to buy vintage underpinnings.

Buying vintage underpinnings may seem incredibly odd, I mean why would one want to buy someone else’s old underwear?? And then wear it! Well, you don’t have to buy used underwear, that I can assure you as there are options like reproductions or even dead stock (items never worn, these often have their original tags, boxes, etc.). I should mention though, that those reproductions and dead stock items can carry a higher price tag when compared to the used option. No matter what you buy, new or old, there are some things to look out for, small things that can make a huge difference in wear ability and even price.

1945 Girdle Ad

When buying vintage girdles, garter belts, or even slips, stockings or bras, look to make sure it is in good shape. Are there any holes, rips, tears, nicks? Are the garter clips there? Are they broken? For girdles and garters, make sure the garter clips are functional, the elastic is stretchy and will stretch back into shape. Over time, elastic does become brittle so if the elastic is hard or crumbly, that is a bad sign. Sometimes, the elastic can be replaced but think . . . can it be done at home simply? How extensive is the damage? Is it worth it? Personally, I do not put money into something if I think it is a lost cause. Any zippers? Make sure the teeth are all there and the so is the zipper pull. Test the zipper too to make sure that is can work. If the zipper is in bad shape, assess if it can be replaced. Take a good look at the fabric . . .when it comes to girdles and garters, the fabric used for these needs to be in good shape especially if you want to wear it. Any holes or worn spots will only become more worn or larger over time. Look at seams too, those seam (sorry, could not help it) to be the weakest spots so take a good look at them. One time I made a terrible error and purchased a girdle with busted garter clips . . . I spent a hefty price and now I have to put more into it in the form of replaced garter clips. My own dumb fault though as I should have looked at it closer. If I had looked at it closer I could have saved myself a pretty buck  . . .

  Stockings with their Original Boxes

Stockings are one of easiest things to find but be cautious . . . when I buy stockings, I hold them up to the light and I look for any imperfections. Most flaws will be found on the sheer leg portion, that is the most delicate part, and look for any nicks, puckers, snags, or even runs. If there is a snag, how big is it? If it is small and you can live with it, buy it and apply a little CLEAR NAIL POLISH to it. It’s a great way to prevent it from becoming a run or a hole. If there are large runs or holes, clear nail considerably. Close inspection can save you a pretty penny. Also, pointing out little flaws can be a great bargaining and negotiation tool.

1945 Stocking Ad

Clear polish can be applied to small runs but sadly holes are another issue. For holes, apply a nice coat of clear nail polish to the area surrounding the hole, let it dry, and hope it works. . .
Sometimes you can become incredibly lucky and find stockings in their original boxes, with original tissue and labels . . .these are great finds. If they do have a box, expect to pay a little more . . . No matter what, look at them closely . . .I remember one time I was looking at a pair and the lady was asking $20.00 . . .when I inspected them in the light and pointed out all the nicks and snags, the price dropped  . . .

Buying vintage bras yields interesting hurdles in that you cannot buy based on the size of the bra. Never trust the size label. When buying a vintage bra, always try the beast on and if you can’t, re consider buying it unless you absolutely know if will fit. Another option is to have detailed measurements of yourself and compare them to the bra.

Let me elaborate with some personal experience. I was in Chicago and I bought my first vintage bra, the label said it was a 36 A and I thought for sure it would fit, if not be a little small considering I was a 36 D. When I got home to try it on, it was much too big. . . I mean it was huge on me! The band was too big and the cups were too big too. Instead of a wearable piece, I bought a study piece and a story to pass on to you . . . .

Stockings boxes are a period and great way to store your vintage stockings . . and small trinkets too.

Aside from fit, when buying bras, look to make sure the elastic, if any, is in good shape, the hook and eyes are there, etc. How about the straps? Are they in good shape too and how about any other hardware?

Garter and Girdle clips should be inspected to ensure they are intact.

Vintage slips can be terribly fragile and yet quite robust too. When buying slip, look for any holes or rips. Sometimes these can be easily repaired but look close. Look at the straps too and make sure that they are intact, sewn to the body of the slip, and won’t pop after one wearing. If there is any lace, ribbons, or decorative elements, are those in good shape too? If not, that can be a good negotiation point but may not impact any wear ability. Those may be replaced too if necessary. Slips can get a lot of wear so look at the seams . . . do they look stressed, frayed? Those kinds of repairs can be tricky and can impact wear ability. Some slips, if meant to fit snuggly, may have snaps or poppers in the side seam. I should note that many period slips are cut on the bias (sewing and cutting technique where the fabric is cut on the diagonal of the grain), that means they have some natural stretch to them.

A little word about stains or marks. . . Vintage underpinnings should always be inspected for any staining or discoloration. If there is, it could be due to many things such as storage, dust, water damage, or even other organic reasons. Some stains can be removed easily with a little detergent but for the stains that cannot be removed ask yourself if you can live with it. Most stains are not even noticeable after awhile anyway. When looking to buy, these stains can help you get a lower price too. Don’t feel too bad about having a discolored girdle (no one will see it anyway) as these are often just stepping stones to buying and wearing better pieces. . . we all have to start somewhere.