Vintage clothing isn’t just fabric and thread — it’s a wearable piece of history, often cherished and irreplaceable. Whether you’ve inherited a treasured family garment or scored an amazing thrift store find, taking care of your vintage clothes requires special attention. From delicate lace and silk to wool and velvet, older garments need to be cleaned, stored, and maintained with the proper know-how to preserve their beauty and longevity. Worry not — here’s your complete guide to caring for vintage clothing.
Related: How to Maintain Designer Clothes
Cleaning Vintage Clothing: What You Need to Know
If you own a vintage article, you understand the difference compared to many modern constructions when it comes to craftsmanship and quality. The first and most important step in caring for vintage clothes is knowing how to clean them properly to preserve said quality. Cleaning vintage clothing can be tricky, however, as fabrics that are decades old often don’t hold up well in modern washing machines. Here’s how to safely wash vintage clothes:
- Assess the Fabric: Before you wash anything, identify the fabric. Some fabrics, like silk, lace, or wool, are particularly delicate and may not handle exposure to water well. Check the label if it’s still intact, or if in doubt, err on the side of caution and take the item to a knowledgeable cleaner who can make the assessment for you.
- Hand Washing Vintage Clothes: For washable fabrics like cotton, linen, or durable synthetics, hand washing is often the safest method. Use cold water and a mild detergent, gently swishing the garment in the water. Avoid wringing or scrubbing the fabric, as this can damage the fibers. Rinse thoroughly and lay the item flat on a clean towel to air dry. Remember, washing vintage clothes in a machine can lead to shrinking, fading, or tearing..
- Dry Cleaning Vintage Clothing: For special fabrics like silk, velvet, and wool, dry cleaning is generally the safest and preferred option. Dry cleaning vintage clothing helps to remove dirt, sweat, oils, stains, and odors without exposing the garment to water, which can often be damaging. Professional cleaners use gentle solvents that preserve the integrity of older fabrics while still achieving a deep, thorough clean. It’s particularly important for intricate items like beaded dresses, embroidered blouses, or structured suits.
Learn More: Which Fabrics Should Be Dry Cleaned?
Storing Vintage Clothing: Tips for Long-Term Preservation
Cleaning may seem like the only difficult aspect of preserving your vintage clothing, but proper storage is just as important to ensure pristine condition and a long life. Here’s how to store your garments to protect them through the years:
- Choose Breathable Containers: Avoid storing vintage clothing in plastic containers or bags, which can trap moisture and lead to mold or mildew growth. Instead, opt for breathable fabric garment bags or acid-free tissue paper to wrap your items. This will protect the fabric while allowing much-needed air circulation.
- Keep Away from Sunlight: Direct sunlight can cause fading and actually weaken fabrics over time. Store your vintage clothes in a cool, dark place, like a closet or drawer. If you have certain items on display, rotate them occasionally to avoid any prolonged sun exposure.
- Hang or Fold Carefully: For delicate or heavily embellished pieces, folding is usually better than hanging to avoid stretching or distorting the fabric. Use padded hangers for items that must be hung, and be sure to support heavy fabrics like wool or velvet.
Maintaining Vintage Clothing: Regular Care and Repair
Vintage clothing typically comes with a bit of wear and tear, but with regular care, these garments will hold up well far into the future. Here’s how to keep them looking their best:
- Inspect Regularly for Damage: Check for loose seams, missing buttons, or small tears that may worsen if left unattended. Taking care of small repairs promptly will prevent more significant damage down the line. You can even get a professional tailor or clothing repair expert to look your items over to properly access and fix any damage you might miss.
- Avoid Over-Washing: Unlike modern clothes, vintage items don’t need frequent cleaning. Over-washing can wear out delicate fabrics, so only clean your vintage garments when absolutely necessary.
- Invest in Professional Care: Professional dry cleaning can help maintain your most valuable and delicate vintage pieces. Expert cleaners have the knowledge and tools to treat older fabrics and embellishments with care, protecting your garments from irreversible damage.
Trust the Experts for Preserving Your Vintage Wardrobe
Your vintage pieces are memories, stories, and one-of-a-kind treasures in fashion form, and they deserve the highest quality care. At Dependable Cleaners, we specialize in cleaning vintage clothing with eco-friendly methods that protect both your garments and the environment. Our 7-point inspection ensures every piece is meticulously cared for, from delicate beading to fragile lace, and the quality of all our services is guaranteed. Busy schedule? Not to worry — with same-day service, free pickup & delivery, and convenient 24-hour self-serve kiosks, Dependable is here to help however and whenever is best for you.
Ready to keep your wardrobe timeless? Call us today at 303-777-2673, or visit one of our convenient Denver area locations.
