We are overjoyed the high street is back and open for business and we admit that the thrill of a designer purchase is hard to beat… but there is an extra special magic that comes from finding a vintage buy. Browsing and buying from Etsy’s incredible vintage fashion stores is our new favourite pastime. Unique, chic and ultimately more sustainable than any methods of shopping brand new, choosing a vintage purchase helps the planet and makes your wardrobe more individual.
But if you’re a first time vintage fashion shopper at Etsy, consider this a virtual hand-holding through the process. We asked Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy Trend Expert, for her top tips on navigating buying vintage on the platform…
Ask the right questions
Make sure to ask the seller questions, and don’t forget to be really specific about what you’re asking about. Confirm details like colours, fabrics, shapes and the condition to make sure you know exactly what you’ll be receiving.
Don’t pause on purchasing
The best part about buying vintage items is that they are often one-of-kind, so if you see something you love, buy it! It may not be there a few days, or even hours, later.
Keep a measuring tape handy
Keep in mind that vintage sizing is not always the same as today’s sizing, so be sure to ask for exact measurements to ensure a perfect fit.
Use search terms and filters
Looking for something from a particular decade or have a certain style in mind? Add that term into the search bar to narrow down your hunt for the perfect item. And for even more specific results, take advantage of Etsy’s search filters. I like searching for a general term like “vintage ring” and filtering my results by styles that I like (think: art deco or boho).
Peruse our Editors’ Picks pages
The curated Editors’ Picks guides are a really great way to get inspired and discover fresh vintage items and shops. Pages are categorised by theme, like vintage clothing and antique jewellery.