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Jan 04, 2016

Should You Ever Alter Vintage Clothing?

By Holly in 1940's, novelty print, plus size, rayon, vintage dress with 3 comments
1940's Croissant Print Dress from AgeofMint Lipstick: Hoe Hoe Hoe by Jeffree Star - similar here
1940’s Croissant Print Dress from AgeofMint
Lipstick: Hoe Hoe Hoe by Jeffree Star – similar here

I have a confession: I’m a fairly unrepentant alterer of vintage clothing. I hate bad vintage alterations as much as any vintage lover: it pains me to see beautiful 1940’s rayons chopped into mini dresses, etc. But as for the rest? I’m all for it. I have security snaps added to beaded sweater sets. I occasionally buy dresses a size up and have them altered down, like I did with this amazing 1940’s croissant print rayon dress that still had the tags on it.

As the average size of the US woman has changed over the years, so have our body types. If you’re in the 12/14/16 range, your vintage options are much reduced anyway – and the great ones are much more expensive when you do find them. I know that some vintage lovers feel like changing anything about a vintage garment is like taking scissors to history. I also know people who buy great pieces just to study them and don’t care as much about wearing them out. Both of these approaches are totally valid, but not within my budget or lifestyle. If I buy a vintage dress, I want it to fit because I want to wear it out and give it a new life in the modern era. If that means taking in the waist or adding some hidden elements to improve the fit, I’m all for it.

1940's Croissant Print Novelty Dress
1940’s Croissant Print Novelty Dress

In this case, I specifically worked with the tailor to make sure that all of the 1940’s elements were kept in place and not relocated. I did have the waist taken in significantly, but left the top and the sleeves accurately blousy. I’m incredibly pleased with the result!

1940's Croissant Print Dress
1940’s Croissant Print Dress

What are your feelings about altering vintage? Have you done it? How did it go?

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Holly

Living the vintage lifestyle in an antique house in New Orleans. In love with the 1940’s, red lipstick and pincurls. For collaborations, please contact [email protected]

3 comments on “Should You Ever Alter Vintage Clothing?”

  • Jessica Cangiano
    January 5, 2016 at 12:39 am

    That darling croissant print is all kinds of fantastic!

    Joyful New Year’s wishes, sweet dear!

    ♥ Jessica

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  • Silver Cat Tea Party
    January 9, 2016 at 5:46 pm

    I have yet to alter any vintage pieces. It makes me so nervous thinking about it. But no wonder why your vintage dresses always look so amazing on you! It definitely makes sense to have a dress altered to fit especially since the sizing back than was so different from modern shapes.

    • Reply
  • Belle
    January 26, 2016 at 4:47 am

    I think it depends on what you’re thinking of altering. I usually alter a piece I find because it’s damaged in some way, and the only way to save it, is to shorten a skirt, remove a few buttons, or something similar to that.
    xx Belle

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About

Holly Jackson

Living the vintage lifestyle in an antique house in New Orleans. In love with the 1940’s, red lipstick and pincurls.

For collaborations, please contact [email protected]

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