02 July 2010-
Vintage fabric is the retro fabric that is either second hand fabric or new fabric resembling the previous era's fabric. There is a specific era i.e. from 1920 to 1980 in which the vintage fabric and clothing falls. The era before 1920 is considered to be the time of antique clothing. The new but not worn vintage fabric is more precious than the second hand vintage clothing. If these vintage fabrics have the tags then the cost of the clothing increases further.
What Leads to the Increase in Demand for Vintage Fabric?
Vintage Fabric
First of all the interest shown by celebrity to wear these vintage clothing led to their increased visibility. Many top actresses like Kate Moss, Julia Roberts, Dita von Tesse have worn the vintage fabric clothing and retro fabric clothing.
Along with this the urge to save environment has led to this. Just throwing away the dresses that not have be used once is not acceptable.
Vintage fabric is far superior than the modern fabric. So these can be worn for years without much damage.
Some people are lovers of vintage fabric, retro fabric and antique clothing, They buy these to store them. Collectors look for the vintage fabric and clothing from well known designers.
Many modern fabrics are greatly inspired by the retro fabrics in terms of prints, weave, patterns and styles. Also the modern day clothing is inspired by the retro clothing in style.
How To Clean Vintage Fabric?
Cleaning and caring part of vintage fabric is very important as it is one of the factors affecting the life of the fabric. First of all never be rushy on cleaning or washing it as you may ruin the fabric.
If the vintage fabric and clothing has the original tags then better to remove these before cleaning as buyers want the fabric along with these tags.
Although the
cotton vintage fabrics can be washed but check the washing on a very small patch of the fabric. Generally the glaze cotton shrinks and acquire water patches so never go with washing. Also know what your clientèle wants. If he or she wants the vintage fabric in original form then there is no need of washing it. According to experts the vintage fabric like cotton, linen and few wools having nylon and acrylics are suitable for washing.
In case of
rayon, taffeta and silk go with the dry cleaning as washing will cause the shrinkage of fabric.
If your vintage clothing has the lace and trims then it may distort with washing so better not go with this. You can hang the fabric in open air so that it becomes free from any kind of smell. But never hang the woolen of silk in the sun as these may distort or get fade. Also you can iron it. But always iron vintage fabric from the back and experiment it on the small part first.
If you are living in an area having hard water then do not go with washing of vintage fabric as iron pigments in the water many cause discoloration of white color.
Tips for Washing Vintage Fabrics
- Always wash one cloth at a time.
- Fill the bathtub with lukewarm water.
- Use the most gentle product like Dreft or Lux soapflakes. First dissolve these products in jug and then put it in bathtub where you have kept lukewarm water.
- Put the garment flat in water solution and very gently do the washing of vintage fabric with hands. Do not be harsh.
- After this rinse it in clean water and never do the tumble drying. Lay it on the flat surface to get it dry in natural air.
