Caring for Vintage Clothing: Wash & Care Tips That Actually Work
If you’ve ever found the perfect vintage tee or denim jacket, you know the feeling — that mix of excitement and panic that hits right after. You love it, but… how do you keep it from falling apart? Vintage clothing isn’t fragile art, but it does need a little extra care to make sure your favorite pieces live on for another decade (or two).
Whether you’re new to vintage or a seasoned thrifter, these simple wash and care tips will help you keep your finds in rotation without fear.
🧺 1. Wash Less, Air More
The first rule of vintage care? Don’t overwash. Every trip through the washer wears down fibers — especially cottons and blends from past decades. Instead, air your clothes out between wears. Hang them in a breezy spot, spritz a little fabric freshener, and save washing for when it’s truly needed.
🫧 2. When You Do Wash, Go Gentle
When it’s time for a real wash, skip the harsh cycles. Turn garments inside out, use cold water, and stick to a gentle detergent. For delicate prints or older fabrics, handwashing is the gold standard — it keeps the integrity of the material intact.
Pro tip: Use a mesh laundry bag to protect smaller pieces or thin tees from stretching and snagging.
🌞 3. Avoid the Dryer (Seriously)
The dryer is the enemy of vintage. High heat weakens seams, fades prints, and can even cause shrinkage that’s impossible to reverse. Air dry flat or hang on a padded hanger. If you must use the dryer, stick to air fluff — no heat.
🪡 4. Store Smart
How you store vintage clothes matters just as much as how you wash them. Use breathable garment bags or cotton covers — never plastic. Keep items away from direct sunlight (fades colors fast) and humidity (invites mold). Cedar blocks are a natural way to deter moths without the chemical smell.
🕰 5. Embrace the Character
A little wear and fading is part of what makes vintage clothing special. Every mark tells a story — and that’s what sets your wardrobe apart from anything off the rack. Caring for your clothes doesn’t mean keeping them perfect; it means preserving their personality.
Ready to find your next favorite piece?
👉 Shop our Vintage Collection and give a second life to something worth wearing.