Dearest reader,
With every passing year I am more and more drawn towards vintage tailored styles or vintage inspired styles. Some of it has to with the strange fashion climate we're living in with new eye sore trends appearing faster than I can say Vogue. Needles to say, I often feel suffocated. Where is the true artist? Where are the people with that so called eye for beauty? What is a designer these days: a creator of a simple sheep? Well, I suppose, not all of it is bad but what I have come to learn from it is how much I appreciate a perfectly tailored blazer.
That being said, if you're not yet into vintage tailoring maybe 2025 is going to change that. Therefore, I have come up with a list of the benefits of vintage tailoring not just for you but for me and other tailoring lovers to look back at. After all, even personal style has consequences.
Excellent fit, Classic Cut, Timeless Elegance
When I got into vintage tailoring one of the most noticeable feature was the fit.
It was like tailor made for me. Sure, I cannot speak for everybody since we come in many shapes and sizes but, at least, I have never experienced this possibility for perfect sleeve lenght and over all fit in ready made blazers before. And yes, I firmly and very superstitiously do believe it has to do with the way things were done in the old days. For example, my Celine tweed blazer is from the 1970s and at 50 years old its fitting better, looking better and aging better than most of my modern items.
Lower Environmental Impact
Buying vintage or second-hand has 42% lower environmental impact than buying new according to a research published in Journal of Circular Economy in 2025.
The research also states that 'consuming a rarely used second-hand item can even lead to higher impacts than using a new clothing item which has longevity'. Which, if I understood correctly, means that buying a second-hand item in good condition has even lower environmental impact because it can be used even longer. Another fantastic reason to look into vintage before buying new.
Saving Resources
According to an article by Ellen Macarthur Foundation (Fashion and the circular economy – deep dive, 2019) clothing industry heavily relies on non-renewable resources to produce synthetic fibers, chemicals, fertilisers & dyes etc.
But with vintage tailoring all of that toxic fuss has already been done once, not to meation the tendency to use natural materials which, if not toxic free, aren't at least plastic. Of course, it is hard to say what are the true origins of a vintage product but, personally, going for natural fibers seems like the right thing to do. Moreover, I just want to stay away from the oil industry as much as possible.
Lower Prices Than Traditional Tailor or Retail
If you love that tailored-to-you look but cannot afford to actually visit a Savile Row tailor in Mayfair, let alone live in London DOÂ NOTÂ WORRY.
You have vintage and it doesn't (neccessarily) cost a fortune. Obviously, designer or antique items can still have a high price tag but, believe me, there are items to be found for every budget. For instance, I got my Celine tweed blazer for 110€ which as new would have easily been around two to three thousand euros!!!. Take hope from that my friend.
Collector Items
Of course, you can forget about budgeting and just get that special piece of fashion history because vintage tailoring can be a great investment if you get the right item.
At least, a Chanel suit or a Vivienne Westwood blazer have resell value if you take good care of them.
Higher Repair Rate
Hypothetically speaking, when you find that one of a kind vintage tailored piece of clothing I assume you would like to keep wearing it a long time.
That is when clothing repair and care become ever so important. Moreover, when you truly love your clothing you would do anything to keep it in good shape because let's be honest, perfectly fitting Celine blazers aren't easy to find everyday.
Supporting Circular Economy
Currently the system of clothing production and use is very linear going from one user straight to landfill, tells an article focusing on circular economy by Ellen Macarthur Foundation (Fashion and the circular economy – deep dive, 2019) .
The same article also states that by tapping into circular business models the clothing industry could unlock 560 billion US dollar economic opportunity. So, by choosing to shop vintage you are not only following the basic principals of circular economy but also supporting businesses who are operating in accordance with circular economy and, therefore, trying to make a change. Of cource, sustainability is not black and white but if you already love that vintage tailored look why not support vintage sellers on your path to a great wardrobe.
Do you shop vintage tailoring and why?
What are your best vintage finds?
Do you agree with my list? What would you add to it?
Thank you so much for reading!
Yours truly,
Siiri
P.S if you liked this post, tap the heart below so I know to make more like this!
Sources:
Ellen Macarthur Foundation. (2019). Fashion and the circular economy – deep dive. https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/fashion-and-the-circular-economy-deep-dive
Klooster, Astrid; Bellostar, Blanca .C; Henry, Marvin; Shen, Li. (2024). Do We Safe the Environment By Buying Second-Hand Clothes? The Environmental Impacts of Second-Hand Textile Fashion and the Influence of Consumer choices. Journal of Circular Economy, 2025 https://circulareconomyjournal.org/articles/do-we-save-the-environment-by-buying-second-hand-clothes-the-environmental-impacts-of-second-hand-textile-fashion-and-the-influence-of-consumer-choices/
Comments