5 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Vintage Clothing Online
Buying vintage clothing online can be a wonderful experience. That moment when you find a piece that seems to speak to you—the perfect color, the perfect fit, that detail you've never seen anywhere else—and you click "add to cart" with a smile.
But if you're new to this world, you know it's not always a bed of roses: there are purchases that leave a bitter taste in your mouth, items that look nothing like the photos in person, sizes that don't match, prices that seem like a bargain but aren't.
In this guide, I'll take you behind the scenes of conscious vintage shopping, with practical tips born from experience and—most importantly—from how we work at Yup Vintage. Because when you shop online, the details always make the difference.
But let's get down to business and find out together:
How to choose vintage clothing online without unpleasant surprises
1. Skip the measurement part
I know, measuring and comparing centimeters may seem like the least exciting part of shopping. But trust me: it's the one that saves you from disappointment.
Vintage sizes speak a language all their own: a 1990s size 42 can fit like a today's size 38, and vice versa. That's why on Yup Vintage you'll always find the actual measurements of each garment: shoulders, chest, waist, length, and sleeves. Not made-up sizes or "approximate sizes," but hand-measured measurements, item by item.
The trick? Take a similar dress of yours, measure the indicated points, and compare. It's the surest way to know if that '80s jacket will fit you perfectly or if that skirt will have the drape you imagine. And if you're not sure how to measure properly, we've written a guide just for that: you can find it by clicking here, ready to follow step by step.
2. Looking at just one photo and thinking you have it all figured out
It often happens that you see a beautiful garment online in the photo and then, when it arrives, discover that the fabric is different than it seemed or that there is a detail that is not visible.
At Yup, every item is photographed with professional equipment and studio lights , so we can reproduce the colors and textures of the fabrics as faithfully as possible. We don't shoot to "embellish" or distort reality, but to get as close as possible to what you would see if you held the item in your hand. We show you the front, the back, the details up close, and—if any—even the small imperfections.
When shopping elsewhere, always look for sellers who show the item from multiple angles, in good lighting, and with close-ups of details: stitching, buttons, fabrics. These photos allow you to truly understand if that dress is the right one for you, before you even click "buy."
3. Forgetting that vintage has already lived
A vintage piece has had a life before it reaches you: and that's its beauty. A fabric that has taken the shape of the person who wore it, a slightly worn button, an embroidery with a few threads out of place... these are signs of authenticity.
On Yup we always highlight them in the descriptions, with dedicated photos, so you can decide for yourself whether you like that particular feature or not.
Of course, we're only human: a small flaw can slip past our eyes. But our goal is always to deliver a piece that reflects what you saw on the website.
4. Be persuaded only by the price
Vintage can be expensive, but you can also find incredibly low prices. And here's where it's easy to fall into the trap: "It's cheap, I'll take it." But if that piece doesn't really appeal to you, if you don't see yourself in it, it will end up forgotten at the back of your closet.
Price is important, but it shouldn't be the only factor. When choosing a garment, ask yourself:
- Do I really like it?
- Will I wear it more than once?
- Does it match what I already have?
If the answer is "no" to any of these questions, it might not be worth it, even if it's inexpensive. A vintage item should be chosen for its character, not just the number on the tag.
5. Thinking that everything is the same
Not all vintage items have the same value or quality. Materials, age, condition, unique design: every element matters.
We hand-select every single piece, evaluating fabric, cut, and condition. This means that every item you see on Yup Vintage has been carefully inspected, and if we're not happy with it, it doesn't make it into the catalog.
When shopping elsewhere, try to understand the seller's philosophy: whether they are selective or offer everything, without filtering.
Shopping for vintage online well means taking the time to evaluate every aspect: from the measurements to the condition of the item, including photos and the way the seller communicates what they're offering.
At Yup, we try to make sure every piece tells its own story, clearly and without surprises. So when it arrives, it's as if it's already yours.