I came across this topic on discussion in my group (a group that I belong to) over at Flickr, which basically questions the difference between using “thrifted” and “vintage” in describing clothes. This is brought about an increasing number of printed materials claiming certain clothes as such to the point that it’s becoming quite confusing.

According to Midwest Jess,

…vintage clothes are OLDER and more precious, while thrifted clothes are just barg(a)ins.

But I particularly liked the thoughts of midoritsuru,

“Thrifted” describes an item that was purchased at the thrift store, secondhand store, charity shop, recycle center, whatever. It might be 50 years old, it might be a year old; if it’s bought from a secondhand dealer, it’s thrifted.

“Vintage” clothing, like fine wine, are aged. My personal definition of vintage includes items made around 25-60 years ago. Any earlier than that is antique ;o) Vintage items can be thrifted, although the chances of finding vintage items in thrift shops varies widely from place to place.

It defined the two terms more clearly. I reckon thrifted clothes doesn’t automatically mean that it’s vintage because like how the term was defined, the item may just have been bought in a second hand store at a real bargain while vintage clothes, though already used, are not just OLD but AGED, so, can mean that it’s really expensive.

I guess people should learn how to use these labels properly in order not to confuse their customers (if they’re vendors) or readers (if they’re fashion writers), huh?

What about you? What are your thoughts on the matter?

Photo credit: www.CartoonStock.com| www.buttons-n-bows.biz

Originally published at Tops 2 Bottoms