RE-ENACTMENT - TIPS

Vintage Clothing Shopping Tips

We get so many people asking about vintage clothing, so here are a few tips that we hope will help.

It has taken us years to amass our collection of day wear, evening wear, beach wear, shoes, hats, accessories, so don't expect to get kitted out on your first shopping trip!

Some sellers try to pass off fifties or seventies items as forties so be aware. Forties dresses were often made of crepe. Items made during rationing have a CC41 label in them - but this went on until 1952. Beware of eBay items which say "in the style of the forties", if you want originals. Sizing can be difficult so it's always better to try on unless you know someone smaller and someone larger to sell to!

Seamed stockings and tights - Tesco!

If you have something made be sure to choose material carefully: right colour and right feel - I have seen suits ruined just by being a 'modern' colour. This also applies to Retro clothing.

Men's items are even more difficult to find than women's. It's very unusual to find a demob suit in a charity shop these days. If you do let us know where it is!!!

Uniforms: if you wear a uniform please get it right (its an insult to the people who lost their lives for us to wear it badly). Ladies; have your hair above your collar (rolled or in hair net or both) and have the right stockings and service shoes. Men; short back and sides! No earrings or piercings!

Both: make sure your buttons are sparkling and your shoes clean and correct. Know how to salute and to whom and don't stand with your hands in your pockets or slouch!

Sorry to 'go on' but it does matter.

Shops

• Celia in Nottingham
• Radio Days in London (now lots of fifties and repro)
• Blackout I and II in London
• Hammersmith Town Hall Vintage Clothing Fairs

And there are often stalls at events. Beware the seventies wedding hats!!!

There are books on forties hair and make-up.