Here at Textrade UK we have, up until recently stayed out of the vintage market preferring to focus on other lines such as Cream and A-grade, as well as unsorted original for markets around the world. We were regularly receiving enquiries for vintage and typically we had to tell people that this was not a product we offer. However, as these enquiries have been growing exponentially, we began exploring how we can help these clients fulfil their ever growing demand for quality vintage products.

We see quite a large volume material come through our factory so following some meetings with Vintage market experts and some vigorous training for our sorting team we have been able to go to market with well qualified Vintage line.

One of the experts we consulted was Rob Dyson of Dandy Vintage. Rob has been in the Vintage industry for many years and I went to meet him in one of his shops on the south coast of England, to understand this niche but incredibly fast growing market. Rob is extremely passionate about his industry and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the provenance of each and every piece on display. I asked him a few questions to find out more.

Q-1) What inspired you to start a vintage clothing shop, and how did you get into the world of vintage fashion?

A-1) I started buying and wearing vintage in the 1980’s, using local thrift stores and travelling to Nottingham & London regularly where there were more and bigger stores. Wild Clothing in Nottingham was the first store in the town and American Classics was a favourite in London. Me and a group of friends started going to Rockabilly & Pyschobilly gigs and the clothing we wore was always American 1950’s, which was cheap and readily available if you knew where to look!. When I left Banking & Insurance about 10 years ago I could see a gap in the market for a store or stores that were easier for everyone to access and gave people a much wider cross section of clothing from many different periods. 

Q-2) How do you curate your collection? What do you look for when selecting pieces for your shop?

A-2). We’re constantly looking for stock, wherever we go, throughout the U.K., France, Paris is good! Europe and America. We look for stand out pieces, older is nearly always better as the quality is far better and therefore it lasts much longer. 

Q-3) What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a vintage clothing retailer?

A-3). Challenges are finding good stock, keeping it affordable, maintaining a hard store presence in the popular areas of towns where people like to come. 

Q-4) How do you balance maintaining the authenticity of vintage pieces with the need for repairs or alterations?

A-4) Often, vintage clothing was designed to be repaired and upgraded, it was very expensive to buy clothing as it was all hand made, before mass production. The challenge is maintaining the skills to be able to maintain it. 

Q-5) Can you share a story about one of the most unique or rare pieces you’ve come across?

A-5). The 1900 Prussian Hussars tunic from before the First World War when they had a revolution with the two factions wearing Green or Brown, the 1940’s German U-Boat tunic, this went to a film costume creators collection. Cal (California) Leathers suede bomber jacket from the 1930’s, still perfectly wearable. 

Q-6) How do you stay informed about trends and demands in the vintage fashion market?

A-6). We work with many different people in the industry and share knowledge which helps immeasurably with keeping our offering fresh and on point. 

Q-7) What are the most popular items or eras that customers are currently interested in?

A-7). Many of our newer, younger customers are interested in the 1990’s & later (but quality pieces) as there points of reference differ to someone growing up in the 1980’s/90’s. 

Q-8) What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own vintage clothing business?

A-8). If your starting out, sell what you love, keep a healthy interest in the stock and embrace other genres as it’s all got it merits and interest. Vintage clothing is far more than just another commodity, it allows everyone to express themselves, feel good & keep warm! Often for little money. 

Q-9) How do you see the future of vintage fashion evolving?

A-9). Vintage stores and sellers are forecast to outgrow the fast fashion industry within the next 10 years, the driver for this is primarily the youth market as they respond very quickly to fashion and trends, there influence then ripples through other sections of society. We’re all young at heart!.