A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO VINTAGE || how to figure out what era vintage clothing is with examples

Hello friends!
Come visit a vintage warehouse with me and learn everything I know about vintage! I have been sitting on this footage of visiting Glenna's Vintage in Tacoma for a little over three months, because right after this is when our emergency home repair happened and then it felt a bit odd to do a haul. But, suffice it to say I made this trip before all that fun happened (lol) and I'm FINALLY getting myself to post it! If you've ever wondered how to identify vintage eras, this is the VERY comprehensive video for you! I share everything from where I shop for vintage, to how to tell what era it is, to how to measure yourself FOR vintage (With visuals!)
Enjoy!
Xo
Kristina
VINTAGE CLEANING ROUTINES: ko-fi.com/with...
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Channels mentioned:
‪@StephanieCanada‬
‪@HaleyMarieVintage‬
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[@stacyrichardson765]

Thanks for the positivity in regards to weight. I had a baby late in life (45). I relate with the “messy” home bc I have 6 kids and am overwhelmed. Thanks for being a positive influence. I really enjoy your content.

[@WithLoveKristina]

I don’t think any mom with kids under 10 will ever have a clean house all the time 😂 or maybe at all lol

[@christink.5264]

Expecting #5, all 8 and under and I can confirm even if my house gets clean it doesn’t stay clean for long 😆

[@baylorsailor]

Wow! I'm 40 and have been terrified to try having another baby because my eggs are considered "old".

[@isabellerininger6249]

My brain just cracked a bit. You were talking about the 1950s vintage and my brain math said “40 years ago.” Noooooo-then reality smacked me with 70 years ago… the 1950s vintage is really 74 years ago(!)😳😳😳. Oy. I need a glass of wine to continue as I ponder my mortality. 🍷😆

[@WithLoveKristina]

Lollll I feel this way about the 80s 😂

[@kikidevine694]

@@WithLoveKristina I know!! That's just yesterday

[@haiku5756]

Love the pep talk! "You deserve to wear the beautiful thing, no matter what the numbers say." 🙌

[@WithLoveKristina]

It's truuue xo

[@tiffanybevis4251]

Not even gonna lie, when I watched this last night i cried at your pep talk. I have been STRUGGLING lately with my body and weight and nothing fits or feels right anymore. Thank you for talking some sense into me. I want to wear my pretty dresses because they make me feel pretty. "Dont let your brain bully your body" 💜

[@WithLoveKristina]

WEAR ALL THE PRETTY DRESSES FRIEND! You deserve to find joy in what you wear. And if self-love is too hard, just be neutral. Your body exists as it is, and that's ok! It's neither bad nor good, it just IS. That is often much easier for me to tell myself than love.

[@AwoogaWolf]

Hey sweet lady, I had a tough day and it's such a treat to be able to spend some time with your gentle energy

[@WithLoveKristina]

I hope your tomorrow is so much better 💖

[@AnaColon-ze4ze]

​@@WithLoveKristinaI just saw this video an I am watchin it an I really love it. I wish U kould help me find More Vintage Dresses 4 everydae, like one's I kan wear around the house like U do wen U Vlog. I wood love 2 have 7 eveydae dresses an then Sprin dresses Summer dresses an Autumn dresses an winter dresses. Then I wood love 2 have 12 skirts an 12 blouses..😊😊❤❤😊😊❤❤

[@gohawks3571]

🫂

[@obsidianrosestudio2663]

The brown dress, I think, is more early 40s. The first few years of 40s, like the 30s, blended into the primary decade styles. I would have to see the dress better to be more sure, but it looks like a style directed to a more ‘mature’ aged lady. The shape of the V neck also gears me more towards 1940/41. Dating can be difficult but the 30s and 40s are my specialty. ☺️ overall I love when anyone talks about what they know and love about vintage clothing. I learn new things every day. As a fellow neurodivergent mother and vintage lover your videos always remind me to be kind to myself and give myself grace. Thank you beautiful friend!❤

[@WithLoveKristina]

The zipper marking was made from 1930-1939 so it’s definitely 1930s ❤️

[@obsidianrosestudio2663]

Very nice! Absolutely something I wouldn’t be able to see and check in a video. Definitely good information you’ve given here. Most of the 30s that have passed through my hands the later in the 30s the more common the zipper over buttons and snaps in the side, but not an absolute. 😊

[@ChloePhipps1201]

I spent a whole day binge watching you and I get to end my night with a new video! Bless! ❤

[@amberdickey1754]

This video was extremely helpful in my vintage journey and even got me teary eyed in the one section. Thank you so much for your content.

[@ll1845]

Pink handmade dress at 44:00 was for home or church. Office clothing for women until recently was more formal and imitated men’s suits.

[@StaceyMangani]

Loved this one! Love your pin with the pretty birds!

[@katwitanruna]

If it fits, wear it! Well, as long as it brings you joy. Everyone deserves beautiful things.

[@lindsayosterhoff2459]

Awhile back I watched a bunch of your videos over the coirse of a day and my son came in to watch a few with me. He made a comment that I think is so true. He called you "the Bob Ross of vintage" because you are always tossing in messages of self acceptance and self love no matter what the topic of the video is. That's a massive compliment in this house because I actually knew Bob Ross and he had a huge impact and influence on who I am as a person.

[@WithLoveKristina]

This is so sweet!

[@MissSunshineHS]

I love that color block dress you tried on there!! So cute

[@tracyeast3397]

I really loved this! It was so very interesting. I was in high school in the 70's and my Mom was plus size. She had such a very hard time finding clothes to fit, but she also loved fashion. My Mom sewed about 80% of her wardrobe. I am plus size and wish I could have saved some of her dresses that she made. I love your channel.

[@kikihammond5326]

The striped/floral dress you are wearing in this video is beautiful. Very classic, and classic never goes out of style.

[@sarahlarson8335]

The clothes you got are so cute. Body measurements and weight are just data we can use to buy, or if we're so inclined, sew, garments that fit our amazing bodies as they are now. No matter what our size or shape that's such an important reminder! Also, a spot I need to pay attention to is the length to the waist since I have a longer torso. Just basically like you said with measuring your biceps and checking the waist to hip measurement, if you've got a spot where you know clothes often don't fit you, measurements might help. Most of us are not the same build as the fit model even in the “size” we wear.

[@nlkeyser]

Omg that sweater is beautiful!!! Also, I love the way you display your hats.

[@catherinecorn2371]

I love the 1900 to 1918 time period as far as dress and hair. I wear a Gibson girl hair style and make my dresses typically in the 1912 to 1915 styles. They seem to fit me the best, although I do have a few skirts and blouses in the 1905 style

[@MsKatastrophenBarbie]

Do you know bernadette banners channel than? I prefer the fin de siecle (1895 to 1899) era but I don't wear it as I have a small toddler (1,5 years) and an active large dog. Sigh.

[@baylorsailor]

I love early 20th century fashion too! It's my favorite era in history for so many different reasons. A very exciting time in the world!

[@Jennifer_Lewis_Beach_Living]

I remember watching another fashion historian on YT that explained why there isn’t much plus-sized fashion in genuine vintage. It’s true that there were less plus-sized people back then, so very few manufacturers were making things for “stout ladies” (as plus-sized women were called back then). However, plus-sized people DID exist back then, and they usually made their own clothes since most of the available ready to wear clothing was…ahem…”matronly”. If they were lucky to find something off the rack that was fashionable, they would buy it quickly. The plus-size ladies of the past would wear those garments until they literally fell apart into rags, so there aren’t many items left.

[@HonkyTonkSinger]

One measurement I do is the bodice length. I find several dresses sit right at the waist, and it’s always lovely to get that proper fit.

[@kaykerns2287]

Watching older movies and TV shows helped educate my eye for the decades too

[@BrittanyIttany]

❤ I'm so glad I caught this early!😊 So much love from Ohio! Just wanted to tell you how much I feel seen watching your videos especially the challenges of ADHD and motherhood (I'm AuDHD mom of 3 who are also ND). I went to the thrift the other day and someone commented on my fashion to your likeness I felt so honored 😅❤

[@WithLoveKristina]

I’m so glad you feel seen! 💖💖💖 I feel honored to inspire your style. And I’m so glad I’m not alone as an ND mom of ND kids

[@knotsewfastjoanie]

This is going to sound so strange but seeing you in the closet in your slip and bra I had vivid memories of sitting on the bed while my grandma got ready. She was your size, beautiful, same updo (Oh how I loved her beehive), standing in the closet doorway filled with a wardrobe of very similar clothes. Well, it was 50 years ago. ☺ Thanks for that.

[@shehasthewisdom1406]

Around 24:00, you nearly brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much for sharing these encouraging words. We have a smiliar size and waist to hip ratio, and it's incredibly hard to find clothing sometimes. I recently bought myself an investment wardrobe of around a week's worth of pieces that fit me, NOW. (April cornell has wonderful dresses! I love the "porch dresses" )It feels so good to have things that fit. Regardless of the number on the tag. You inspire me always. Much love Kristina. ❤

[@shehasthewisdom1406]

I recently had a baby, and kept telling myself, when i lose the weight. No. I deserve to feel pretty NOW. ❤

[@anniecurtis9641]

Love learning about your method and seeing all the fun pieces that your able to find 🍓❤️

[@WithLoveKristina]

I'm so glad!

[@gardensenglishanddance]

The first time I visited the UK, in 1995, I was shocked at the number of vintage outfits in the shops I visited. I grew up in Poland, during a really serious economic crisis, when all shops were ... empty. It was extremely difficult to purchase a decent pair of shoes, a piece of fabric or an item of clothing. I've no idea how my mother managed to dress me and my brothers! The situation got better, eventually, and today it's completely fine. However, due to WWII, the shortage of everything in the 1940s and 50s and to the dire economic crisis in the 1980s, we do not have shops with good quality vintage clothing, especially from the 1930s-50s. We do have second-hand clothes shops but that's different. I'm green with envy ;-)

[@dawns7062]

The robe is so pretty. I like to get up and putter around in my robe, in the mornings. Water plants and small chores, so I appreciate a nice robe.

[@tisa6]

: very informative ❤ you are definitely a LOT of happiness to me. Watching your videos just really puts a comfort over me! Thanks for sharing your beautiful finds!❤

[@WithLoveKristina]

This is so sweet of you to say!

[@amandasnailtasticnails9657]

I need to save this video in my playlist.

[@nekomeow3161]

Im starting to collect vintage clothing..I loved this video very informative ❤ i love your vibes too😊

[@dinogaming1518]

Such great pieces! You could wear the robe as a dress❤

[@WithLoveKristina]

Haha I could if I added a snap so it won’t flap open in the wind 😂

[@jaimealtringer2880]

I had a vintage dress that I was afraid to wash, but it was so smelly, I had no choice. I put the dress in a lingerie and put it in the washing machine on the gentle cycle. I used woolite as the detergent. It worked great. Also, what no one tells you about your measurements, is that they will go up and down your entire life depending on all sorts of variables. You can be beautiful and stylish no matter what your size or stage of life.

[@lisaann6267]

Thank you! i love your fashion. ive wanted to get back to 50's style. but have to save up. im a older lady, have been dealing with health issues. i will get there. you are a breathe of fresh air. thank you ssoo much!.i am in between sizes. im between xl to 1x. and still losing because i dont want to go on diabetes meds. 💗💗🙏🙏

[@carlahoag7154]

I vote for keeping the beautiful buttons on the butterfly dress. They really add an elegant touch.

[@carlahoag7154]

Also, the brooch is a lovely touch.

[@MsKatastrophenBarbie]

I have born a baby last year in April and yesterday I have taken my numbers for sewing for the first time since then. Uooof. I still had in my head being a 42"/36"/44" and was smacked with the new numbers.

[@MissLyndaLou]

Hi Kristina! I love your channel. I particularly enjoyed the dresses from an each decade. But you forgot the mini dress/skirt! In 1968-70 and beyond they were all the rage… I know, I lived it. I had the most adorable mini dresses. I was about 128-132 lbs, at 5 ft 5 inches. Could wear anything then! Not now…I struggle with my weight constantly. I’m 75 years young and still dream of looking like I did when I was a kid. Those were the days….❤….you enjoy your youth, honey. Keep dreaming. God bless you and your family. 🥰🤗

[@Dingle1234]

Do you tie your head scarfs or buy the pre-wrapped ones LOL. It would be neat to see you put some on. This one is particularly beautiful, the colours.

[@ailsadixon408]

Hello! Kristina has quite a few headscarf specific videos on her channel ☺️ I think one of them is called '5 ways to wear a headscarf' hope that's helpful.

[@Waynem.9363]

@@ailsadixon408I was about to comment the same thing 😊

[@MsMayberry]

Loooove your style, you look beautiful! Also…that robe! 😍

[@WithLoveKristina]

Thank you so much!!

[@kikidevine694]

I once bought a '1940s' blouse which, when I got it (eBay purchase), it had a care label. The vendor did give me a discount - I love it anyway, but there's definitely something to be said for being able to touch and examine the garment you want to buy

[@sheilafox7500]

Your pep talk was right on. Thank you for that. Enjoyed the video. 😊❤ take care.

[@CuriousandCultured]

Thank you for this excellent deep dive into all things vintage Kristina! Being that vintage clothing is so much more pricier and I am also on a budget, is it possible to do a comprehensive guide to shopping for vintage or vintage like pieces at thrift stores?

[@Ilsethomas]

In Europe there is also a difference in clothing sizes depending on the country. In Belgium where I live, clothing size usually corresponds to the width of the shoulders (in cm). Have a nice week.

[@WithLoveKristina]

Do people tend to have a big difference in shoulder width based on how their bodies measure elsewhere? This is fascinating!

[@Ilsethomas]

@@WithLoveKristina Euh, yes. I know a woman with very broad shoulders who has a very narrow waist. And her bosom isn't too big. She does have difficulty finding suitable clothing. I hope you know what I mean.

[@WithLoveKristina]

I know what you mean. That is really fascinating. I’ve never thought of different sizes also having different shoulder widths!

[@raquelnasser5290]

What a fun and informative video! Please do more of vintage fashion! Much love to you and your family! ❤

[@kaykerns2287]

Already following Stefanie, love her!

[@y.l.2465]

I just watched this start to finish my gal! Excellent content! And thank you for reassuring people that our measurements are just reference.

[@aroger2486]

That is so awesome! I love and adore watching your videos and everything looks so amazing on you.

[@katiekat8235]

Kristina! You sweet creature! This is such a helpful video. I agree with all the comments saying that your measurement segment should be a daily affirmation for us all. 😘

[@peggysioux5yrs]

This video is brilliant. So helpful. Xxx thank you so much.

[@MegM0221]

Perfect content, but your vintage undergarments!!!!! Omg, love. The longline bra is 10/10.

[@WithLoveKristina]

It’s one of my favorites, a true vintage 50s bra! I looove it

[@jillz1542]

Wow- a lot of good interesting info. I'll have to save so I can rewatch. Like the label info

[@cherylbarrel9966]

". . . fit your beautiful meat sack. . . . " I just love your outlook, Kristina. Looking back, I always thought my measurements were too big, even when my waist was 27 inches. Each decade, the inches increased and added a size or two. What struck me each year was that I could see how beautiful my body had been the year before. What a waste to have condemned such beauty. Now I just fit the body I have. You are an excellent role model for how a curvy woman can love herself and others without any need to put a body down. Thank you!❤

[@kalka1l]

Another great video! On the butterfly dress: Have you considered adding a bit of molding some hot glue (colored or clear) on the back of the buttons to hold them in place? The molding can be separate from the buttons with a bit of rubber. Alternately you could just pop a ruffle around the buttons to do the same thing.

[@melindaferreira9879]

That butterfly print dress is stunning! I adore vintage prints and clothing. Love a good cardigan!!!

[@ceralith942]

I appreciate this so much, especially since you and i are so similarly sized (almost exact measurements lol). I'm glad to know that it's not just me struggling to find anything that fits!

[@wisewomanhealing]

That was so interesting what you said, Kristina about modern bodies being thinner and not having as much curve to them. There is so much flack out there about plus size vintage not being a thing but the fashion back then emphasized and catered to the curves of women making it easier to find vintage items if you're curvier. I don't know if it is to save money or what, but I have noticed curvier fashion in other cultures such as when we went to Mexico, than in America. The skirts were designed to fit a woman's curves. I remember when blouses had darts in them to accommodate women's curves up top.

[@WithLoveKristina]

I don't think modern bodies are that different from vintage ones - but the "in vogue" body is definitely VERY different now than it was then. The trend then was curvy - think Marilyn Monroe. Then the 60s/70s and 90s happened with the willow-thin supermodels and Twiggy, and the ideal body became thin... so fashion followed, less curve, more straight lines, etc.

[@tanyajohnson2315]

You are inspiring to me . Thank you for your videos

[@viviansmith8036]

Love you choice of clothes! Can you please do a video on how to clean older garments? Like what to hand wash and with what some 9f today's detergents are so harsh that they fade older garments fast

[@wildflowers8966]

Love the video!!!! And all the history! You are wonderful!

[@hamburgerhelperflick]

your makeup is so perfect!

[@Fauxrising2022]

Hi sorry commenting again 😅 what made you take the jump to vintage. Did you work on your hair and make up before shopping for clothing? I’d love to make the switch, I just have no confidence in any of the 3 categories. I appreciate your body positivity message! I’ve been telling myself I need to loose weight before doing anything 😅 I appreciate your love and kindness that comes through the screen. It feels like your giving me a big hug of encouragement ❤

[@terilynn5525]

Hi Christina! I love your videos and sweet voice. I think the stitch on your GGM’s handmade dress is called a whip stitch. 😘

[@marketplaceboutique6957]

Thank you for this video, wonderful information 😊

[@tammieecho3098]

You are such a comfort watch for me. 💕

[@Fauxrising2022]

Hi, I missed your videos! ❤ Took a break binging documentaries on the British monarchy 😅 So happy to be back! Question about how you are describing pieces from different decades. Do you know if there are any differences on how to identify foreign vintage clothing specially British or French clothing?

[@lorengonzalez3816]

I love watching your videos. I love how uplifting your message is on body figure. We need to hear that in this world were skinny and tall seems to be the only beautiful look. Love how people dressed before and the details in the clothing and patterns in the materials.❤

[@melindaferreira9879]

Very good info!

[@kimahee]

THANK YOU for doing such a thorough breakdown!

[@Winston820]

I feel like I’m going back in Time watching somebody’s younger grandma when I watch your channel. Is that your grandma’s pic in the intro? ❤

[@starcloudwings9908]

I think the answer to “enough clothes” has to do with growing the knowledge about vintage clothes and then starting to look for something that we have recently learned in terms of having items that are more and more appropriate for a period. Then there’s a question of fit and female body constantly changing. Even women that wear modern clothing have to get rid of items that don’t fit any more and replace them with better fitting clothes.

[@virginiamahon2863]

That was a wonderful pep talk!!

[@laurajones5817]

Have you ever showed how you use the scarf to tie up your hair? What kind and how? Love the look

[@tammyellison735]

Interestingly, some of our upper measurements are the same, but we are a different size, not good or bad, but interesting. My grandmother learned to sew in the late 1890s, and it was a hand crank, from what I have figured out. The zipper was patterned in 1917 and invented before it. You are right; our bodies are good enough. While I want to lose some weight, it is for health reasons not because I dislike how I look. My son lives in the Tacoma area, and sadly, I won't have time to go to Glenna's on this trip, but I hope to in the future.

[@WithLoveKristina]

I find it fascinating how a lot of things were invented quite early on (dishwashers were invented in the late 1800s!) but not utilized commonly until so much later. Elsa Schiaparelli helped make zippers common in clothing in the 1930s I think!

[@lizzaturnbull]

Survival bias is definitely thing , the smaller stuff survives because it’s not worn for so long, it has less fabric in it to makeover and like you say the bigger pieces often got worn to death! 😂

[@WithLoveKristina]

YUP. Honestly we haven't changed THAT much in the past 60-70 years, but people tend to think we have. People threw away clothes or repurposed them then, so things just didn't survive.

[@maureenbrophy7852]

Very interesting 💐

[@mariajhanley5172]

I adore your Coro brooch!

[@beckymiller1840]

Soo helpful! Thank you my beautiful friend ❤

[@ClaireLeslie-eu4tl]

You are the queen of this!

[@laceylh]

I found a reversible wool skirt at a goodwill outlet. The brand is In'n Outer by Sportrite Junior. I believe it's from the 50s or 60s. If you have any information on this skirt, it would be greatly appreciated. Just recently , I started paying attention to clothing fabric and labels on clothing, and as soon as I saw this skirt with the label , I knew it was vintage ❤

[@barbierebel6473]

Fantastic video. Beautiful clothes.

[@jennileepreece2422]

Do the vintage clothes you buy have the measurement? Wanting to get into vintage clothing again. Sincerely always been into everything vintage.

[@donnakerstiens9899]

Really great informative video! 👗

[@user-mg5tg4nb1k]

Your amazing! thank you for this video ❤

[@kimberlyporter9555]

I love the 1910s and 20s

[@anieth]

I'm really tall, I mean really tall. My mother was also tall and she could only shop at Lane Bryant in Denver. We're both 6 feet tall. So nothing vintage fits. However I make all my own clothes and some of them are vintage. I make Edwardian and 50s for my shop on Etsy. Vintage doesn't sell well there, mostly because it's too expensive to make and sell dresses for cheap enough to compete with the box stores. But I make them for fun and when I don't like them, I sell them.

[@DonnaLane-pw4rg]

Ms Kristina, I need a long skirt preferably ankle length because due to My lupus medication I have to have I got 3rd degree sunburns on my arms and was ordered by my doctor to cover up. Plus I am self conscious about my legs due to my mild case of cerebral Palsy one of my legs is smaller and I got ridiculed as a child over it ❤❤❤ Do you know of patterns for sewing that would help

[@isabellerininger6249]

Question on the 1930s dress-why did they have random zipper under the arm? I’m unclear how this helped to get the garment on.

[@WithLoveKristina]

Because it is not a very stretchy knit, the underarm zip eases it over the bust

[@kristineolsen477]

Great video! I loved it! I'm new to your channel and you are a Rockstar in my opinion 😊 Your new friend Kristine

[@jillianlea9690]

there is a great video of an older women in the 80s talking about being a flapper in the teens , they would wear knee length and then roll their stockings down ..and cut their hair short and as she put it ..all hell broke lose with her parents . they had to alter their clothes and go great lengths to find these scandalous fashions . i have fashion plates and old catalogs from the 20s through the 30s ..great references and real photos but i also sell ephemera so it is available to me. when zippers came out they were all the rage and you would see them on the front of dresses etc

[@GenericFunName]

If you see this comment, would you mind telling us which lipstick you're wearing around 23:00? So gorgeous!

[@WithLoveKristina]

That’s my natural lip color 🙈 there might be a tinge of leftover lipliner from my regular red lipstick but I didn’t have anything on there. The closest I’ve found to that is L’Oreal’s cream lipstick in Plum Explosion tho! It’s a bit darker than my lips but PRETTY close

[@GenericFunName]

@@WithLoveKristina oh wow, I'm disappointed that I can't buy that exact shade in a tube, but what a beautiful natural color! I'll definitely look into Plum Explosion, thank you!

[@pamfrank3962]

All the outfits are Gorgeous ❤on you.

[@lizchannel7342]

I got a cloth ....with a tag on the neck (pearl) to with a zig zag of green on the left and red on the right .....i wish to knw if its vintage or not ....

[@dianemontavon5670]

Enjoyed seeing your dresses and the information was good. Thank you.

[@katwitanruna]

Zippers did indeed change in the 1960s. I was born in 1961 and remember noticing the change.

[@WithLoveKristina]

I had forgotten to say that’s another reason I think that pink Shelton Stroller is 1960s - it has a nylon zip

[@sarah.creative]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@SeamlessWallDecor]

1950s vintage is really 74 years ago(!). Oy. I need a glass of wine to continue as I ponder my mortality.

[@Zaggrippas]

❤

[@barbarakaywhite5166]

side zip more 40's husband was not there tp zip you and made it easier for working woman to dress herself. My granny kept making her clothes side zip until she passed in the 80's because she liked the freedom a side zip gave her

[@the_journey_with_rachaelco9059]

Love your broach

[@sabrina9333]

Omg, 1980's is vintage now! 😢

[@WithLoveKristina]

Brace yourself - anything up to 2004 qualifies as vintage now 💀

[@margaretlynch1494]

🙋‍♀️❤️