Up Your Wardrobe Game with Vintage Clothing from Phoenix, AZ
- America's Antique Mall
- 12 hours ago
- 8 min read
Let's be honest, fashion is more than just clothes. The garments you wear tell the world who you are, so why would you ever settle for anything less than the best? Whether you want to look like you just stepped off a '90s runway in grunge couture or sport a collection of casual vintage tees in your day-to-day, there's only one place to shop: your local Phoenix antique mall.
If the idea of sorting through the racks of vintage women's clothing feels daunting, we’ve got your back. What vintage brands are you supposed to look for? How can you tell if something is truly vintage? What are the most valuable styles of vintage clothing? Find the answers to all these questions and become the thrifty trendsetter you were meant to be!
How Old Does Clothing Have to Be to Be Considered Vintage Clothing?
The fashion industry defines vintage clothing as any garment made more than 20 (but no more than 99) years ago. Though it may sound shocking, that means that any tee, gown, or pair of jeans made before the year 2005 qualifies! If something was made over 100 years ago, it is considered an antique.
7 Signs a Garment May Be Vintage:
Metal zippers: vintage dresses made before the mid-1960s featured metal zippers, rather than plastic
Woven labels: where modern companies use synthetic, sewn-on labels, vintage tees and jeans will often have a woven label
Side-snap closures: plenty of vintage dresses had snaps and buttons hidden on the side to create a seamless front and a convenient closure method
Made in USA: before the 1980s, a wide range of clothing was manufactured in the US, before production was outsourced to other countries
Fabric composition: vintage women's clothing was typically made with high-quality and natural materials, like soft cotton, authentic wool, and breathable linen
Button material: modern plastic wasn't used for buttons until the 1960s—before that, it was metal, Bakelite in the '30s, and Lucite in the '50s
Interior lining: if a vintage dress does not have a lining, it likely predates the 1970s, when women were expected to wear slips with their underthings
Why Do People Like Buying Vintage Clothing?
If you haven't already heard, the fashion industry is one of the leading threats to the environment. In fact, it's said that we currently have enough clothing on the planet to outfit the next six generations! If we don't find ways to reuse or re-wear apparel, it'll continue to pile up in the landfills and harm Mother Earth. Choosing to buy a vintage tee over a new one is just one of the small ways you can make a difference.
Wearing vintage women's clothing also gives you the opportunity to create a completely unique wardrobe. In a world where everyone is trying their hardest to stay up to date with the latest microtrends and influencers, it's important to find a way to stand out and feel like yourself. Sporting a vintage dress or vintage tee gives you a cool, retro vibe that never goes out of style!
It should also be noted that the majority of vintage men's and women's clothing was made with better quality materials and expert craftsmanship. This is fast fashion's biggest pitfall—it seems like every tank top and skirt you buy these days starts fraying or gets stretched out within a few wears! If you want to curate a durable, long-lasting wardrobe, vintage is the way to go.
Who Buys Vintage Clothing?
The truth is, anyone, regardless of gender or age, can enjoy buying vintage clothing! The best Phoenix vendor malls will have a wide range of styles available. There, you can browse the aisles in search of men's vintage clothing from the 1940s or women's vintage clothing from the 1980s—the sky's the limit!
Can Vintage Clothing Be Valuable?
Believe it or not, the cool vintage tee you come across could be the jackpot! Though the exact price depends on the rarity, condition, and era of a piece, vintage clothing has the potential to be extremely valuable.
This doesn't apply to every single vintage dress at a Phoenix or Melbourne antique mall, but if something boasts a designer label or is considered collectible by vintage fashion enthusiasts, the piece you find could fetch you a pretty penny. The more desirable the design, the higher the value.
Vintage Women's and Men's Clothing Brands Worth Looking For:
Liz Claiborne
Ann Klein
Talbots
Pendleton
Tommy Hilfiger
Brooks Brothers
Calvin Klein
Prada
Chanel
Where's the Best Place to Shop for Vintage Clothing in Phoenix?
We know there are plenty of consignment shops and thrift stores in the heart of Arizona, but if you want a vast selection, nothing beats America's Antique Mall Phoenix. Come early next year, hundreds of local vendors will call our brand-new 45,000-square-foot vendor mall home. After our grand opening, you can spend your days walking up and down each aisle in search of the perfect vintage dress for date night or vintage tees to add to your collection.
What Kinds of Vintage Clothing Can You Find in Phoenix?
Phoenix is a treasure trove of all things vintage—including fashion! If you live in the area or are stopping by on a family vacation, consider setting aside a few hours of your time to shop the amazing selection of vintage men's and women's fashions our Phoenix antique mall has to offer.
Common Vintage Clothing Finds in Phoenix:
Dresses
T-shirts
Denim
Jackets
Knits
…and more
Impress in a Vintage Dress
Is there anything that makes you feel more beautiful than twirling around in a vintage dress? We don't think so!
Each decade is responsible for its own unique silhouettes and styles that, try as modern brands might, can never quite be replicated. If you're looking for a special occasion ball gown or everyday frock, sort through the vintage furniture and upcycled designs in your nearest vendor mall for a vintage dress in your size.
Pro tip: As you flick through each vintage dress, try to ignore the size number. Vintage sizes are very different from modern sizes, and you wouldn't want to neglect something that could end up fitting you like a glove in the end!
Vintage Dress Styles by Decade:
Flapper dress (1920s): an iconic, straight-cut dress with beaded fringe embellishments worn by women in the Jazz Age
Silk slip dress (1930s): a bias-cut dress that drapes the body for added glamour
Pencil dress (1940s): a form-hugging dress with a narrow hem to accentuate the hourglass figure
Swing dress (1950s): a classic dress style with a fitted bodice and wide flare skirt
Mini dress (1960s): a revolutionary short style of dress that exposes most of the leg
Maxi dress (1970s): a long, bohemian-style dress made from flowing, floor-length fabrics
Shirt dress (1980s): a mid-length button-up dress designed as office wear with a collar and belted waist
Lingerie slip dress (1990s): a nightwear-style slip dress with fun patterns and spaghetti straps
Bandage dress (2000s): a form-fitting dress with a "bandage-like" construction
Do You Need Specific Undergarments to Wear Vintage Dresses?
While you don't need period-accurate undergarments to wear a vintage dress, they can certainly improve the look! If you plan on wearing the dress casually, feel free to stick to modern bras and underwear. But, if you prefer the authentic aesthetic, consider investing in vintage foundational garments, such as slips, girdles, or a long-line bra.
Rock a Vintage Tee
There's no better feeling than someone complementing your T-shirt and getting to respond with "thanks, it's vintage!" Vintage tees aren't just items of clothing—they're wearable pieces of pop culture history. If you crave that connection to the past, there's guaranteed to be a vintage tee out there for you.
When Did T-Shirts Come into Fashion?
The type of T-shirt we all know and love wasn't widely popular until the freedom movements of the '60s and the '70s. There, sporting a certain logo became a way to rebel against social norms and showcase affiliations. Soon enough, tees were being printed with all sorts of graphics, from band logos to pop culture references and more.
These vintage tees are a snapshot of a long-gone era. They may be known best for their distinctive designs, but let it be noted that vintage tees also tend to have a more relaxed fit than modern designs. Combine that with the softened, lived-in feel, and it's no wonder that vintage fashion-lovers treat vintage tees with so much reverence!
Sport Vintage Denim Jeans
We all know there's nothing worse than shopping for jeans. From wondering if they will actually fit both your hips and thighs (and be the right length!) to figuring out which wash looks best, there are countless questions you need to answer when buying denim at a modern retailer.
And for what? Worse quality and copycat styles? No thanks! We'll take vintage denim every time.
Why Shop Vintage Jeans?
While jeans may have originated as workwear in the 19th century, they've become a worldwide wardrobe staple. If you want a durable pair of pants that will last you years of wear, you need to invest in a solid vintage denim design.
Made with traditional construction methods and a thicker, 100% cotton material, vintage jeans provide the heavier feel and comfortable fit you can't find anywhere else. There are countless pairs waiting in both the vintage women's clothing area and the vintage men's clothing sections of your Phoenix antique mall.
Note: If you're really into wearing denim, make sure you search the vintage men's clothing section for overalls and jackets. You might have to get over your fear of rocking a Canadian tuxedo, but it'll be well worth it!
Best Vintage Denim Brands:
Levi's
Lee
Wrangler
Guess
Gap
True Religion
Ed Hardy
Show Up in Vintage Outerwear
If you're looking for a way to stand out in a crowd of boring, black pea coats and neutral puffers, it's time to look for stylish vintage outerwear at your favorite America's Antique Mall location. With endless designs to choose from, there's bound to be one that matches the rest of your wardrobe! Sort through the booths for different authentic leather jackets, military-issued trenches, colorful bombers, faux fur stoles, double-breasted peacoats, and more.
Pro tip: Before you take it home with you, make sure it will actually fit when worn over other layers. This is something many shoppers forget to consider in warmer weather. Consider if it will accommodate a bulky sweater or sweatshirt underneath. If the answer is no, leave it behind.
Feel Cozy in a Vintage Knit
These days, crocheting and knitting are (once again) all the rage! If you don't have the time to make your sweaters this winter, you can still sport the trendy, handmade style by browsing the vintage knits collected by Phoenix vendors. Often featuring unique patterns, colors, and cuts that aren't made by modern companies, these vintage clothing pieces offer a one-of-a-kind look.
The majority of these vintage knits were made with high-quality, natural fiber materials such as wool, mohair, or angora. Take your time to examine the quality of each pull-over, sweater vest, and cardigan you come across. If there's any sign of unraveling, don't worry! There are plenty of ways to pull loose threads back in and repair minor snags.
Upcycling tip: If a vintage knit is not quite your style, but you love the color of the yarn, you can still buy it! When properly taken apart and cleaned, any yarn can be reused in a new project. Talk about sustainability!
Can You Have Vintage Clothing Tailored?
We all know how it feels to fall head-over-heels for a vintage dress or vintage tee, only to discover it doesn't fit quite right. Never fear!
Experienced tailors are trained to alter vintage women's and men's clothing. While it may be tempting to try your hand at fixing simpler issues, remember that vintage fabrics and structure are a bit more delicate—it's best to leave it to the professionals.
Whether you're looking for a truly ugly Christmas sweater or the perfect leather jacket, vintage clothing pieces are always the answer! Keep an eye out for news about America's Antique Mall Phoenix's grand opening in early 2026 and get excited to elevate your wardrobe. We can't wait to see what you find!
