THE SURGE OF VINTAGE FASHION IN THE UK
by: Prachi Khatri
Vintage fashion has made a huge comeback over recent years worldwide, more-so in the UK. Fashion goes beyond what we wear, it is no longer defined solely by current trends, it is a means of self-expression, confidence and cultural identity.
Gen Z’s and millennials have been digging for vintage treasures, flaunting jewelry pieces from their family heirloom and restyling old but fashionable items to sometimes repurpose or appreciate as is.
For decades, the UK has been at the heart of the fashion world, influencing many global trends. Much of this influence has come from the vibrant music scene, It is hard to imagine a world where these two elements do not influence each other. Music not only deeply affects our lives but also serves as a powerful reflection of the times we live in. The lively disco beats of the 1970’s translated into flashy outfits, sequins and vibrant colors. The grunge movement created a gritty, unpolished fashionable vibe. Both of these styles are ingrained into British culture.
Many designers and upcoming artists also take inspiration from the rich history within the UK. From glamorous Victorian gowns to eccentric lace details, there have been a lot of exciting techniques, materials, shapes, and designs from the Tudor times onward for current designers to play with.
Credit: Khaled Ghareeb / @khaledkagii
London alone is one of the most multicultural, creative and open-minded cities in the world. It holds extreme history with the Royal family and has had a big impact on the fashion industry. Some of the city’s beset shopping is at Oxford Circus, which is renowned for its bustling high street with every brand imaginable, but you can also find vintage fashion a-plenty on Brick Lane. Vintage fashion stores used to go hand in hand with record shops but now they stand alone and have gained more popularity.
Thrifting is not a very new concept to the Brits. However, in the past decade it has garnered more interest; the second hand clothing market has grown by 149% from 2016 to 2022 according to GlobalData. By the year 2026, it is expected to increase to 67.6 percent. The fashion re-sale market is expected to grow from current $2.76bn to $3.5bn by 2027.
Current momentum in vintage fashion is not only an influence of social media users and celebrity designers drawing inspiration from vintage finds but also a step in making a positive change to our environment. Approximately 67 percent millennials in the UK shop second hand and every 2 of 5 items in a Gen X’s wardrobe is pre-owned. The motivation for wearing vintage has changed, it is no longer just for the cool factor but it comes from the love toward our environment that is driving the current generation to make more conscious choices.
The revival of vintage fashion is changing wardrobes and making a positive impact on the fashion industry. Vintage clothes allow people to connect styles and aesthetics. Each vintage piece has a story that adds meaning to the wearer’s identity. Retro fashion pieces are unique and have a layer of history that add depth to one’s personality.
As per a survey conducted by Westfeild, shopping centers across the US and Europe, 34 percent of the average Brit’s wardrobe is pre-owned from ages 18-34 years old. Consumers today are also much more careful of not wasting their money on fast fashion that will end up in landfills after a couple of wears. Styling one piece in multiple ways as seen by influencers has been a motivating factor to favor the uniqueness of timeless vintage fashion.
UK is also one of the second largest exporter of second hand clothes contributing the uptick in vintage fashion sales. More consumers committing to circular consumption choices, is a great positive step towards the climate efforts.
Some of the UK’s more popular re-sale websites include Vinted, Depop and eBay , which have also gained popularity so shoppers can buy and list vintage pieces only a click away. However, the vintage shops are so ingrained into the British culture, they will never fully replace the joy of stepping into a vintage shop, smelling a hint of heritage and browsing the racks to sift through timeless pieces.
Most British folks are also big doners, making the second hand fashion more readily available to local shoppers to get quality fashion for less.
Vintage clothing provides a distinctive option in a world when mass-production of clothes is a norm. It has allowed people to express their individual styles. This break in uniformity has given people a fresh lens to view fashion in a different light to promote quality over quantity.
The UK's increase in vintage fashion reflects the changing interests and ideals of contemporary customers. This resurgence is a sign of hope for the fashion industry as it recognizes the history of fashion, promotes individualism, and embraces sustainability. Vintage fashion has demonstrated to us how old can truly become new again.
Cover Image: Noémie Rousse / @noemierssl