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Wondering how to buy vintage satin lingerie? We have you covered! Learn about this versatile fabric and the sexy lingerie it can produce.
Satin lingerie is an echo of the late nineties. A niche daydream of Paris. Choppy bangs, burgundy lips, and hip-hugging jeans.
Satin lingerie is easily translatable to fashionable streetwear. Pair a satin negligee with chunky socks and Doc Martens, and suddenly you’re pining for Ross or sneaking around with Chandler. Can anyone say, “That’s my sister!!” Ah, memories.
This article will discuss the origin of satin lingerie, care tips, and where best to buy a cute vintage piece!
What is Satin Lingerie?
Satin lingerie can be any cut; babydoll, chemise, or basque – the list goes on. It’s a fabric and a concept all in one. Satin lingerie lends an air of chic delicacy and innocence to any design and can often be incorporated into street style or nightlife wear.
Satin is characterized as a fabric with a distinct weave of ‘floating’ yarns of rayon, nylon, polyester, and silk. With a glossy finish and matte back, it’s one of a kind.
As established, satin is used in various types of clothing, from negligees to ballet flats to blouses. It’s a versatile and ancient fabric, appearing as far back as the Dark and Middle Ages, with a heavy Arabic influence. Owning a garment made of satin meant you were somebody in those eras.
Care Tips:
Combining the delicacy of both satin fabric and lingerie can result in an interesting washing experience. Satin is many things, but a hardy fabric it is not.
As always, pay attention to the label on your satin lingerie. This will outline the best way to wash the piece. If it says dry clean only, do just that. Most lingerie pieces will require a gentle hand wash over dry cleaning.
Here are some universal tips for satin lingerie care:
- If the garment says just dry clean as opposed to dry clean only – you can safely test the piece to see if it can be washed. Find an inconspicuous spot and perform a water test. Watch for any warping or discoloration. If nothing adverse happens, feel free to try hand washing it!
- Hand wash with cool water and gentle detergent or soap. Do not wring it out. Instead, place it between two clean towels and press the water out. Lay flat to dry, and steam to remove any wrinkles (although steaming is optional).
- Iron on low heat with the garment turned inside-out.
- Spot treat stains with a damp cloth between washes.
Never put satin lingerie in the dryer, as that is a sure-fire way of setting the money you paid for it ablaze. This can cause warping, shrinking, color discoloration, and pilling.
Hang the garment in your closet until it’s time to wear it again!
Vintage Satin Lingerie: Your Buying Guide
Where To Shop?
Marketplace websites like Etsy, eBay, or other consignment sites are ideal. Etsy is the first choice, as the website has specific requirements of vendors, including but not limited to listing items that are handmade, vintage, or craft supplies.
Etsy terms and conditions define vintage as an item that is more than 20 years old. An item made in 2001 might not be considered vintage by societal standards, but this was a particularly iconic era for satin.
Etsy also requires its sellers to follow their Seller Service Level Standards. This ensures that sellers meet established criteria and that their customer service standards are met with each sale. These standards outline requirements for seller communication, enforce strict shipping and processing times, and a dispute management system.
What To Look For In Potential Sellers:
Research is key. When purchasing anything second-hand, it’s important to remember that the buyer must beware.
For the best consumer experience, the seller should be established in the vintage wear community on Etsy and have earned a positive star rating of at least four. Reviews are a gold mine for new lingerie purchasers and will give an unbiased look at how a potential seller treats their garments and customers.
When browsing ads, note how the ad is laid out. The ad should have a detailed description of the garment and be free of spelling errors. The more detail a seller provides, the more likely you are to have a good experience with them.
Many sellers will provide additional information like return requirements, shipping policies, and even a FAQ.
Garment Condition and Sizing
Note: Some sellers may use terms like NOS (New Old Stock) or Deadstock. This means the garment has not been worn/may still have tags attached.
Pay attention to sizing as well. Satin is often not the most forgiving fabric and will have little elasticity. Be aware that the sizing of decades past varies wildly from what sizing is today. Instead of looking for your size now, look for listed measurements to compare to your own.
Keep in mind that the condition of the garment you purchase may not be perfect. These are second and even third-hand items, so a bit of discernment is necessary.
Note whether your potential seller has cleaned the satin lingerie. If the ad states that the garment was never worn or still has tags attached, it still may show signs of wear. Hygiene should be the top priority when purchasing pre-worn lingerie.
Be wary of sellers who are reluctant to provide information about the garment!
Head over to Etsy for a spectacular selection of vintage satin lingerie 🙂
Happy Vintage Hunting!
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