What is Vintage Smell?

The Familiar Aroma of Time

If you're new to vintage shopping, one of the first things you'll notice when stepping into an antique shop, vintage boutique, or thrift store is a distinctive aroma that's completely different from regular clothing stores. This peculiar scent can be surprising at first, but it's actually a normal part of buying pre-owned vintage items.

So what exactly is this "vintage smell," and why does it happen?

What Creates Vintage Smell?

Vintage smell is a natural odor that develops on materials over time, including:

• Leather goods
• Natural textiles (cotton, wool, silk)
• Synthetic fabrics
• Both porous and non-porous materials

This distinctive scent develops as materials spend time in storage. A stronger odor may become more pronounced over many years. Storage conditions and the natural aging of materials can affect its character.

The Science Behind Storage Scents

You've probably experienced a milder version of this yourself. When you store blankets or seasonal clothing for several months, they develop a "stored scent" that needs washing before you use them again.

Now imagine that same process happening over many years. The odor may become much stronger. The longer items sit in storage, the more pronounced the stored scent may become.

What Affects How Strong the Smell Is?

• Items stored clean: If clothes were properly cleaned before storage, the stored scent will be easier to remove and less noticeable.

• Additional odors: When storage combines with smoke, perfume, or other household odors, the smell can be harder to remove.

Understanding Different Odors

• Stored vintage odor: An odor associated with long-term storage and material aging. Its intensity can range from subtle to strong.
• Perfume odor: Fragrance absorbed by clothing, shoes, or other materials during previous use or storage.
• Cigarette smoke odor: Smoke absorbed into fibers, leather, linings, or other materials. It can be persistent and may require additional treatment.

How to Remove Vintage Smell

Different materials may require different approaches. Here are some methods that may help with suitable vintage shoes and clothing.

Easy Solutions

• Air it out: Hang items outdoors for a couple of days in fresh air. Stronger odors may require more time.
• Steaming: For materials that can safely tolerate steam, gentle steaming may help release odors. Avoid high heat on delicate materials.
• Professional cleaning: Professional cleaning may help remove odors from non-washable clothing. Follow the item's care requirements.
• Gentle washing: For washable items, follow the care requirements. Gentle hand washing may help with some odors.
• White vinegar: For suitable materials, place the item in a clean plastic bag with a vinegar-moistened paper towel. Ensure that the paper towel does not touch the item. Depending on the odor and material, treatment may take two to five days.

For more examples of vintage footwear, explore Classy Mod's vintage shoes.

Also Helpful with Clothing

This method may also be used for suitable clothing with strong vintage odor, provided the vinegar-moistened paper towel does not touch the garment. Depending on the severity of the odor, two to five days may be necessary. For mild odors, one to two days of fresh air may be sufficient.

For clothing examples, explore Classy Mod's vintage fashion.

What to Expect as a New Vintage Collector

If you're just starting to collect vintage fashion or home décor, here's something important to understand: a stored or aged odor may develop over time in vintage items. Odors can also transfer to modern clothing or other materials when items are stored close together. Vintage smell alone does not make an item vintage.

To evaluate whether an item is vintage, check its labels, material wear, patina, construction, structure, and sewing methods. Visiting antique shops can also provide a useful visual and tactile experience of the materials and workmanship found in vintage and antique items.

Changing Your Perspective

As you become more familiar with vintage shopping, you may see vintage smell as a possible sign of prolonged storage history, but not proof of age or authenticity.

What Vintage Sellers Do

Reputable vintage sellers will point out when a particular piece has a stronger-than-normal odor that may require additional treatment.

• Properly store and protect inventory
• Clean items when appropriate
• Honestly describe any persistent odors in their listings
• Provide guidance on how to remove odors if needed

Final Thoughts for New Collectors

Some stored odor can be normal in vintage items, and seasoned collectors understand that odor alone is not proof of age or authenticity.

With basic care and appropriate cleaning methods, you may be able to minimize or remove some odors while keeping your vintage treasures in good condition. The key is to approach vintage shopping with realistic expectations.

Welcome to the world of vintage collecting!