The fashion world is fascinating; you can buy a shirt for $5 or $5,000. While many see thrifting as an affordable and sustainable way to buy clothes, certain second-hand items are incredibly valuable, and collectors or fashion enthusiasts will pay outrageous sums for them. Like Beanie Babies or vinyl records, special vintage items only increase in value as time passes.
1. Chanel Suits
Coco Chanel designed an iconic suit style for women that remains the epitome of class and elegance. While the brand still produces this silhouette for some seasons, the vintage suits are coveted items that can sell for thousands of dollars.
2. Levi’s Jeans
Levi’s has been around since the mid-1800s and is still one of the top denim brands in the fashion world. Their jeans are so high-quality that vintage pairs cost about $500; some specialty pairs even sell for thousands, but these durable jeans can outlive people.
3. Cowboy Boots
Not everyone is into Western wear, but those who are will pay top dollar for vintage and unique items. A brand-new pair of high-quality cowboy boots can cost a few hundred, but vintage pairs in decent condition can be even more expensive. Designer boots or ones with intricate stitching and designs can sell for over $300.
4. Cowboy Hats
Cowboy hats can be just as valuable as boots. While you can snag fancy vintage cowboy hats for less than $100, some special ones will sell for hundreds of dollars. The most coveted are ones with distinct detailing like embroidery or leather work or those with an interesting history.
5. Military Clothing
Many clothing items originally made for military personnel transformed into fashion trends, such as bomber jackets and combat boots. Authentic versions of these items can be exciting collectibles for history buffs or those who enjoy the grunge style of military wear.
6. Sports Jerseys
People will pay top dollar to score their favorite player’s jersey, and with so much player trading and team changes, many jerseys are only available for a limited time. So, getting your hands on a jersey from the ‘70s, ‘80s, or ‘90s can be thrilling for sports fanatics. The most valuable vintage jerseys can cost hundreds.
7. Flapper Beaded Dresses
Believe it or not, dresses from the 1920s flapper era still exist. These beaded dresses represent a specific moment in fashion and are impeccably made with tiny beads and detailing. Authentic beaded dresses from the ‘20s and ‘30s often sell for hundreds or even thousands, but only if they’re genuinely vintage.
8. Concert T-Shirts
People will pay a lot to own a concert T-shirt from their favorite retro band or artist, such as The Who, Grateful Dead, Fiona Apple, and Prince. Tours are a snapshot of an artist’s career moment, so owning one of these shirts is special. We imagine Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour T-shirts will be extremely valuable collectibles in a few years, although people are already willing to pay hundreds for them.
9. Leather Jackets
Most modern leather jackets use synthetic or vegan leather, making them less appealing to some, and many folks don’t want to buy genuine leather, which contributes to animal cruelty. This makes vintage leather jackets, which are often high-quality and made with genuine leather, worth a fortune.
10. Fur Coats
Genuine fur clothing items have mostly become a thing of the past because people now recognize the animal cruelty associated with these items. However, fur coats already in existence allow people to wear luxurious fur without hurting more animals. Vintage fur coats can sell for thousands depending on the type of fur, brand, and quality.
11. Lucite Handbags
Lucite handbags are an iconic fashion item from the ‘40s; they’re small, rigid purses made from acrylic plastic material with artsy and haute couture designs. They can be rather delicate, making them more precious and sought after, especially if they’re from notable brands and designers.
12. Designer Dresses
Modern designer dresses can cost thousands, so vintage ones that are difficult to find are even more valuable, especially if the designer is deceased or the brand is extinct. People will pay hundreds and thousands for vintage dresses from Oscar de La Renta, Gucci, Prada, Dior, and other high-end brands.
13. Hermés Scarves
Hermés scarves are iconic fashion items made from the highest quality silk. These stunning and supple scarves are pricey when bought new, but people will pay over $2,000 for a single vintage scarf. Some people even frame the scarves as wall art and try to collect as many patterns as possible.
Source: Dusty Old Thing; Vintage Information
