Preserving the Past: Is the Vintage Fashion Community Shrinking?
- September 02, 2024
- by
- The Glambassador
The vintage fashion community, long known for its devotion to the aesthetics of bygone eras, particularly those from the 1920s to the 1950s, has thrived on a shared love of style, nostalgia, and the cultural identity rooted in these periods. For years, this vibrant subculture has been supported by a network of dedicated vintage enthusiasts, content creators, vintage reproduction clothing brands, social groups, and community events. I myself have been a part of this community for over a decade. While I started dressing in vintage style over 30 years ago, I really felt that I became a part of a community when I started my blog in 2012. Yet, in recent years, I’ve seen noticeable signs of change that have left me wondering: Is the vintage community disappearing?
There are so many small changes and events recently, that have brought this question to the forefront in my mind. Now, I certainly don’t have all the answers, and I’m confident that writing this post will only create more questions. However, as someone who absolutely loves this community and does not want to see it fade, I think it’s important to ask these questions of ourselves and figure out what we can do to assure that this community begins to thrive once more. Here are some of the things that I’ve witnessed as being contributing factors to the waning of our beloved vintage style community.
The Decline of Vintage Reproduction Brands
One of the cornerstones of the vintage community has always been accessibility to authentic vintage or well-crafted reproduction pieces. Obviously as each year passes, the availability of true authentic vintage pieces in the wild, lessens due to the age and wearability of garments as well as affordability. So a large portion of the vintage community relies on quality reproduction items, especially for those everyday staple items. In recent years, however, we’ve witnessed the unfortunate decline or closure of some beloved vintage reproduction clothing brands. Collectif, Revival Retro, PinupGirl Clothing, and even eShakti (though not traditionally vintage-specific) have all ceased operation and others have either reduced their lines (especially plus size), or struggled to maintain the prominence they once had.
This is a significant blow for many in the vintage community, especially those who rely on reproduction pieces rather than true vintage, which can be difficult to find in good condition and size. These brands made vintage fashion accessible and affordable, allowing people to participate in the community without breaking the bank or spending hours combing through thrift shops. Without the presence of these brands, it’s becoming increasingly challenging for enthusiasts to obtain quality vintage-inspired garments, which may be contributing to a gradual disengagement from the style.
Furthermore, there has been a lack of new clothing brands stepping in to fill this gap. Unlike other fashion movements that have experienced a resurgence of new designers and brands, the vintage reproduction scene seems to have stagnated. As fashion evolves, the absence of accessible and affordable options for those who want to embrace vintage style is leaving a noticeable void.
Vintage Blogging in Decline: Fewer Voices, Less Content
Another shift that I feel has affected the vintage community is the decline of vintage bloggers and content creators. In the heyday of blogging, there were multiple blogs dedicated to vintage fashion, offering tutorials, styling tips, outfit inspiration, and a sense of camaraderie. Today, however, many of these creators have either moved on from blogging, shifted their focus to different styles, or ceased creating content altogether.
The fading popularity of traditional blogging itself has definitely contributed to this decline. As the digital landscape has shifted towards social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, the long-form, written content that characterized vintage blogs has become less favored by audiences. While some creators have adapted to these new platforms, others have simply disappeared, leaving a gap in the community’s digital presence. With fewer creators producing content, it’s harder for newcomers to find inspiration, engage with others, and immerse themselves in the culture.
The impact of this loss is significant. Vintage bloggers and content creators played an essential role in helping people, including myself, discover, learn about, and participate in the community. They provided education on vintage style, fostered a sense of belonging, and helped to build a cohesive narrative around what the vintage community was. Without these voices, the community feels more fragmented, and its visibility has diminished.
I will take full accountability here and say that I know that I’m included in this issue. I don’t blog as I used to, and since my move to Vienna, I have significantly decreased my YouTube videos and content as a whole. I’ve even considered quitting altogether, so I absolutely understand why this part has declined. Though I don’t have insider knowledge of why particular bloggers and content creators have stopped or slowed down, all I can say is that for me lately, it’s been very hard to find the motivation to continue to create vintage-related content. I plan on writing more about this at a later time. But for now, let’s just say that I know I’m part of the problem and I’m working on a way to fix it.
The Waning Presence of Vintage Social Communities
In the early 2010s, vintage-related social groups, particularly on platforms like Facebook, flourished. These groups were places where like-minded individuals could come together to share their love of vintage fashion, post their outfits, ask for styling advice, and simply enjoy the sense of community. These groups helped people feel connected to others with similar interests, even if they were spread out geographically.
However, in recent years, many of these groups have become inactive or have disappeared altogether. I myself admin a few of these groups, some more active than others. Once-thriving communities that were full of engagement now see only occasional posts. The decline of these groups is partly due to the overall decline in Facebook’s popularity, especially among younger generations, but it also speaks to a larger shift in how people are engaging with their interests online.
Without these groups, the sense of community within the vintage fashion scene has weakened. People are no longer sharing their outfits with the same frequency, exchanging ideas, or engaging in conversations about style. The lack of active, vibrant online spaces means fewer opportunities for interaction, which has left many feeling disconnected from the community.
A Drop in Vintage Social Events: Fewer Opportunities to Connect
Social events and outings have always been a significant aspect of the vintage community, providing a space for individuals to showcase their outfits, meet others who share their passion, and immerse themselves in the culture of the eras they admire. Whether it was swing dance nights, era specific gatherings, vintage markets, or re-enactment events, these get-togethers were a way to keep the spirit of vintage style alive in the real world.
Recently, however, there seems to be a noticeable decline in these events. Fewer vintage-themed gatherings are being organized, and attendance at the ones that remain has dwindled. While some of this can be attributed to the lingering effects of the pandemic, it’s also clear that the interest in such events has decreased over time. This decline in social events further contributes to the fragmentation of the community, as these gatherings were a key way for members to connect and keep the culture vibrant.
Redefining the Vintage Community: What’s Next?
The question of whether the vintage community is disappearing is a complicated one. While there’s no denying that some of the key pillars that once held the community together—reproduction brands, bloggers, social groups, and events—have diminished, it may be too soon to declare the community as a whole in decline. Instead, it may be that the vintage community is in a period of transition, one that requires a reevaluation of what the community means and how it operates.
Perhaps part of the challenge is that the vintage community has always been somewhat fragmented, with different factions devoted to different eras, styles, and interpretations of what it means to live a vintage-inspired life. This diversity is one of the community’s strengths, but it also makes it difficult to define a cohesive identity. Now, with fewer active participants, there is an opportunity for the community to come together and redefine itself.
What does it mean to be a part of the vintage community today? Is it still about dressing in a head-to-toe period-accurate ensemble, or is it more about incorporating elements of vintage style into our modern life? Does the community need to evolve to include a broader range of influences, or is it important to preserve the focus on the 1920s to 1950s? I notice that a lot of the younger generations seem to be interested in vintage from the 1960s to 1990s (yes, I can hear the collective gasp now). These are questions that the remaining members of the community will need to answer as we move forward.
Is the Vintage Community Still Alive?
Despite the challenges, there is still passion within the vintage community. Many people continue to love and embrace vintage fashion and culture, and there is a strong sense of nostalgia that keeps the spirit of past eras alive. However, while we may be drawn to the aesthetics of vintage style, most of us are not interested in reviving the values and social norms of those times. We are far more progressive in our thoughts and actions, choosing to reinterpret the elegance of the past while advocating for modern ideas of inclusivity, equality, and personal freedom.
I think the way the community engages may need to evolve with the times. New platforms, new formats, and new approaches to community-building will be key to ensuring that the vintage community doesn’t just survive but thrives in the years to come.
One positive thing I’ve noticed is the rise of smaller geographically-based groups. When I moved to Washington D.C., I joined the Monumental Retro Group and quickly made many friends. This group of amazing vintage enthusiasts organizes regular outings, events, dinners, and shopping excursions all with a vintage flair. In the U.S. especially I’ve seen multiple city/state-based groups pop-up over the years, and it warms my heart to see people who are dedicated to keeping this vibrant community alive as well as allowing an opportunity for meeting new people and making lost lasting friendships.
I want to hear your thoughts on this, have you also felt the shift in the community? How do you feel about the decline of vintage reproduction brands and bloggers? Have you found alternative sources for vintage-inspired fashion or content, or do you think this shift has affected your engagement with the community?
Do you believe the vintage community needs to be redefined to stay relevant in today’s world? If so, what changes or adaptations would you like to see in how we engage with vintage fashion and culture?
What role do you think social media platforms and in-person events play in keeping the vintage community alive? How can we foster more interaction and connection within the community given the decline in both areas?
Ultimately, the vintage community may never be as large or as visible as it once was, but that doesn’t mean it will disappear entirely. There will always be those who are drawn to the elegance, history, and charm of the past. It’s just a matter of finding new ways to express and share that love with the world.
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9 Comments
Christa
2nd Sep 2024 - 10:45 amSo I am newer to the community and I see that I struggle feeling isolated my only “friends “ of the community is here online mainly in your groups (patreon and fb) I wish there were events near me it would make it easier and more comfortable. I’d be willing to help out if there were any connections at all here. As far as fashion that has concern me too especially since being newer means I’m still building core pieces of my wardrobe and frankly still figuring out my style. ( I start mainly focused on 1940s then found I really liked the 30s . Recently the later 20s had intrigued me ) one way I’ve been coping is learning to sew my own clothes and to knit so I can maybe make some of the items I long for but can’t find; however that in itself poses obstacles such as finding fabric and patterns especially if you’re on the plus side of life like me 🙂 I have even seen reproduction fabric companies closing down too. I know the economy and inflation ( like the depression ) plays a role in the struggles of small companies and community members. People can’t afford as much as before and companies can’t stay open without them buying so it’s a double edged sword. Also I think the negativity creators received deters a lot of people from trying to create themselves. I know some instagram accounts I loved closed because of rude comments over and over , which is why some like myself won’t make our accounts public, the flip side of that many people don’t follow me so they never see anything I post, again isolation. I would love to help revive this life style , it means more to me than just pretty clothes, but I don’t know how.
Deborah Farthing
8th Sep 2024 - 1:17 pmI agree that I there are fewer blogs and bloggers are making fewer posts. I do follow a lot of vintage/historical accounts on Instagram and FB now than I ever did. The algorithms on social media though seem to push more accounts that I don’t follow and ads than the ones I do actually follow. It gets frustrating.
On the other hand, I’ve been fortunate to be a part of a group that was born during the pandemic and has evolved into a group that get together with at least once or twice a year for vintage events. A subset of that group lives close to each other and gets together at least once a month. So personally, I dress vintage more often now but still feel fairly isolated.
I think a part of the problem has been people who just feel the need to create chaos in groups with their negative posts, so of which are downright nasty. I know of several groups that shut down because of this type of behavior. You have been the target of several of these twats and it sickens me everytime that most of us just trying to learn and enjoy and someone just has to ruin it.
I do like that some creators have emphasized the positives of wearing vintage/second-hand clothing as a way to reduce waste. I recently did over a year of buying nothing new (just new to me) only what I could find in thrift stores, vintage stores, or online.
I think we all have had the experience of people saying they love our look but couldn’t possibly do it themselves. My pat answer is of course you can but in those few seconds I wish I had something more prepared to say or do that would help people take that first step.
Melanie
9th Sep 2024 - 1:10 pmI have been part of the vintage community in one way or another for 20 years. I think there are a few factors leading to the decline of the vintage community. I feel the younger generation doesn’t necessarily see the beauty of 1920’s-50’s vintage in the same way anymore. Fast fashion is how everyone gets their clothing – it’s cheap and easy. The vintage reproduction brands are not. Also, as far as bloggers and social media goes – there are only so many hair tutorials you can watch for a wet set or for victory rolls, etc. It becomes very repetitive and I’m sure for a lot of bloggers/social media influencers – boring.
I never felt welcome in certain areas of the vintage community. I have pretty much kept to myself. It wasn’t until I started seeing my own vintage inspired clothing that I actually felt like I belonged somewhere. The other groups were not inviting so I stayed away and found my people through sewing.
I think the vintage community is going through a change – like it does every few years. I am curious to see where and how.
Harmony M.
3rd Oct 2024 - 9:22 pmI have noticed a bigger shift towards a few elements: picking political sides and affiliations, influencers vs. enthusiasts, and the competitiveness that comes from that. Sometimes there is a lack of desire to want to engage with others if they don’t fit your own sub-niche.
Claudia
27th Oct 2024 - 7:35 amI’ve also noticed a decline certainly here in the States or at the very least a more clique-ish feel to the groups here – but I’ve also discovered a vibrant, diverse, and dare I say it “older” vintage enthusiast crowd in the UK and Germany. I’ve been a vintage enthusiast for many years, but I still keep searching for vintage plus-size and now older (I’m in my 50s) content – thank you for being one resource I keep coming to…
Roxann
17th Nov 2024 - 8:29 pmHi Christine – I have just subscribed as a Patreon, Ive been a fan of your site and recommended it highly frequently over the years..
I think there are several factors to be included into this equation. Firstly, there appear to be waves of interest in vintage clothing and I feel there are a variety of factors.
Firstly there is media, if a popular TV series especially when it has a long series run (like Downton Abbey) will inspire people to dress accordingly. At that time I had a request to make a “Downton Abbey” wedding style dress for second wedding in a plus size, and others I knew also wanted that vibe. So if there is at the time a TV series that is very popular, people will be more inspired by that series at the time. Cottage core became a really big thing past 2000 with the LOTR and Hobbit movies, then with series like Outlander and Harlots. And I heard others echo similar sentiments when The Crown first came out for 1950-160’s fashions.
Secondly, there is an uptick in interest in vintage fashion upon big anniversaries of major historical events. The end of WWII tends to trigger waves of interest and generation of public history events, and attending in fashion accordingly. Sometimes this translates into one incorporating vintage fashion into their daily life, but mostly not. However the interest is there, but the broader social lack of interest in history is a big factor, and so commemoration events tend to be attended by the lesser of the population.
Thirdly, the availability and economic situation is a very large factor. Global downturns make people prioritise downwards, and when this happens, as the margins for vintage style fashion brands depend on large turnover, if it drops significantly – the brand drops off. The vintage clothing brands are almost completely unaffordable for us Australians as once you do currency conversion a dress can cost up to $500, which is just not an option. The House of Foxy comes to mind here.
Lastly – there arent many videos showing others how to do the vintage look for those who struggle in certain areas. Eg, one thing I cannot nail is my hair! 1940’s is my ideal era, but I just cant get my hair to keep the style after a set, and I dont know why. Maybe its too long, but then I see others with long hair, and it works for her, and its easy to feel so deflated. I am quite uncordinated when itt comes to doing my hair, and its an obstacle I cannot overcome.
Here in South Australia – (Adelaide), we are home to the National Motor Museum and the Bay to Birdwood car run, it also has a costume component to it – however it is has been in the past incredibly size biased and original clothing biased. SO those of us who have to make our reproduction clothing always feel at a disadvantage. The iconic magazine look is what they seem to go for. Adelaide has a massive culture of Classic and Vintage car events, and until now – only one event has had a costume component to it, however I created and judged a costume comp for a National Morris rally in 2023 and in 2025 an 2026 the All British Day will run and judge a costume competition by myself and another. Until recently dressing in vintage clothing has not been a part of these vintage and classic car events and shows (except the Bay to Birdwood), so many patrons are excited this is coming to more smaller car events.
Overall I think the interest is there, but for many, at the end of the day many of us struggle to incorporate it into our every day life and so its easy for to abandon it except for special events. Just my two cents!
Beth
17th Apr 2025 - 12:51 amHi Roxann,
Bit of a late response, but I moved to Australia a few years ago, and have recently gotten back into vintage. I don’t know whether it’s just me, but I feel like the vintage clothing for sale here is a lot more limited than in other countries and I’ve often wondered why.
Perhaps it’s mostly related to the population size compared the US or UK or Europe? Or is there just less of a vintage culture here and has less survived because of it? Or perhaps just within the last 10 years since I last bought vintage, the availability of good vintage clothing has dramatically reduced everywhere, and I’m only just noticing. I have memories of ebay in the early 2010s and finding so many gems – and yet when I look now I find myself struggling to A) find something that isn’t XXS or XS and B) find something I actually like and isn’t wrecked and is located within Australia.
Also, I completely empathise with the lack of online help with hairstyling. I also have major problems with my set lasting. It’s so frustrating when it takes me an hour to set it and then it barely lasts the day.
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EM
13th Sep 2025 - 7:31 pmI agree with all of the above comments regarding the decline of the vintage community. Here in Canada it is even less so; major cities like Toronto have ‘a’ swing dancing group I believe. However in smaller Canadian cities, we are so spread out, it’s hard to find let alone connect with those into vintage. Pin up is big here in Western Canada; not really my bag but I appreciate the nod to the past and the glamour they infuse. I tried out a little vintage (ish)group when I first became interested in the culture, sadly the toxicity of one person made it disintegrate within a year. Now I wear it for me; not for how many Instagram likes it can garner. And as the world descends into madness, I find myself more and more reaching for that 1930’s bias cut day dress or 1940s tea dress and cardigan. 😉