Fashion is taking turns that completely overturn its definition in itself, thus we talk about trends, sustainable fashion, eco-friendly, and also the term vintage. From the simplest definition, the concept of vintage clothing involves garments and accessories that are at least twenty years old.
Moreover, they are usually high-quality clothing items, historical brands, and of course in excellent condition and preservation, with a quite high price that may even be handmade, making them custom pieces that are truly unique.
What makes it clear that not everything old can be called vintage, thus we find retro trends, which are rather new pieces, but in designs inspired by specific moments in fashion that have left that mark; it is said that fashion is cyclical or simply that it comes back.
Collecting Vintage Pajamas
The idea of investing in these unique pieces that also have good quality has actually become more of a maneuver to always be in fashion with access to incredible brands. Clothing is starting to be seen as a whole asset that is also negotiable; for example, some pieces from Chanel, Hermés, or Pierre Cardin, among others, tend to increase in value as the years go by.
Of course, the value is directly related to the trends or related events, so a pajama worn by a movie star will have much more value than if it was simply just a piece of haute couture. It would be interesting to know the price of a pajama from the playboy magnate, which was auctioned off in 2018.
As a curious fact, Hefner, in his later years, explained that for him it made no sense to leave his pajamas in the closet, as he could afford to live his whole life in slippers, sleepwear, and with a pipe in hand. He was a true businessman, universally known, who also managed to conquer the erotic industry in the United States, as well as the female and corporate worlds.
So, acquiring a vintage garment necessarily requires a great knowledge of fashion, brands, and designers as well as their protagonists, because it is very easy to buy a current original piece, but it really takes a lot of effort to find a garment from a designer from twenty, thirty, or fifty years ago.
Connoisseurs in Context
Some connoisseurs only dedicate themselves to exclusively collecting haute couture clothing. Haute couture historically began with Charles Frederick Worth, an English gentleman who moved to Paris in 1845. The peak stage of haute couture occurred in the 1940s. In this context, the 1940s have been considered the last decade in which elegance predominated, especially regarding men's fashion.
The most common factor was tradition, which prevailed in the tastes of the majority of people, of course despite the existence of styles that were much more extravagant by the middle of the decade. A series of major events managed to overshadow the first half of it, which ended with the Great Depression and at the same time the development of World War II.
Before the war, Paris and Italy were the true leaders in the fashion world, but this leadership ended by 1939, just as the war began; designers had to focus their creativity on the robust and practical, beyond involving serious considerations of style.
A great effort had to be made to save materials. Double-breasted coats were no longer made, and the lapels were made narrower in order to optimize. Suits became two-piece, vests were considered a true unnecessary extravagance in wartime. Trousers lost the pleats that were so popular in the previous decade, in addition to having a design that was indeed narrower. But even so, the spirit could not die; elegance above all was that of gentlemen.
So, haute couture is, in a few words, design at a very superior level compared to made-to-measure fashion, made in a French maison. They are pieces with a true character of exclusivity made to measure, which represents a great deal of work, which can take many hours of tailoring until the product is perfect.
Important Guidelines
When buying clothing or any kind of vintage haute couture item, not only is exclusivity sought but also intrinsic quality, meaning that more and more pieces with history are being sought after, such as the pajamas of the magnate Hefner, from iconic fashion brands. In most cases, it goes far beyond the garment itself, as it is an investment in an essential part of the "history of fashion."
One must take the quality of the product into very serious consideration; of course, before the 1960s, the quality was supremely excellent, and it is evident that it may be difficult to find something so well made. Before 1920, it is very possible that the clothing is probably not so well preserved, so be careful with scams in this regard.
Hence, it is essential to know very well what is being sought and to have a very clear basis of how much it may cost.
It will be very important to take special interest in the details and conditions of the piece, that the item is in very good condition; finishing and crafting details, such as being well cut, not showing insect damage, that the color or the print are in good condition maintaining their brightness and saturation, if the embroidered details, buttons, and embellishments that the piece contains are complete.
Naturally, these pieces are generally sought after by collectors, more as a complex and exquisite taste for owning something with these peculiarities. Many enjoy mixing the old with the new since not all style can be in this vintage trend.
If It’s About Pajamas
Perhaps for most, wearing a vintage pajama may seem too outlandish or extravagant, but in short, it is about the ability to indulge in such pleasures. The most important thing is that the use of pajamas has once again become an essential piece in the wardrobe of today's man.
Investing in a quality pajama not only guarantees the image and style that a man who cares about every detail of his appearance should represent, but also the comfort and ease of sleeping that only a pajama can provide for a full night's rest.
Choosing this perfect pajama can be simple or a bit more complicated if you don't have an idea of the textiles that, along with the design, are not only elegant but also practical in fulfilling their purpose. That's why you can visit our website El Búho Nocturno where you will find many pajamas that you are sure to like.