Vintage clothes have already lived a life — even when they have never been worn. Age, storage and previous ownership are part of their story, so vintage pieces should not be expected to look, feel or smell exactly like newly manufactured clothing.
Our playful names add a little Jolly personality, but every piece also has a clear condition grade. Always read the individual product description and look through every photograph before ordering.
Exceptionally well preserved for its age, with little noticeable wear. It may look almost unworn, although it remains a vintage garment rather than a newly manufactured item.
We use this grade when a piece appears especially crisp and has no significant flaws that we have identified.
Light signs of age, storage or previous wear may be present, but nothing significant that affects the garment’s overall appearance or ordinary use.
This may include very minor fading, light fabric wear, gentle bobbling or another small condition point that does not noticeably detract from the piece.
Visible signs of age or previous wear are present, but the garment is still wearable as sold.
These signs may include noticeable fading, marks, pulls, bobbling, fabric wear, older repairs or more than one minor flaw. The main points we notice will be described and photographed, and the condition will be reflected in the price.
The item needs repair, restoration, alteration or creative attention before ordinary wear.
This may include holes, open seams, damaged fastenings, significant marks or other issues that mean the garment is not being sold as ready to wear. This will be made clear in the product title, description and photographs.
We consider the garment as a whole rather than automatically lowering its grade because of one tiny imperfection.
A small hidden mark may have very little effect on the overall condition, while widespread fading, repeated fabric wear or several visible flaws may place a garment in a lower condition grade.
The location and effect of a flaw matter too. A loose thread inside a lining is different from damage across the front of a garment, even if both are technically signs of wear.
Before listing an item, we look over the areas most likely to show age, storage or previous wear.
Older clothing may have been shortened, taken in, let out, repaired or adapted by somebody who owned it before.
A thoughtful repair can form part of the garment’s history. Where we notice a repair or alteration that may affect its appearance, fit or use, we will include it in the listing.
Noticeable stains, holes, damage or missing components that we identify will also be described and photographed where possible.
Where it appears safe and suitable, garments may be washed, steamed, aired or gently refreshed before sale.
Some delicate fabrics, structured garments, embellished pieces and items without reliable care instructions are better left untreated rather than risk shrinking, colour loss or other damage.
Vintage clothing may retain a light wardrobe, storage, detergent, perfume, fabric or age-related scent. This can apply to previously worn garments, as well as unworn deadstock and vintage pieces that still have their original tags.
A garment may have spent decades stored in a wardrobe, loft, warehouse, shop stockroom or private collection. We cannot know or verify every environment it has previously been kept in.
A mild vintage or storage scent is therefore not normally treated as a fault. Any strong, unusual or particularly noticeable odour that we become aware of will be mentioned in the individual listing.
Please look through all product photographs, including close-ups of labels, fabric and any condition points we have noticed.
We try to represent colours and textures accurately, but they may appear slightly different depending on lighting, camera settings, screen brightness and the device you are using.
Close-up photographs can make a tiny imperfection appear more dramatic than it looks during ordinary wear. Some subtle marks may also be easier to see in person or under different lighting.
Deadstock, unworn and new-with-tags vintage pieces can be wonderfully preserved, but their labels do not make them equivalent to newly made clothing.
Even an unworn piece may show signs of long-term storage, such as creasing, dust, light fading, weakened elastic, small age spots, tarnished fastenings or a storage scent.
We assess these garments according to their actual present-day condition rather than relying only on the presence of original tags.
Although we check garments before listing and again while preparing an order, we may occasionally overlook something.
If your item arrives with a significant problem that was not shown or described, contact us as soon as reasonably possible.
Include your order number, a short explanation and clear photographs of the issue. We will review it fairly and explain the appropriate next step under our Returns & Refunds Policy .
Send us the product link and tell us which area you would like to see. We are happy to take another photograph, check a fastening or describe the condition or scent again where reasonably possible.
Ask about an item