Shopping for clothes at thrift stores can be a great way to score some amazing finds without breaking the bank. But, as one shopper noted, some clothes can come with their fair share of stains.
However, that doesn't mean they still can't be salvaged.
The scoop
TikToker and vintage clothing expert Hobby Bobbins (@hobbybobbins) highlighted a vintage wedding dress that she found while browsing through her local thrift shop. After noting that the dress was at least 50 years old, she was determined to bring it back to its former glory.
The only problem was the significant staining throughout the dress.
@hobbybobbins This vintage wedding dress I found at the thrift store has suddenly revealed an interesting problem. The staining isn't what I thought it was at all! I wonder how I'm going to get this one out? 😫 I believe this gown is from the late 1960s to early 1970s. I can't wait to see how it all turns out! For those of you who always ask what products I use, you can find them by going to @nelliesclean #1970s #weddingdress #vintagegram #vintage #vintageweddingdress #thrift #thriftstorefinds #thrifting #thrifted #stained #yellow #discolored #diy #clean #tips #wash #restore #parttwo #part2 #update #wash #diy #howto #athome #nellies #wowstick ♬ Lunchtime Naps - Age of Departures
"This vintage wedding dress I found at the thrift store has suddenly revealed an interesting problem," the TikToker wrote. "The staining isn't what I thought it was at all!"
After bringing the dress home, the TikToker got to work and washed the dress in her bathtub using a gentle cleaner. While noticing the progress she made after just the first scrub, she repeated the cycle, but she discovered some of the stains were caused by adhesive on the lace.
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In an update post, the TikToker revealed she removed the offending lace and adhesive, and the dress came out looking nearly brand new.
How it's helping
Repairing or upcycling clothing can offer unique rewards that some shoppers may overlook. Not only can you snag some vintage clothing at significantly lower prices compared to new items, but you can also give items a new lease on life and spare them an early trip to the local landfill.
According to Earth.org, over 100 million tons of textile waste are produced every year. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon can take centuries to break down, releasing heat-trapping gases such as methane and carbon dioxide in the process, contributing to rising global temperatures.
By restoring vintage clothing, you can replenish your wardrobe while helping reduce textile waste. If restoring isn't quite your thing, selling or recycling your old clothing can also help keep items out of the trash — and you could even pocket some extra cash.
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What everyone's saying
While restoring a stained wedding dress might seem like a lot of hard work, the process certainly left a positive impression on many users in the comments section.
"That is a beautiful dress," noted one user. "You always do an amazing job restoring."
"Wow! It's my goal to find my wedding dress 2ndhand," shared another. "This is inspiring!"
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