Shopping vintage is a skill — and like any skill, it gets better with practice and the right knowledge.
At Raghouse, we source directly from raghouses across Southeast Asia, which means we see thousands of pieces before a single item hits our floor. Here is what we have learned about finding great vintage, and how you can apply it to your own shopping.
Know What You Are Looking For
The best vintage shoppers walk in with at least a loose brief: a colour, a silhouette, a decade. It does not have to be rigid, but having a direction stops you from getting overwhelmed by volume.
Check the Construction First
Before you fall for a print or a logo, flip the garment. Check the seams, the stitching, the buttons. Vintage that is built to last will show it in how it was made — flat-felled seams, reinforced stress points, solid hardware.
Fit Is Everything
Vintage sizing runs all over the place. A label that says L might fit a modern S. Ignore the number, try it on, and think about whether the fit can be tailored if needed. A great tailor adds maybe 20 SGD to a piece and can completely transform it.
Trust Your Gut on Condition
Small flaws — a loose button, a light stain — are often fixable. But pilling, thinning fabric, or a bad smell that does not wash out are signs to leave it behind. We grade our pieces before they hit the floor, so you can trust that what you see at Raghouse has already passed a condition check.
Come Back Often
Our inventory turns fast. We receive new stock regularly and pieces move quickly. The regulars who shop with us know that the best finds go to those who show up consistently.