Buzz
Đà Lạt Market isn't just a place for indulging in cold climate produce or getting lost in a sea of flowers... it's also a paradise for vintage enthusiasts. Here, you'll find an array of clothing, shoes, handbags... that are simply irresistible. However, without proper selection skills, you might end up bringing home a bundle of overpriced 'treasures'.
1. Đà Lạt Market – Vintage Wonderland
Due to Đà Lạt's perennially cool climate, many visitors often forget to pack warm clothes. Perhaps that's why Đà Lạt's vintage market emerged, to provide a 'life-saving' solution for ill-prepared travelers. However, with increasing demand, Đà Lạt's vintage market has expanded significantly. Previously just a few small stalls near the staircase leading up and down the market, it has now been moved to the center with a considerable increase in the number of shops. While previously mainly clothing, Đà Lạt Market now boasts numerous stalls selling quality vintage shoes, handbags, and more.
If you're a fashion enthusiast who loves unique pieces, Đà Lạt Market is the place for you. Despite being second-hand, the items here are stunning, with many renowned international brands available at prices that will surprise you. With just 30,000 – 200,000 VND, you can find some fabulous items.
2. Pros and Cons of Buying Second-hand Clothes
Buying second-hand clothes isn't just about price. Many fashion enthusiasts are drawn to the uniqueness and novelty these items offer. The biggest advantage of purchasing second-hand items is that you can own a high-end piece at an incredibly low price. These items are often lightly used by their previous owners. With a bit of effort, you can find items that are nearly new at just a fraction of the original cost.
Sometimes your friends will be amazed by the outfit or dress you just bought because it's truly unique and hard to find a second one. That's the advantage of vintage stores.
Many clothes and accessories from abroad are found at Đà Lạt Market. You can't find these items in malls or stores across Vietnam, and if you happen to stumble upon them, the prices are usually quite high.
For those who follow the vintage style, the vintage market is the ultimate shopping destination to fulfill your passion. Flowery dresses, long, loose-fitting styles... are abundant in the vintage section. All you need to do is take your time to choose and bring home some sparkling pieces.
However, vintage items also come with many drawbacks. If you're not careful, you might end up bringing home a bunch of overpriced, low-quality items. Vintage items may entice you with their uniqueness and novelty, but they've been used before, so they're prone to tearing, fabric wear, and damage from excessive cleaning. Additionally, vintage items often come in only one size, so you may need to spend extra money to alter these outfits to fit you.
3. Tips for Buying Vintage Items at Đà Lạt Market
To ensure you get the best vintage items, you need to keep a few tricks up your sleeve:
Vintage shopping isn't for the impatient. It takes time to sift through the racks. Scanning through a sea of clothes in all sizes and colors can be overwhelming. Take breaks, stroll around Đà Lạt Market at night to refresh and recharge. Too much browsing can lead to decision fatigue and impulse purchases. Once you've made your selection, scrutinize every seam, button, and zipper. It's essential to avoid buying damaged or faulty items. Additionally, thoroughly inspect the fabric by stretching and pulling it to check for elasticity and durability.
If you want to buy designer items at Đà Lạt's vintage market, familiarize yourself with fashion labels. Designer brands often have distinctive characteristics, making them easier to identify. Since vintage items come from various sources, counterfeit items are not uncommon.
Pricing is crucial when buying vintage items. It's exhilarating to find treasures at unbelievably low prices. However, vintage sellers often mark up prices significantly. Just because they're vintage doesn't mean they're cheap. Don't assume that the price tag is fair. A word of advice: negotiate to pay one-third or half of the initial price offered by the seller when shopping for vintage items in Đà Lạt.
To find the best clothes when visiting Đà Lạt, you need to determine your style and body shape. Typically, vintage shops in Đà Lạt don't have fitting rooms, so you can't try on clothes. Another approach is to wear tight and neat clothes while shopping here. You'll find it easier to layer the desired clothing over your current outfit and see if it fits well. For more precision, bring a measuring tape with you when shopping. Just measure and you'll know if the item fits.
Because the vintage stalls in Đà Lạt are now centralized in the market's central area, lighting conditions can be limited, especially in the evening. Examine the items you intend to buy under white electric light or in daylight to ensure the true colors of the items.
Don't overlook the small details - that's the advice for you. The small details here refer to underarms, sleeves, seams, and stains. Examine these parts carefully to avoid items with stubborn armpit stains, loose seams, or noticeable stains on the garment. The stains you see are often difficult to remove. Therefore, don't believe the seller's words, carefully inspect the stains before deciding to buy.
With a few experiences above, hopefully, you'll be able to choose some fantastic items at Đà Lạt Market and enjoy this exciting shopping experience!
