Reviving True Vintage Fashion in 78209
That old concert T-shirt in dad’s closet or the jacket in your grandparents’ cedar chest has made a comeback with today’s youngest generation of clothing buyers. Rag Parlor Vintage, located on Broadway in the heart of 78209, has become the go-to place for “old is new to me” attire. Its strategic location makes it easy for the store to reach its target demographic.
“We’re positioned very close to Trinity University, UIW (University of the Incarnate Word), and Alamo Heights High School,” said Beaux Rudkin, owner of Rag Parlor Vintage. “We do a lot of business with those students, plus the 24- to 35-year-old crowd living in the area.”
True Vintage Clothing
According to Beaux, not all old clothing fits the same “vintage” category. Rag Parlor focuses on what’s called “True Vintage.”
“The vintage industry has created genres that differentiate styles,” Beaux explained.
Beaux says most vintage shops in San Antonio carry T-shirts from the 1990s to the early 2000s, which fall into the “Streetwear” category. Many of these are either new or vintage-inspired designer tops. Beaux, however, seeks out and sells clothing made in the United States during the era of American union manufacturing.
“Rag Parlor highlights the evolution of American clothing,” Beaux said. “It’s rare for us to have anything that isn’t from here. The United States led the world in clothing manufacturing for a long time, producing high-quality, long-lasting items.”
Popular Finds
Shoppers at Rag Parlor Vintage often look for denim pants and jackets, overalls, flannels, and military clothing from the Korean and Vietnam wars. Nostalgic shirts featuring old logos and brands, along with authentic concert T-shirts, are also top sellers.
The Hunt for True Vintage
Beaux actively searches for vintage gems by visiting area thrift stores and tapping into Texas’s vast network of recycled clothing. He explained that Texas serves as one of the largest hubs in the world for recycled clothing. Tons of unwanted clothing flow to massive warehouses along the Texas border, where buyers from across the United States, Japan, and France pick out items to resell in their own countries.
When Beaux finds valuable pieces, he takes them to his home-based treatment center, where he cleans them using a mixture of boiling water, bleach, and OxyClean. He also works to repair clothes with holes, rips, and tears, ensuring they last for years to come.
“I work with a few specialists in town who are talented at repairing vintage clothing,” Beaux said. “They use old textiles they collect and then apply techniques such as classic barn repairs to Japanese Sashiko style to bring everything back to its original glory, from jeans to jackets.”
Turning Vintage into High-Value Items
Beaux’s efforts often pay off, with some pieces fetching hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
“I found a pair of 1930s French workwear buckle-back pants in an old barn in Pennsylvania,” Beaux said. “I had them repaired and sold them for $550 to the voice actor of Leonardo from the Ninja Turtles. Collegiate sweatshirts from the 1950s are another high-ticket item, selling for around $250. Many buyers from Japan resell them for as much as $3,200 U.S. dollars.”
Affordable Options and Discounts
Rag Parlor Vintage offers clothing at a variety of price points, making it accessible to many shoppers. The store also provides a 10-percent discount for students and a 15-percent discount for military members.
Beaux’s Journey Into Vintage Retail
Beaux discovered his love for vintage clothing while studying at Liberty University. He started a side business called Vagabond Vintage, flipping recycled clothing to college students. The name came from his habit of moving to new locations daily to avoid being kicked off campus by the police.
After returning to his hometown of Boerne, Beaux decided to open his first brick-and-mortar store in 78209.
“I saw that the ’09 area had an untapped market for vintage,” Beaux said. “There was a clear craving for a shop that felt unique and creative. When I looked at the amount of traffic on Broadway, I knew this was the best place for me.”
Always Something New at Rag Parlor Vintage
Rag Parlor Vintage constantly updates its inventory, offering customers a fresh selection with every visit. The store is located at 4719 Broadway. Check out their website at ragparlorvintage.com.
