Underarm Fading

midwestdarling

Registered Guest
I have this amazing blue 1950's day dress that is made of mercinized cotton. It was described in the listing as amazing "vintage" condition, with no visable flaws. I got it for a steal, in my harder to find size, and opened the package to find that there was some light fading under only the left armpit. I contacted the seller but she said that because it was vintage I should accept the flaws? :(

Has anyone had any ever spot dyed with good results? It's not super noticable, but I'd like to know if I could even fix it, or if they're professionals that could do it for me?

Thanks in advance!
-paige
 
Argh.

I HATE this attitude that because it's vintage the normal rules of CONDITION don't apply. Vintage or not, she should have mention this fairly substantial flaw!!!

I can't help about the dye, unfortunately, but the seller's response really chapped me!
 
I HATE when people use " vintage condition" like that is supposed to cover their butts if something has flaws :teeth:
I'm always leary when people say that.

It's sellers like that, that give us honest sellers a bad name!

Personally, I would leave it as chances are that no one will notice the fading, especially if it's under one armpit. I've worn things with light yellow pit staining and no one has notice so a little fading should be alright :)

Lei
 
Spot dying is very tricky, and you risk having the final result looking worse than the original flaw. It's sort of like trying to spot clean satin - there's going to be a ring around the outer edge.

I'm in total agreement with Lei and Kristine. "No visible flaws" should mean just that, whether it's new or vintage. If you want to keep the dress in its real (as opposed to wishful thinking "great for vintage" condition) you don't have much recourse with the seller other than to leave the appropriate stars and verbal feedback. I think a long time before dinging stars and leaving neutrals, but your seller did not respond professionally to a valid issue.
 
I really have a problem with a seller who states there are "no visible flaws" when clearly there IS a visible flaw. "Vintage" has nothing to do with that. There's an awful lot of "vintage" out there that truly doesn't have any visible flaws. As Kristine points out, being vintage does not mean that buyers must expect a certain amount of flaws.

As far as I'm concerned, I base the price I am willing to pay for any item based on the condition of the item. While you might have loved the dress enough to pay $XX for it, would you have loved the dress enough to pay $XX for it, or only $X for it if you had known the true condition?

I'm no help on the dying issue, either, but I am with Lei - if the fading is light, no one probably will notice. And, as Maggie said - if you decide to keep the dress, you would be quite justified in leaving less than stellar stars and feedback.

Diana
 
I agree with Lei, Kristine and Maggie. No visible flaws means NO VISIBLE FLAWS!! I would be upset too!! Even if she did use the term "vintage condition", the No Visible Flaws cancels out any suggestion that there may be flaws due to it being vintage! I absolutely HATE when seller's pull that CRAP! If you are in love with the dress, keep it and wear it as is. Lei is right, chances are if it is only slight fade it won't even be seen as it is under the arm and you state it as light so I am assuming that it is nothing blaringly noticable. I don't suggest spot dying as you will never match the color exactly and even if you did it will still not look the same as the dress has aged and the dye under the arm will appear bright and new in comparison. It is not worth the headache.

If you really feel it is AMAZING and you got it for a steal and the fit is ideal, and the fade is only minor, just wear it and enjoy it. Alot of vintage has minor flaws and we wear it anyway. Afterall items made in the 1950's have been used and had a long life. No one will think anything of minor fade in the underarm area when you are wearing your amazing dress. This being said, the seller should have mentioned the flaws even if minor, there is no excuse for that. As a rule of thumb, I always ask questions on condition if the description is vague or contains the terms "vintage condition" or "as found condition". Also, if there is no condition chart it is also smart to inquire on any flaws as it is sometimes hard to discern what a sellers definition of "good condition" means.

Sorry you had a bad experience, and I'm sure your next will be much more pleasant. :D
 
I agree with everyone on both issues: the seller is in the wrong to have stated "no visible flaws" when there are, and if you opt to keep the dress, then you should leave appropriate feedback ("Item rec'd w/VISIBLE flaws....") and ding her on the stars. The point being that one may be able to accept flaws IF they are disclosed, but a seller's unambiguous statement of condition overrules, as Amber says, the "well, it's vintage, so you have to expect flaws" premise.

I, too, wouldn't try to spot dye, as you'll likely end up with a more visible issue, not less. And chances are nobody will notice the fading where it is. Depending on what color the dress is, I do have a suggestion, though. I have successfully used permanent fabric markers to touch up faded or discolored areas. You have to be very meticulous in matching colors, but markers are more forgiving, if you will, than dye. If you start on a spot and the marker is too dark, as long as you blot it before it dries you can lighten and/or blend the color. And I always test the color on a piece of paper or cloth and check it against the garment before I start. I would only try this if you think the fading is going to really bother you... Personally, I would wear as is and enjoy!
 
Amber, any craft store or a store like JoAnn Fabrics should have permanent fabric markers. I used to get mine at Ben Franklin's, and when they closed, I go to the local Michael's. You can get a set in varying color palettes, or single markers to match a specific item. They have a flat finish rather than a gloss finish like a Sharpie marker--which would show up as "shine" on most fabrics. You can touch up purses, shoes, hats, , etc. I really like the black ones for touching up black acetate linings that have small light spots or slight discoloration.

Tey don't always work wonders, but often you can make something look better than it did, if not perfect! They're not for large areas of defects, of course, but fine for those small touch-up jobs.
 
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