Frequently Asked Questions
At Three Rivers Vintage, we define vintage as authentic, original garments and accessories produced between the 1860s and the 1980s — not reproductions, not “vintage-inspired,” but the real thing. Our collection spans over a century of fashion history, from the structured elegance of Victorian and Edwardian-era pieces through the glamour of the 1940s, the full-skirted silhouettes of the 1950s, the mod energy of the 1960s, the free-spirited bohemian styles of the 1970s, and the bold power dressing of the early 1980s. Every decade has its own story, and we love helping customers find the era that speaks to them.
Three Rivers Vintage operates on a “By Appointment Only” or “By Chance” basis. We strongly recommend calling ahead at (724) 264-4138 to schedule a visit and ensure we are open and ready to give you the full boutique experience. Walk-ins are always welcome during our regular hours — Tuesday and Wednesday, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM — but an appointment guarantees you dedicated, one-on-one time with our collection. For customers who cannot visit in person, we also offer select pieces through our Etsy shop and are happy to assist via phone or email.
Every single item in our boutique is personally hand-selected by owner Scott Johnson. We do not purchase in bulk or accept everything that comes through the door. Each piece is evaluated for its authenticity, historical accuracy, overall condition, and that intangible quality we simply call character — the thing that makes a garment truly special rather than merely old. Once a piece is accepted into our collection, it goes through a thorough preparation process: it is professionally cleaned or dry-cleaned, steamed, and carefully measured so that customers have accurate sizing information before they buy.
Yes, absolutely. One of the things that sets Three Rivers Vintage apart is our commitment to presenting every item in its best possible condition. Before anything reaches our floor or our online listings, it has been washed or dry-cleaned, steamed, and inspected. We want you to feel confident that what you are purchasing is not only beautiful but also genuinely wearable. That said, vintage garments are delicate by nature, and we always recommend following the care instructions provided with each piece to preserve it for years to come.
Yes, we are always interested in adding exceptional pieces to our collection. If you have vintage clothing, accessories, or collectibles from the 1860s through the 1980s that you are looking to sell, we encourage you to reach out to us by phone at (724) 264-4138 or by email at support@threeriversvintage.com. Please note that we are highly selective — we look for items that meet our standards for authenticity, condition, and quality. We do not purchase reproductions, fast fashion, or items in poor condition. We recommend contacting us before making the trip to the shop.
We do, and it is one of the aspects of our work we are most proud of. Three Rivers Vintage has built a strong reputation within the film and television industry as a reliable source for authentic period pieces. Our collection has been used by costume designers on major productions including Amazon Prime’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Mindhunter, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, and I’m Your Woman. If you are a costume designer, stylist, or production professional in need of historically accurate vintage pieces, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us directly to discuss your project’s needs.
Yes. While the in-store experience at Three Rivers Vintage is truly one of a kind, we understand that not everyone can make it to Grove City. We maintain an active shop on Etsy, where a curated selection of our pieces is available for purchase and ships nationwide. You can also follow us on Instagram (@threeriversvintage) and Facebook to see new arrivals as soon as they are added. If you spot something you love on social media that is not yet listed online, do not hesitate to reach out — we are always happy to assist.
Sizing is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — aspects of vintage shopping. Vintage sizing standards differ significantly from modern sizing conventions; a vintage “size 14” from the 1950s, for example, corresponds roughly to a modern size 8 or 10. That is why we carefully measure every garment in our collection and provide actual body measurements (bust, waist, hip, and length) rather than relying on the original size label. We always recommend shopping by measurements rather than by the tag, and we are happy to answer any sizing questions you may have before you purchase.
Because vintage items are one-of-a-kind and their condition is thoroughly described and documented at the time of sale, all purchases from Three Rivers Vintage are considered final sale. We take great care to provide accurate descriptions, measurements, and photographs so that you can make a fully informed decision before buying. If you have any questions or concerns about a specific item — its condition, measurements, or provenance — please reach out to us before completing your purchase. We are always happy to provide additional photos or information to ensure you are completely confident in your choice.
The difference comes down to curation, care, and passion. Many vintage shops operate on volume — the more items, the better. We take the opposite approach. Our collection is intentionally selective, built piece by piece over years of dedicated sourcing. Every item has been personally chosen because it is exceptional in some way — whether that is its construction, its rarity, its condition, or simply its undeniable style. Beyond the selection itself, we invest real time and effort into preparing each piece before it reaches you: cleaning, steaming, measuring, and documenting. The result is a boutique experience that feels less like thrifting and more like discovering a private archive — one where every single find is worth your attention.

