FAQs

What exactly is "vintage" clothing, and what eras does Three Rivers Vintage carry?

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.

How do I visit the shop? Do I need an appointment?

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 – Wednesday-Saturday, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET — but an appointment guarantees you dedicated, one-on-one time with our collection. For customers who cannot visit in person, our full collection is available online right here, and we are happy to assist by phone or email.

How do you select the items in your collection?

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.

Are your items cleaned and ready to wear?

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.

Do you buy vintage clothing and accessories?

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.

Do you work with costume designers and film productions?

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.

Can I shop online if I am not able to visit in person?

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. Our full collection is available to browse and buy right here on our website, and we ship within the United States. 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.

How do I know if a vintage piece will fit me?

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.

What is your return and exchange policy?

We accept returns on eligible items within 14 calendar days of delivery for online orders, or within 14 calendar days of purchase for in-store orders. To be eligible, an item must be unworn, unwashed, unaltered, and in the same condition you received it — unless it was marked Final Sale.

If the error is ours — the wrong item, a damaged piece, or something materially different from its description — we provide a prepaid return label. For change-of-mind returns, return shipping is the customer’s responsibility. Approved refunds are issued to the original payment method: allow 1–5 business days for inspection after we receive the item, plus 3–7 business days for your bank to post the credit.

Orders can be cancelled within 24 hours of purchase provided they have not shipped, and shipping damage should be reported within 48 hours of delivery with photographs. Full details are in our Return & Refund Policy.

What makes Three Rivers Vintage different from other vintage shops?

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.