The Truth About Vintage

You’re browsing your local thrift store and find a piece that you really like, but you’re unsure if it’s authentic for its time. We’ve got some quick and easy ways for you to make sure your vintage is on point.

1. Check the Label

• Brands you’ve never heard of? It could be vintage.

• Look for "Made in USA"—a good clue it's pre-1990s.

• Older tags often feature cursive fonts or union labels, such as the ILGWU (International Ladies Garment Workers' Union) logo.

2. Inspect the Construction

• Metal zippers instead of plastic = older.

• Pinked seams (zigzagged edges) = often ‘50s/‘60s.

• No stretch? Most pre-1980s clothes won’t have spandex or elastane.

• No barcodes on tags = likely pre-‘80s or early ‘90s.

3. Look at the Fabric

• Heavier materials like wool, rayon, and true cotton poplin are signs that it’s an older garment.

• Prints like florals, geometrics, or novelty patterns can often point to a specific decade.

4. Date the Style

• Shoulder pads = often ‘80s.

• Bell sleeves or psychedelic prints = ‘70s.

• Mod mini cuts or bold A-lines = ‘60s.

• Bias-cut slips and muted satins = ‘90s.

Thrift stores are treasure troves for vintage clothing, especially if you know what to look for. Depending on the store, era, and location, you can often find stylish, high-quality pieces that are no longer mass-produced. Here’s a breakdown of popular vintage clothing items you can often spot in thrift stores:

🧥 Outerwear

• Denim jackets (especially Levi’s from the ‘80s/'90s)

• Leather jackets (look for worn-in moto or bomber styles)

• Wool overcoats (often from the ‘50s–‘70s, with quality tailoring)

• Vintage windbreakers (iconic ‘80s and ‘90s colorblock styles)

👕 Tops

• Graphic tees (band tees, brand promos, or quirky local prints that were only made once)

• Button-downs (plaid flannels, silky ‘70s disco shirts, Hawaiian shirts)

• Sweaters (chunky knits from the ‘80s, embroidered cardigans, Cosby-style pullovers)

👖 Bottoms

• High-waisted jeans (especially Levi’s 501s, mom jeans, wide-leg styles)

• Corduroy pants (classic fall staple in earthy tones)

• Vintage skirts (pleated wool, floral midi skirts, denim minis)

👗 Dresses

• 1960s mod dresses (bold prints, shift silhouettes)

• 1970s boho maxis (floral prints, prairie styles)

• 1980s power dresses (shoulder pads, cinched waists)

• 1990s slip dresses (minimalist and great for layering)

👞 Shoes

• Loafers and oxfords (classic leather designs)

• Vintage sneakers (Adidas, Converse, or rare brands)

• Chunky boots (combat, platform, or cowboy)

• Heels from the ‘60s–‘90s (kitten heels, slingbacks, chunky platforms)

🧢 Accessories

• Vintage bags (leather satchels, beaded clutches, fanny packs)

• Belts (tooled leather, wide cinch belts from the ‘80s)

• Hats (berets, bucket hats, vintage baseball caps)

• Scarves (silk printed scarves, knit wraps)

• Sunglasses (retro frames like cat-eyes or aviators)

👘 Unique Finds

• Letterman jackets or varsity sweaters

• Kimonos or housecoats

• Overalls or jumpsuits

• Military surplus (field jackets, camo pants)

• Costume pieces from retro eras (great for themed events or Halloween)