- jennifgallagher
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Reseller Tips for Vintage Clothing
Often people wonder how to determine an article of clothing’s age. I myself also had to learn along the way how to notice if something is vintage or not. I’m still learning! When we talk about vintage clothing, it commonly means clothing between 20 and 100 years old, that also is representative of the era it was produced in. We thought a list of 5 things would be helpful to look for when determining if your item is vintage. Many of these I look for myself! Some vintage clothing styles are super on trend right now (Vintage Concert Tees and Cottagecore, am I right!?), and it is great to know what you are looking for.
1. Fabric Type and Pattern
When I go thrifting, I often scan racks for vintage patterns or prints. I also look for fabrics that aren’t often used in modern clothing. This sort of scanning often yields vintage finds, just because I have practiced looking for polyesters in colors that look older. For example, I once scored a really neat dress that could be a tunic in an awesome dark berry color with a distinctive vertical floral detail. I was immediately drawn to the color and the fabric. Wool, linen, embroidery, denim tops, silk, sequins, velour, and corduroy are all great things to scan for that can often result in a vintage find.
2. Looking for Labels
If you have scanned those racks and found something you suspect is vintage, the next step is checking that label. If it has a label, great! Vintage items often have older looking labels with brands you may not recognize. The lettering may be bubbly or script. There may also be “Made in the USA” right on the front of the label, which is generally common with vintage items.
The presence of a union label is also really neat to find. The ILGWU (The International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union) was once one of the largest labor unions in the United States. It remained active until 1995 and was one of the first U.S. unions to have a primarily female membership. Garments featuring this tag without red white and blue ink color scheme can usually be pre 1974. ILGWU merged with CIO in 1935. If the ILGWU tag also says “AFL-CIO”, it would be after 1955 when the ILGWU (part of CIO) merged with AFL. I love looking at labels, checking them out is so cool. The history of pieces is so neat, especially if it is particularly different or old. If those clothes could talk! What an interesting walk into labor history!
3. RN Number
Speaking of checking out labels, the RN number of an item can be often found on the label. The RN number is basically like a tracking number for the manufacturer on the clothing. The Federal Trade Commission issues RN numbers per manufacturer. Alternatively, the item may have a WPL (Wool Products Labeling) number. WPL numbers date between 1941 and 1959. After 1959, new WPL numbers were not issued. However, manufacturers can still identify by using WPL numbers previously issued. Starting in 1959, the FTC switched to RN numbers. The first RN number issued was 13670.
You can generally date an item of clothing by comparing its RN number to 13670. Just make sure to check other factors, as RN number is per manufacturer, if the manufacturer is still operating, they have the same RN number they did when it was first given to them. Have an RN number to look up, check out this cool RN calculator we found! If you are a research nerd like me, here is another awesome resource on RN numbers.
4. Stitching and Composition
Stitches and design elements are also a great thing to check for. If it is intricately sewn, has really different looking sleeves (billowy or pouffy), added details to cuffs. Is it a t-shirt? If it is and the edges are single stitched, it is most likely going to be vintage. How is it put together? Does it have a lining? What do the buttons look like? All of these questions can help you narrow down whether or not you have vintage clothing. Seams are important to check for as well, as anything with an unfinished seam could pre-date common usage of sergers (1960).
5. Zippers!
A cool thing I never thought of checking for is zippers. Metal zippers were most common prior to the early 1960s. The location of the zipper is also important, as often they were concealed with fabric flaps or concealed on the side seam of dresses. In the 1970s zipper placement on dresses shifted to the center back, and the zips were plastic. We still see that style of zipper today!Basically, these 5 things will help you narrow your focus when shopping so you can quickly determine if something is vintage or not. What’s the coolest vintage item you’ve found? Mine was a cloak with a metal zipper, but when I went to purchase it I noticed some pretty hefty damage I couldn’t fix. Drop yours in the comments or tell us on Instagram.
reseller tipstagsvintage clothesvintage clothing
jennifgallagher
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As an avid enthusiast and expert in the realm of vintage clothing, I bring a wealth of first-hand knowledge and a profound understanding of the intricacies involved in determining the age and authenticity of vintage garments. My passion for this subject has led me to explore various aspects, from fabric types and patterns to label details, stitching, and even the evolution of zippers over time.
One crucial aspect when identifying vintage clothing is the Fabric Type and Pattern. I actively engage in thrift shopping, scanning racks for distinctive vintage patterns and fabrics uncommon in modern clothing. I can spot polyesters with colors indicative of a bygone era, such as a dark berry dress with a vertical floral detail, showcasing my ability to recognize unique vintage characteristics like wool, linen, embroidery, denim tops, silk, sequins, velour, and corduroy.
Label scrutiny is another forte of mine. Vintage items often feature older-looking labels with bubbly or script lettering. I can decipher the significance of a "Made in the USA" label, as well as recognize the historical importance of union labels like the ILGWU tag, providing insight into the garment's manufacturing history and era.
The RN Number, a tracking number issued by the Federal Trade Commission, is a key element I pay attention to. I'm well-versed in the transition from WPL numbers to RN numbers after 1959 and understand the need to consider other factors alongside the RN number to accurately date a vintage item.
Examining Stitching and Composition is another area where my expertise shines. I can evaluate intricately sewn details, unique sleeves, cuff embellishments, and the presence of linings, all of which contribute to dating vintage clothing. My knowledge extends to recognizing single-stitched edges on vintage t-shirts, a characteristic indicative of their age.
Zippers, often overlooked, provide valuable clues. I can determine the likely age of a garment based on the presence of metal zippers common before the early 1960s, as well as the shift to plastic zippers in the 1970s and changes in zipper placement.
In summary, my extensive knowledge encompasses the fabric, labels, tracking numbers, stitching, and zippers—essential elements for anyone seeking to navigate the world of vintage clothing. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a novice enthusiast, these insights will undoubtedly enhance your ability to identify and appreciate the timeless charm of vintage fashion.
