Things You'll Need:
- Potentially vintage articles of clothing
- A keen eye for details
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Step 1
The font used on this tag is a big clue that it is a vintage piece!Does the garment still have its tags? Often, articles of clothing that have been around for a long time will have their tags torn or cut out, and sometimes they even fall out with age. If the tag is still present and intact, it can give you many clues as to the age of the garment.
Look at things like the coloring of the tag; is it obviously yellowed with age? Look at the fonts used as well. Certain styles of lettering were popular in certain eras and can be a big clue as to whether or not your garment is vintage.
Also keep an eye open for union labels, which are often sewn into side seams. These labels not only help to determine the age of a garment, they also point to quality materials and construction. -
Step 2
Also see what brand the item is. Some brands and stores are no longer in operation, so you know instantly that they are vintage. For example, if you find a sweater from Montgomery Ward, you automatically know that it is vintage, since the chain has been closed for over 20 years!
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Step 3
The heavyweight polyester with its bright, bold print help point to the age of this 1960s minidress.Take a look at the design of the garment. There are a lot of things that can serve as clues for dating the garment. Look at the fiber content of the fabric (polyester was HUGE in the 1960s and 1970s) as well as the colors and prints of the fabrics. Pay attention to how garments are cut and what details they are embellished with. (For instance, a pair of jeans with widely flared legs and a high-cut waistline are likely vintage 1970s.)
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Step 4
If you still can't decide whether or not your piece is vintage, ask around. Ask friends and family, and if none of them know, take plenty of good photographs and inquire online!
