The "Is It Vintage" Checker

Is It Vintage?

Answer a few quick questions and get an estimate of whether your clothing item is likely to be vintage.

1. Where was it made?

2. What does the care label look like?

3. Does the T-shirt or sweatshirt have single-stitch hems?

4. Does it have an older branded zip?

5. What does the brand label look like?

6. Does the sizing seem smaller than today’s equivalent?

7. Does it say “Made in…” somewhere prominent on the label?

8. Does it have an RN, CA, union or factory number?

9. How does the construction feel?

10. Do you know anything about its history?

Your Result

How does this checker work?

This tool uses common vintage-clothing clues such as label style, country of manufacture, stitching, hardware, sizing and construction.

None of these clues proves an item’s age on its own. Brands often reuse old logos, reproduction garments can mimic vintage construction, and some older garments have very modern-looking labels.

The result should therefore be treated as a guide rather than a professional authentication.