Learn How to Identify Vintage Clothing Brands and Build a Unique Closet

Are you interested in embracing the Y2K aesthetic? Have you always dreamed of living out your Stevie Nicks fantasy with the bohemian skirts of the '70s? If the modern styles just aren't doing it for you, it's time to shop at vintage clothing stores.

But with so many modern mimics and impostor brands out there, how are you supposed to tell if a garment is truly vintage? With our tips and tricks, you can learn how to identify vintage and retro clothing in no time—and discover the hottest vintage clothing brands along the way.

What Makes a Clothing Brand Vintage?

To qualify as a vintage clothing brand, the garments must be between 20 and 100 years old. The exact age is debated among vendors and antique mall visitors, but this definition is a widely accepted guideline. That means that to be called vintage, shirts, pants, and dresses had to be made before 2005—feel old yet?

It's important to note that just because you know the brand through a vintage lens doesn't mean every single item you find with its tag will actually be vintage. Plenty of favorite brands are still producing designs today, whether they reflect more modern styles or aim to bring back the trends of a past era with retro clothing pieces.

3 Reasons to Shop at Vintage Clothing Stores

Have you ever heard the phrase "fashion is cyclical"? Well, it's true! And we're happy to declare that vintage clothing brands are back in style. In fact, they never really left.

1. Vintage Clothing Brands Are More Sustainable

For a while, fast fashion was the new "it girl." It had cheaper options, all of the current trends, and a massive social media presence. It also had a hugely harmful impact on the Earth.

Luckily, after the pandemic, there's been a noticeable resurgence in trying to be environmentally friendly with our purchases! If you're interested in giving Mother Nature a chance, shop at vintage clothing stores for a more sustainable alternative.

Pro tip: If you discover a piece you love that has a little damage, you can always invest in an antique sewing machine and mend it right up!

2. Retro Clothing is More Unique

People who shop mass-produced fashion brands tend to blend together—if you want to stand out, it's time to shop at Melbourne antique malls and vintage clothing stores! These locations are filled with rare finds and one-of-a-kind retro clothing pieces that help show off your unique style.

3. Shopping Vintage is Fun

When it comes down to it, shopping secondhand is simply fun! Whether you're searching for something specific or just looking around on a whim, hunting through a vintage clothing store has a certain kind of magic to it that the retro clothing copycat storefronts don't. Embrace the whimsy that comes with Highland antique malls and search for new garments amongst countless collections instead.

Look for These Popular Types of Retro Clothing

When it comes to vintage clothing stores, there are a few designs that never go out of style:

• Carhartt pants

• Leather jackets

• Vintage graphic tees

• Oversized overalls

• Ugly Christmas sweaters

• Alumni sweatshirts

• Formal dresswear

Can Vintage Clothing Be Valuable?

The short answer—yes! Depending on rarity, condition, and era, certain vintage clothing designs can be extremely valuable. 

This rule doesn't apply to everything found at a vintage clothing store, as many of the pieces were mass-produced back in the day and are bought mainly for daily wear. But, if a garment from a vintage clothing brand is considered a "collectible" item and the owner has taken careful measures to preserve it, the piece could fetch a pretty penny at an Indiana antique mall or online auction.

How to Identify the Age and Value of Vintage Clothing Brands

Once you've been bitten by the vintage clothing brand bug, there's no going back. But shopping at vintage clothing stores can feel like it’s easier said than done. While you browse, use these five methods to find the age and value of the garment to determine whether or not it's worth buying:

Method #1: Examine the Tags and Labels

When you're thumbing the racks at the vintage clothing store, follow your instincts and always check the tag! Where it’s produced, when it was made, and vintage clothing brand names can all be the clues you need to identify a garment's value.

For instance, if your retro clothing says "made in the USA," it likely predates the '80s due to the push to move garment factories to Asia and Latin America in the '70s. If a label has an International Ladies Garment Workers Union logo, it was made between 1900 and 1995. The examples go on and on!

Pro tip: there are plenty of retro clothing label databases to help make research even easier—don't be afraid to check these archived tag and label resources to aid you while you make your decision.

What to Look for on Vintage Clothing Brand Labels:

• Brand names

• Manufacturing location

• RN numbers

• Sizing

• Lot numbers

• Care instructions

• Copyright dates

• Union labels

• Fabric composition

Method #2: Research Era-Specific Details

Give your vintage clothing brand pieces a closer look and zero in on the details. Every decade is known for its uniquely different designs, and every button, zipper, or pocket could help you identify which era your retro clothing was made during:

• Zippers: metal zippers were used in the '40s until they switched to plastic in the '70s

• Buttons: Bakelite was used in the '30s, Lucite in the '50s, and modern plastic in the '60s

• Lining: dresses without lining were likely made before the '70s, when women still wore slips

Method #3: Look At Fabric Quality and Construction

One of the main things that sets retro clothing apart from modern styles is the quality of fabric. Researching which fabrics were popular will help when you read a label. For example, more natural materials, like cotton or wool were popular before the '60s, while synthetics have been the preference ever since the '70s.

After a little practice, you can tell by feeling which pieces at vintage clothing stores are made with good materials and which are made with cheap, modern alternatives. While we always recommend sorting through every single piece on the rack, feel free to shop with your senses and buy designs that feel good on your skin!

Types of Seams Found in Retro Clothing

When it comes to retro clothing construction, seams are a great indicator of time period:

• French seams: a technique used before the 1940s, where the raw edges are enclosed within the seam for a durable finish

• Pinked seams: seam style made popular in the 1950s, where allowances are trimmed with pinking shears to stop raw edges from fraying

• Serged seams: a type of edge-finishing method that became standard in the 1960s, where edges are joined together and finished by a serger machine

Method #4: Research Similar Listings

Unless it's a handmade, one-of-a-kind piece of retro clothing someone's grandmother made for them, you have a good chance of finding similar garments online. If you've tried all the other methods and still can't quite get a handle on what it's worth, hit the online forums of your fellow vintage clothing brand fanatics and ask for help identifying—someone is bound to have the knowledge you need!

Method #5: Ask for Authentication

If you're shopping at a trustworthy vintage clothing store or Algonquin antique mall, you can often simply inquire for proof of authenticity before buying any retro clothing. Many reputable vendors will have done the heavy lifting of identifying vintage clothing brands for you—all you have to do is ask!

Best Department Store Vintage Clothing Brands

Now that you know a bit about identifying authentic vintage clothing, you deserve a little insider information on some of the most popular department store brands. The next time you head to your local Illinois vendor mall or vintage clothing store, keep your eyes peeled for these beloved names:

Liz Claiborne Clothing

Liz Claiborne is a name vintage clothing brand lovers know and adore—and with good reason! With a long history in the fashion business, Claiborne started her own label in 1976 with one goal in mind—to create mid-priced casual working clothes that were accessible and cute for all women. It closed in 2010—but not before launching multiple successful offshoot brands, such as her weekend-focused Lizwear. 

Ann Klein Clothing

Though she started out as a sketcher and accomplished junior designer, it wasn't until 1968 that Ann Klein founded her label. Her vintage clothing brand was known for using fabrics in untraditional ways, creating matching accessories for the garments and going off the idea of a "fully coordinated closet" where women could mix and match interchangeable pieces to their heart's content. It was successful throughout the tenures of different head designers, and Klein's legacy lives on.

Talbots Vintage Clothing

Talbots is a New England-based vintage clothing brand known for producing high-quality clothing aimed at women aged 45 to 65. Unlike many brands of this era, it’s dedicated to producing put-together looks for a range of body types, even releasing its own Petite Talbots line. If you love the coastal grandmother aesthetic, you'll enjoy the timeless style of vintage Talbots.

Eddie Bauer Clothing

Eddie Bauer has been one of the leading vintage clothing brands for durable and functional outdoor gear since the early 1930s. If you're stocking up for an upcoming camping trip or want to create a stylish hiking fit with retro clothing, Eddie Bauer designs what you need.

London Fog Clothing

The next time you're in the market for waterproof outerwear, head to your closest vintage clothing store and scour the hangers for a vintage London Fog design. Founded in 1923 in Baltimore, Maryland, the American manufacturer is best known for its patented removable liner found in a wide range of trench coats, rain jackets, and parkas. While the brand is still around today, you can't beat the quality and style of the vintage designs.  

Vintage Pendleton Clothing

Pendleton carries designs originally intended for cowboys and ranchers, but since its start in the fashion business in 1924, it’s been worn by everyone, from A-list celebrities to US Presidents and beyond. Its comfortable woolen shirts remain popular among fashion-forward men and women, making the brand popular with vintage and retro clothing shoppers.

Keep an Eye Out for These 3 Designer Vintage Clothing Brands

If a vintage clothing store specializes in consigning designer brands, you'll likely see these eternally popular names:

Vintage Prada Fashion

Founded in 1913 as a leather goods shop, Prada was first known for its array of travel accessories, such as handbags or its iconic trunk. When the owner's granddaughter took over direction in the mid-'70s and introduced nylon into its designs, the brand quickly became a big name in the world of high fashion. This even led to a menswear collection and secondary line, Miu Miu.

Look for the classic Prada label in stylish vintage boots, gauzy skirt overlays, and smart blazers in a vintage clothing store. You may strike gold!

Chanel Vintage Clothing

Coco Chanel and her predecessors are often thought of as the pioneers of women's fashion. Since 1920, the brand has designed understated, elegant, and comfortable clothing in a neutral palette. To elevate your closet ASAP, stop by a vintage clothing store and invest in a timeless LBD (little black dress, a term coined by Coco herself), matching tweed sets, or sophisticated quilted shoulder bags.

Dolce & Gabbana

Anyone who grew up reading Vogue in the '80s can tell you that Dolce & Gabbana is a must-own designer brand. With bold prints, dramatic silhouettes, and luxurious, soft-to-the-touch materials, the seductive designs from this retro clothing brand are the perfect statement pieces for glamorous dressers. Ask the vendor at the vintage clothing store if they ever stock this iconic brand!

Vintage Gucci Designs

Well-known for its innovative designs, distinctive brand patterns, and unbeatable opulence, vintage Gucci is one of the most popular retro clothing brands on the market. Ask to see the top ticket items at your favorite vintage clothing store, and you may discover a sophisticated Double G logo belt or a gold form-fitting silk dress!

Don't Forget About Accessories

No retro clothing look is complete without unique accessories! When you stop by a Crown Point antique mall for vintage clothing brands, consider picking up a few of these vintage designs to up your style game:

• Handbags

• Belts

• Hats

• Jewelry 

• Shoes

• Watches

• Sunglasses

Think of a vintage clothing store as a treasure trove. When you take the time out of your day to do a little digging, you may strike gold! With our tips for identifying vintage clothing brands and a little history of the most popular names in the fashion world, consider yourself an expert. Find all the retro clothing you could ever dream of at an America's Antique Mall today.