Vintage Clothing Labels | How To Identify And Date Them
Vintage clothing can be a marvelous treasure trove of history, but how do you decipher the age or authenticity of what you find? Identifying and dating clothes from yesteryears involves knowing your way around vintage labels.
This blog aims to decode those elusive tags for you, helping transform you into an expert in no time. Excited yet? Let’s journey back in time to uncover these fashion secrets!
Key Takeaways
- Vintage clothing labels provide valuable information about the age and authenticity of a garment.
- Union tags, copyright labels, wool marks, RN numbers, and logo styles all play a role in identifying and dating vintage clothing.
- Researching label designs and logos, paying attention to specific details, and utilizing reference guides can help determine the approximate time period of popular vintage clothing labels.
- By understanding how to read label codes and studying different styles of labels. you can enhance your ability to identify and date vintage pieces.
The Importance of Vintage Clothing Labels
Understanding the Significance of Labels and how they Aid in Dating and Authenticating Vintage Clothing.
Understanding the Significance of Labels
Labels on clothes mean a lot. They can tell you when and where the clothing was made. You can find these labels behind or next to the designer’s tag. Take union tags, for example. They are usually square with a scalloped design.
If your garment has one of these, it means that a workers’ union made it. These tags can also help say real age of your vintage piece! Some other types of labels include copyright labels and wool marks which show the use of wool in the garment.
RN numbers on clothes tell who made them and how old they might be too! To know more about vintage clothing, learning to read label codes can be helpful.
How Labels Aid in Dating and Authenticating Vintage Clothing
Labels play a big role in finding out the age of vintage clothes. For example, union tags with a scalloped design show us that the item is old. These tags usually sit next to the designer’s label on an outfit.
They are square and around 1.5 inches wide. Union labels also tell us if a piece of clothing has ties to a certain group.
Clothes made of wool often have wool marks on their labels as well. Copyright labels can give away secrets too! The year written down on them can hint at how old the clothes might be.
Another clue lies in RN numbers found on clothing tags. They tell us about who made the garment and when it was made.
Careful study of logo styles will help you date vintage items better too! By learning to read these codes, we get inside info about an outfit’s true age and where it comes from!
Even something simple like noticing if a tag looks worn or old helps identify vintage pieces.
Tips for Identifying and Dating Vintage Clothing Labels
Research different label designs and logos, notice specific details and characteristics, and utilize reference guides and websites to help identify the age of vintage clothing labels.
Researching Different Label Designs and Logos
Studying label designs and logos plays a big role in identifying vintage clothing. Here are ways to do it:
- Look for union tags. These are often sewn next to the designer tag. They have a scalloped design.
- Check the tag condition. A worn or old tag can hint at vintage clothing.
- Identify logo tags on clothes. Different logos help to date vintage items.
- Look for wool marks on labels. This shows there is wool in the garment.
- Find RN numbers on clothing tags. They offer clues about when and where the clothing was made.
- Learn about copyright clothing labels as well, as the year noted can provide hints regarding the age of a piece.
- Study different styles of labels as they can indicate the age of vintage clothes.
Noticing Specific Details and Characteristics
To identify and date vintage clothing labels, it’s important to pay attention to specific details and characteristics. Here are some key things to look out for:
- Check for union tags: Look for scalloped union tags sewn behind or next to the designer/label tag. These tags can give clues about the age of the garment.
- Examine copyright labels: Take note of the year mentioned on the tag or a few years after. This can provide hints about when the vintage piece was made.
- Study label style: The design and style of the label itself can be indicative of its age. Look for changes in font, graphics, or placement over time.
- Consider tag condition: The condition of the tag, whether it’s old or worn, can also offer clues about the age of the clothing.
- Pay attention to logo tags: Different logo tags used by brands can help in dating vintage items as styles change over time.
- Look for wool marks: Wool marks on vintage clothing labels suggest that there is wool in the garment, giving you an idea of its composition and potential age.
- Identify RN numbers: RN numbers on clothing tags can help you identify the manufacturer and provide further insights into the age of the clothing.
- Decode label codes: Learning how to read clothing label codes can give you valuable information about the origin and age of vintage clothing.
Utilizing Reference Guides and Websites
To help identify and date vintage clothing labels, you can utilize reference guides and websites. Here are some tips for using these resources effectively:
- Online Vintage Fashion Communities: Join online forums or communities dedicated to vintage fashion. These platforms provide a wealth of knowledge and expertise, with members who can offer advice on identifying specific labels.
- Vintage Clothing Databases: Explore online databases that catalog vintage clothing labels. These databases often include images and information about different labels, allowing you to compare them to the ones on your garments.
- Book Recommendations: Look for recommended books on vintage fashion and clothing labels. These books often contain detailed information about specific brands and their label designs throughout different time periods.
- Museum Exhibitions: Check out exhibitions at museums or fashion institutes that focus on vintage clothing. These exhibits often highlight the history of various brands and their label styles, which can assist in dating your own pieces.
- Etsy Shops and Vintage Sellers: Connect with reputable Etsy sellers or offline vintage shops that specialize in curated collections. Many sellers have extensive knowledge of different labels and can guide you in determining the age of your clothes.
Popular Vintage Clothing Labels and their Date Ranges
Some examples of well-known vintage clothing labels and their approximate time periods include Levi’s, which has been producing jeans since the 1870s, and Chanel, known for its timeless designs from the 1920s onward.
Identifying and dating these labels can be done through careful research and paying attention to specific details and characteristics.
Examples of Well-Known Labels and their Approximate Time Periods
It’s beneficial to familiarize oneself with a variety of vintage clothing labels to help determine their age. Below is a table showcasing some well-known labels, along with their corresponding date ranges.
| Label | Date Range |
|---|---|
| Levi’s Big E | 1936-1971 |
| Chanel with a copyright logo | 1965-Present |
| ILGWU Union tags | 1900-2000 |
| Christian Dior “Cursive | 1947-1957 |
| Ralph Lauren with Polo Player | 1972-Present |
| Calvin Klein in block letters | 1978-Present |
This list is by no means exhaustive, but it should provide a starting point. It’s also crucial to remember that the condition of the tag, such as if it’s old or worn, can serve as an additional clue. For instance, union tags, usually square and about 1.5 inches on their sides, can certify the clothing’s connection to a specific union and help you pinpoint its age. Always bear in mind these details when inspecting a vintage piece.
Techniques for Identifying and Dating these Labels
To identify and date vintage clothing labels, here are some helpful techniques:
- Look for union tags: Check for scalloped union tags sewn behind or next to the designer/label tag of the garment. These tags can indicate the age of the clothing.
- Note copyright labels: Pay attention to the year mentioned on copyright clothing labels. It can provide clues about the age of the vintage piece.
- Examine label style: The style of the label itself can be an indicator of its age. Different eras had distinct label designs, so familiarize yourself with different styles.
- Consider tag condition: The condition of the tag, whether it’s old or worn, can also help identify vintage clothing.
- Recognize logo tags: Learn to recognize different logo tags on clothing as they can give you insights into when a vintage item was made.
- Wool marks: Look for wool marks on vintage clothing labels, as they suggest that the garment contains wool.
- RN numbers: Take note of RN numbers on clothing tags as they can help identify manufacturers and provide further clues about age.
- Learn label codes: By understanding how to read clothing label codes, you can gain insight into both the age and origin of vintage clothing pieces.
Conclusion
In conclusion, identifying and dating vintage clothing labels can be an exciting and valuable skill. By researching different label designs and logos, noticing specific details, utilizing reference guides and websites, we can determine the approximate time period of popular vintage clothing labels.
Paying attention to union tags, copyright labels, logo tags, wool marks, RN numbers, and clothing label codes can all help us identify and date our precious vintage pieces. So start exploring your wardrobe now for hidden treasures!
FAQs
1. How can I identify and date vintage clothing labels?
You can identify and date vintage clothing labels by looking at the design, typography, and information on the label. Researching specific brands or consulting reference materials can also help determine the time period.
2. Are there any common features or symbols to look for in vintage clothing labels?
Yes, some common features or symbols to look for in vintage clothing labels include union tags, care instructions in different languages, copyright or trademark symbols, and specific logo designs associated with certain eras.
3. Can I use online resources to help me identify and date vintage clothing labels?
Yes, there are various online resources available that provide information on vintage clothing labels. These resources often offer guides, images of different label designs from different decades, and tips for dating them accurately.
4. Why is it important to know how to identify and date vintage clothing labels?
Knowing how to identify and date vintage clothing labels can help collectors determine the authenticity and value of their garments. It also adds historical context to the piece of clothing and enhances appreciation for its uniqueness
