Tips to Identify Vintage Clothing Labels in Thrift Stores

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Tips to Identify Vintage
Clothing Labels in Thrift
Stores
B L O G  |  H A V E N  H O U S E  T H R I F T  S T O R E S
https://havenhousethriftstores.com/
A brand’s tag and label speak volumes
to the clothing’s style and production
history. Vintage clothing is
technically a piece that is 20 years or
older. 
Unfortunately, they are never easy to
identify. When shopping in thrift
stores, you do not want to toss a dress
into your cart for purchase without
ever knowing its true value and
identity.
Here are some tips on what to look for
in vintage clothing labels.
1. Union Labels
Underneath the brand tag, look for a
“union” label. They are normally
square and about 1.5 by 1.5 inches in
size. Check for a union name like “The
Ladies Garment Workers Union” or
“L.G.W.U.”
This is proof that the item was made
and supported by a union that existed
in the U.S. before the success of
overseas clothing production in the
early 1980’s.
2. One Size Fits All
Most vintage clothing tags proudly
state “one size fits all.” This was a fad
in the 80’s. It was an era of oversized
tees, shirts, pants, dresses, bold belts,
leg warmers, and big hairs.
Everything was big, hence the tag “fit
all.”
3. Lot or Style Numbers
Vintage clothing labels often have an
additional tag that provides a “lot” or
“style” number.
Manufacturers before the
introduction of computers like to keep
track of their clothing production by
appending a numerical value to every
item produced, all for proper sorting
and distribution. 
The style number, on the other hand,
refers to that piece’s exact design. It
was a way for brands to document the
different styles of fashion they were
producing.
4. Extra Large Price Tags
Believe it or not, this was a trend in
the 80’s. When you find a vintage
piece in thrift stores with this kind of
tag, you have most likely scored a
deadstock item.
5. Labels Note Brand Cities or
Origin of Make
Vintage clothing almost always
appends the name of major urban
cities like New York, London, Paris,
and Italy in their tags.
While this is still being practiced
today, most garments are now made
in Asian countries.
In the 80’s, purchasing your season’s
styles from a brand that was made
and designed in a major urban city
was something to speak of. Women
wanted their clothing to be associated
with a geographic location because
there was exclusivity.
Styles and clothing from Paris stay in
Paris. The same is true in New York
and other major cities. They were not
duplicated and mass-produced for a
global fashion economy.
6. Label Typography
This one requires a more critical eye!
How can you differentiate the
typography today versus yesterday?
Vintage clothing labels were designed
reflecting the style of the era. 
Vintage clothing labels were designed
reflecting the style of the era. Popular
brands include Maxima and Another
Thyme. 
The “X” in Maxima is accentuated,
while the letters “A” and “T” in
Another Thyme are slightly bigger.
Also, the fonts are not a simple script.
Most have stylish font designs instead
of the standard Times New Roman.
With practice, you should be able to
master this technique! While thrifting
in vintage clothing stores, give every
label a second look to hone your
vintage shopping skills!
7. Made in Countries That No
Longer Exist
Clothing labels that state items were
made in a country that no longer
exits, such as Hong Kong British
Colony or Yugoslavia, are legit
vintage!
Yugoslavia was part of Russia, which
disappeared in the early 90’s. It was
renamed “The Federal Republic of
Yugoslavia,” which includes
Montenegro and Serbia. In 2003, the
words “Federal Republic” were
completely removed. 
They are now known as Serbia and
Montenegro. Therefore, if on your trip
to thrift stores you see a label that says
“Yugoslavia,” it was more than likely
made in 1992 or before.
Also, the British Crown Colonies of
Hong Kong, now known as Hong
Kong, ended in 1997, when the
country was handed to the People’s
Republic of China. If you see a tag that
says “The British Crown Colonies of
Hong Kong,” it’s likely a 23-year old
garment or older.
Even if you are not an expert, these
tips should help you spot vintage
clothing in thrift stores. 
Check out the Haven House branches
in Panama, Santa Rosa, and Destin
FL. We also have one in Lebanon, TN.
Keep an eye open for union tags and
New York, London, or Paris labels!
(850) 267-1061
PHONE NUMBER
https://havenhousethriftstores.com/
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