A Glossary of Essential Vintage Clothing Terms
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A Glossary of Essential Vintage Clothing Terms
If you've ever come across terms like "deadstock" or "true vintage" and wondered what they mean, this guide is for you. Here’s a handy glossary of the most important vintage-specific terms to help you navigate the world of vintage fashion.
1. Deadstock
Refers to vintage clothing that was never sold or worn. These pieces are often in pristine condition, sometimes even with their original tags attached. Deadstock garments are like a time capsule, offering a glimpse into the past with fabrics and styles that are often rare today.
2. True Vintage
This term refers to clothing that is at least 20 years old, made during the time period it represents. True vintage pieces are authentic relics of their era, as opposed to modern reproductions or vintage-inspired designs.
3. Reproduction (Repro)
A modern recreation of a vintage garment, designed to replicate the style of a particular time period. While reproductions aren’t “true vintage,” they allow people to wear vintage-inspired fashion without worrying about fragility or rarity.
4. Upcycled
Upcycling involves taking old or vintage clothing and transforming it into something new, often through redesigning or repurposing the garment. This sustainable practice not only saves clothing from landfills but also adds a creative twist to vintage pieces.
5. NOS (New Old Stock)
Similar to deadstock, NOS refers to vintage items that were never sold or worn but may have been in storage for years or decades. Often used in reference to shoes or accessories, these items are typically in mint condition, though some may show slight signs of aging from storage.
6. Patina
In the context of vintage clothing, patina refers to the natural wear and aging of a garment, which can include subtle fading, softening of fabrics, or other signs of time. A well-loved leather jacket, for example, might have a beautiful patina that adds character and tells a story of its history.
7. Made in USA (or country-specific labels)
Before globalization, many garments were manufactured domestically, and "Made in USA" labels were common on American-made vintage clothing. These labels often indicate higher quality manufacturing and are sought after by collectors for their historical significance.
8. Union Label
Found inside many vintage garments, especially from the mid-20th century, union labels indicate that the clothing was made by workers who were part of a union, typically in the United States. These labels can help date an item and are often seen as a mark of quality craftsmanship.
9. Provenance
This term refers to the history of ownership of a vintage item. Knowing an item's provenance can add to its value, especially if it has an interesting backstory, such as having belonged to a celebrity or being worn at a famous event.
10. 80s Does 40s (or similar)
A phrase used to describe a garment made in one era but inspired by the style of a previous one. For example, "80s does 40s" refers to clothing made in the 1980s that mimics the style of the 1940s. This was common as fashion trends from previous decades often reemerge in cycles.
11. Single Stitch
This refers to the type of stitching used on t-shirts before the mid-1990s. Vintage tees often have a single row of stitches on the sleeve and hem, unlike modern t-shirts that use double stitching. Collectors often look for single stitch as a sign of an authentic vintage tee.
12. Vintage-Inspired
While not technically vintage, this term refers to new clothing designed to imitate the style of a past era. Vintage-inspired pieces allow you to wear retro looks without hunting down true vintage garments, offering the same vibe with modern production techniques.
13. Deadstock Fabric
In addition to clothing, you’ll often hear this term in reference to unused vintage fabric. Designers or artisans might source deadstock fabric from old warehouses to create new items, giving a second life to materials that might otherwise go to waste.
14. Swing Tags
These are the original tags still attached to vintage clothing, usually indicating price, brand, or care instructions. Finding a piece with its original swing tags is rare and can significantly increase its value, as it suggests the garment has never been worn.