Overview
Vintage clothing is a popular trend among fashion enthusiasts, collectors, and those who appreciate high-quality craftsmanship and unique styles. To identify and date vintage clothing, there are several factors to consider, including the label, the style, and the quality of the garment.
One way to spot vintage clothing is to look for the “Made in USA” tag or an American flag on the label. This is because, in the 1960s, American-made clothes were the norm, with about 95% of garments produced domestically. However, the rise of factories and textile mills in Asia and Latin America in the mid-1970s led to a decline in domestic textile production, and by 1990, it was practically non-existent. Today, “Made-in-the-USA” tags are generally associated with clothing produced around the 1980s, although several slow fashion brands have started to resurrect American-made garments.
Mexican-made clothes also have a unique history. The surge in travel to Mexico around the 1950s led to a popularity of Mexican styles among American women, who brought back circle skirts and souvenirs. To date vintage clothing that’s Mexican-made, one could safely assume it’s from around 1950.
When identifying and dating vintage clothing, it’s important to consider the context of the garment’s production and the history behind it. By looking at labels, styles, and quality, fashion enthusiasts can appreciate the authenticity and collectible nature of vintage clothing.
