Not every brand gets better with age. Some do, though: their pieces were solidly made from the start, their style is timeless, and second-hand you get them for a fraction of the new price. Here are the vintage brands that, in our view, are worth it most – and what to look out for with each.
What makes a good vintage brand
- Quality: Fabrics and workmanship that last for decades.
- Recognisability: A logo or a style that never quite goes out of fashion.
- Value retention: Good pieces hardly lose value – some even become more sought-after.
Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren founded his brand in New York in 1967; the polo shirt with the little rider followed in the early 70s. Ever since, the brand has stood for American preppy style: polos, Oxford shirts, knitted sweaters, chinos.
Why vintage? Older Ralph Lauren polos are often made of dense piqué, cut more loosely and available in colours that no longer exist. Labels with the lettering “Polo by Ralph Lauren” are among the classics for collectors.
Look out for: clean, dense pony embroidery and neatly sewn-in labels.
→ Discover Ralph Lauren · Vintage Ralph Lauren Polo Shirts
Lacoste
Tennis player René Lacoste launched his shirt with the embroidered crocodile in 1933 – one of the first garments with a visible logo at all. The piqué polo remains the flagship to this day.
Why vintage? Second-hand Lacoste sweaters and sweatshirts are sturdy, simple and go with almost everything. Older knitwear often has a heavy, high-quality feel.
Look out for: The crocodile is embroidered in detail – teeth, scales and eyes are recognisable.
→ Vintage Lacoste sweaters & sweatshirts
Tommy Hilfiger
Tommy Hilfiger started in 1985 and became an icon in the 90s – large logos, red-white-blue, loose cuts. This very 90s look is in demand again today.
Why vintage? Original 90s sweatshirts with the flag have a look that new clothing hardly captures. They are often cut loosely and made of heavy cotton.
Look out for: the proportions of the flag and clean colour tones.
Burberry
Thomas Burberry founded his company in England in 1856 and invented the weatherproof gabardine fabric. The trench coat and the check pattern are world-famous.
Why vintage? Burberry stands for British elegance and high-quality workmanship. Older pieces often still carry the label “Burberrys” with an s – a hint at their age.
Look out for: The check runs cleanly through seams and pockets.
Moncler
Moncler was founded in 1952 in Monestier-de-Clermont near Grenoble – the name comes from the place. The brand became known for down jackets for mountaineers and is a luxury label today.
Why vintage? Moncler is very expensive new. Second-hand you get the same quality for much less – provided the piece is genuine.
Look out for: a neatly sewn logo patch and high-quality workmanship. More in our guide Spotting genuine vintage pieces.
Nike
Nike started in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports and has been called Nike since 1971 – the year the Swoosh was created. Vintage Nike from the 80s and 90s is a scene of its own today.
Why vintage? Retro fleeces, sweatshirts and track jackets with a large Swoosh and strong colours are more sought-after than ever.
Adidas
Adi Dassler founded Adidas in 1949 in Herzogenaurach. The three stripes are one of the best-known trademarks in the world.
Why vintage? Fleeces and track jackets from the 80s and 90s combine sporting history with a streetwear look.
Timberland and The North Face
Two outdoor brands with cult status: Timberland is best known for its yellow boots, and The North Face was founded in San Francisco in 1966. Vintage fleeces from both brands are warm, sturdy and timeless.
How to find your piece
All brands with us are checked by hand in six steps, and every piece exists exactly once. Browse vintage fashion or go straight to New in to see what has just arrived.
Note: OGFashioncheck is an independent second-hand retailer and is not affiliated with the brands mentioned.
