“Vintage” appears on labels, in shop names and in every second Instagram caption. But what does it actually mean? Is every used shirt vintage? And is vintage the same as second-hand or retro? Here is the honest answer, without the marketing fog.
Vintage: the short definition
In fashion, vintage refers to clothing that comes from an earlier era and is typical of its time. As a rule of thumb, a piece is vintage if it is at least around 20 years old. Anything older than 100 years is usually called antique.
It is not only about age, but also about character. A vintage piece tells you something about its time: the loose cut of a 90s sweatshirt, the large logo, the quality of the fabric, which would often cost more today.
Vintage, second-hand, retro – what is the difference?
- Second-hand simply means the piece has already had an owner. A sweater from 2022 is second-hand, but not vintage.
- Vintage is always second-hand, but also old enough to show a past era.
- Retro is new clothing in the style of earlier times. It looks old, but it is not.
In short: every vintage piece is second-hand, but not every second-hand piece is vintage.
Quite honestly: how the term is used in the trade
In the fashion trade, “vintage” is often used more loosely – also for used branded classics that are younger than 20 years but carry the style of past decades. That is not automatically dishonest, but you should know it.
We think what matters more than the exact year of manufacture is that you know what you are getting. That is why every description states the condition of the piece, and every item is checked by hand in six steps. This is how we check.
How to tell the age of a garment
An exact year of manufacture is almost never printed on the label. But there are clues that together give a good picture:
- Brand label: Many brands have changed their labels over the years – lettering, colour, additions such as “Polo by Ralph Lauren”. If you know the generations, you can roughly date a piece.
- Care label: Material, country of manufacture and the design of the care symbols reveal a lot. Older labels are often shorter and plainer.
- Cut: The 80s and 90s are mostly cut wider and longer, with lower-set sleeves. Today’s cuts are slimmer.
- Details: Zips, buttons and seams change over time. A metal zip from a well-known manufacturer is often a good sign.
- Signs of wear: Genuine patina – softly worn fabric, slightly faded colour – is hard to fake.
Why buy vintage?
1. Quality that has already proved it lasts
A sweater that has survived 20 years has passed its stress test. Many older branded pieces are made of thicker fabric and built more solidly than today’s mass-produced clothing.
2. One-of-a-kind pieces instead of mass production
A vintage piece usually exists exactly once. You will not be walking around in the same outfit as half the city.
3. More sustainable than new
Every garment that keeps being worn does not have to be produced new. Buying second-hand is one of the simplest ways to make your fashion consumption more sustainable.
4. Designer fashion at a fair price
Brands such as Ralph Lauren, Lacoste or Burberry cost a lot new. Second-hand you often get the same brand for a fraction of the new price.
What to look out for when buying vintage
- Condition: Read the condition note carefully. Small flaws are part of vintage, but you should know about them beforehand.
- Measurements instead of size: An old “L” often fits differently from a current one. Compare the measurements with a piece that fits you well.
- Authenticity: Fakes exist especially for well-known brands. Buy from sellers who check and stand behind their pieces. More in our guide Spotting genuine vintage pieces.
- Smell: A slight “wardrobe smell” can almost always be removed – our pieces arrive cleaned.
Frequently asked questions
After how many years is clothing vintage?
As a rule of thumb, from around 20 years. There is no fixed, legally binding limit.
Is vintage more expensive than second-hand?
Not necessarily. Rare, sought-after pieces can cost more. Classics such as polo shirts or sweatshirts from well-known brands are usually much cheaper second-hand than new.
Is vintage clothing hygienic?
Yes, if it is cleaned. All our pieces arrive cleaned. If you want to wash them once more yourself: inside out, 30 °C, not in the tumble dryer.
Ready for your first vintage piece?
Browse our vintage fashion or take a look at the Vintage Ralph Lauren Polo Shirts – probably the most timeless way in. Every piece exists only once.
