Introduction

Vintage clothing can be a stylish and unique addition to any wardrobe, and it can also be a rewarding and lucrative business venture for those who know how to find and value vintage pieces. One way to identify vintage clothing is by examining the tag or label. In this guide, we'll explore the different types of tags that can be found on vintage garments and how they can help you determine the age and authenticity of a piece of clothing.

Types of tags

There are several types of tags that can be found on vintage garments, each with its own characteristics and features. Some common types of tags include:

• Care tags: These tags, which are often found sewn into the side seam or inside collar of a garment, contain information about how to care for the item. Care tags can be a good indicator of the age of a garment, as they were not widely used until the 1960s.

• Brand tags: Many vintage garments will have a tag with the brand name on it. This can be a good way to identify the age and authenticity of a garment, as certain brands are known for producing vintage clothing.

• Size tags: Size tags, which are usually found inside the collar or waistband of a garment, can also be a good indicator of the age of a piece. Size tags have changed over time, with different sizing systems being used in different eras.

• Union tags: Union tags, which are often found in vintage garments from the United States, indicate that the garment was made by a union worker. These tags can be a good indicator of the age and authenticity of a garment, as well as the country of origin.

Examining care tags

Care tags can be a useful tool in identifying vintage clothing, as they were not widely used until the 1960s. Care tags will usually contain information about how to care for the garment, such as how to wash and dry it, as well as any special instructions or warnings.

To examine a care tag, look for the following information:

• The country of origin: Care tags will often include the country where the garment was made. This can be a good indicator of the age of a garment, as certain countries have had a long history of clothing production.

• The fiber content: Care tags will also usually list the fibers that make up the garment. Natural fibers, such as wool, silk, and cotton, are more likely to be found in vintage clothing, while synthetic fibers like polyester are more common in mass-produced garments.

• The care instructions: Care tags will typically include instructions for how to care for the garment, such as how to wash and dry it. These instructions can be a good indicator of the age of a garment, as washing and drying methods have changed over time.

Examining brand tags

Brand tags can be a helpful tool in identifying vintage clothing, as certain brands are known for producing high-quality vintage pieces. To examine a brand tag, look for the following information:

• The brand name: A brand tag will usually include the name of the brand that made the garment. If you're familiar with vintage clothing brands, you may be able to identify the age of a garment based on the brand name alone.

• The country of origin: Some brand tags will also include the country where the garment was made. This can be a good indicator of the age of a garment, as certain countries have had a long history of clothing production.

Examining size tags

Size tags can be a useful tool in identifying vintage clothing, as sizing systems have changed over time. To examine a size tag, look for the following information:

• The sizing system: Size tags will usually include the sizing system used by the brand or manufacturer. In the United States, size tags have changed over time, with different systems being used in different eras. For example, the size 8 in the 1950s was equivalent to a size 4 in the 1970s.

• The measurements: Some size tags will include measurements for the garment, such as the bust, waist, and hips. These measurements can be helpful in determining the fit of a garment, as well as its age.

• The fit: Size tags may also include information about the fit of a garment, such as "relaxed fit" or "slim fit." This information can be helpful in determining the age of a garment, as fit preferences have changed over time.

Examining union tags

Union tags, which are often found in vintage garments from the United States, can be a good indicator of the age and authenticity of a garment, as well as the country of origin. To examine a union tag, look for the following information:

• The union logo: Union tags will usually include the logo of the union that made the garment. If you're familiar with the logos of different unions, you may be able to identify the age of a garment based on the union logo alone.

• The union name: Some union tags will include the name of the union that made the garment. This can be helpful in determining the age and authenticity of a garment, as well as the country of origin.

• The union number: Union tags may also include a union number, which is a unique identifier assigned to each union. This number can be helpful in determining the age and authenticity of a garment.

Examining other tags

In addition to the types of tags discussed above, there are several other types of tags that can be found on vintage garments. These include:

• Fabric tags: Fabric tags, which are often found sewn into the side seam or inside collar of a garment, contain information about the fabric used to make the garment. Fabric tags can be a good indicator of the age and authenticity of a garment, as well as the country of origin.

• Style tags: Style tags, which are usually found inside the collar or waistband of a garment, contain information about the style of the garment. Style tags can be helpful in determining the age and authenticity of a garment, as well as the country of origin.

• Manufacturer tags: Some vintage garments will have a tag with the name of the manufacturer on it. This can be a good way to identify the age and authenticity of a garment, as certain manufacturers are known for producing vintage clothing.

Tips for identifying vintage tags 

• Look for signs of age: Vintage tags may show signs of age, such as fading, discoloration, or fraying. These signs can be a good indication that a garment is vintage.

• Compare the tag to known vintage tags: If you have access to vintage garments with known tags, you can compare the tag on the garment you're examining to these known tags. This can help you determine the age and authenticity of the garment.

• Research the brand or manufacturer: If you come across a tag with a brand or manufacturer name that you're not familiar with, do some research to see if the brand or manufacturer is known for producing vintage clothing. This can help you determine the age and authenticity of the garment.

• Check the style of the tag: The style of a tag can also be a clue to its age. For example, tags that are printed on paper rather than fabric are more likely to be found on mass-produced garments, while tags that are printed on fabric or woven into the garment are more likely to be found on vintage garments.

• Look for inconsistencies: If you come across a tag that seems out of place or inconsistent with the garment, it could be a red flag that the garment is not authentic. For example, a tag that lists a brand or manufacturer that is not known for producing vintage clothing could be a sign that the garment is not vintage.

When examining tags to determine the age and authenticity of a garment, it's important to be aware of some common pitfalls that can lead you astray. Here are some things to watch out for:

• Reproduction tags: Some vintage reproduction garments will have tags that are designed to look like vintage tags. These tags can be difficult to distinguish from authentic vintage tags, so it's important to be aware of this possibility.

• Fake tags: Some counterfeit garments will have fake tags that are designed to look like authentic vintage tags. These tags can be difficult to spot, so it's important to be wary of tags that seem too good to be true.

• Misleading tags: Some vintage garments may have tags that are misleading or confusing. For example, a garment may have a tag with a brand or manufacturer name that is not known for producing vintage clothing, or a tag that lists a country of origin that does not match the style of the garment. It's important to be aware of these potential pitfalls and to do your research to confirm the age and authenticity of a garment.

Conclusion

Examining tags can be a helpful tool in identifying vintage clothing, but it's important to keep in mind that tags are just one piece of the puzzle. To accurately determine the age and authenticity of a vintage garment, it's important to consider a range of factors, including the construction and materials of the garment, the style, and any other identifying features. With practice and research, you can become an expert at identifying vintage clothing and finding hidden gems to add to your wardrobe or resell.