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African Vintage Clothing

809, Pair of African Clothes
809, Pair of African Clothes

809, Pair of African Clothes

$717

H 21.66 in W 23.63 in D 0.4 in

809, Pair of African Clothes

Located in Paris, FR

pair of very decorative African clothing.

Category

1950s Tunisian Tribal African Vintage Clothing

Materials

Cotton

Vintage Traditional African Embroidery Black Shirt
Vintage Traditional African Embroidery Black Shirt

Vintage Traditional African Embroidery Black Shirt

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Vintage Traditional African Embroidery Black Shirt. Black cotton shirt embroidered with white

Category

1970s African African Vintage Clothing

Spring 1994 Yves Saint Laurent YSL African Linen Jacket
Spring 1994 Yves Saint Laurent YSL African Linen Jacket

Spring 1994 Yves Saint Laurent YSL African Linen Jacket

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in Paris, FR

Yves Saint Laurent YSL Spring 1994 African linen jacket featuring geometric pattern, linen/flax

Category

1990s French African Vintage Clothing

African printed jersey dress Ken Scott
African printed jersey dress Ken Scott

African printed jersey dress Ken Scott

By Ken Scott

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

African printed jersey dress

Category

1970s Italian African Vintage Clothing

1980S Black Multi  African Hand Beaded Vest
1980S Black Multi  African Hand Beaded Vest

1980S Black Multi African Hand Beaded Vest

Located in New York, NY

1980S Black Multi African Hand Beaded Vest

Category

1980s African Vintage Clothing

Vintage African Print , Ivory Coast Couture Shift Dress
Vintage African Print , Ivory Coast Couture Shift Dress

Vintage African Print , Ivory Coast Couture Shift Dress

Located in London, GB

A wonderful vintage cotton dress by Lumiere Couture of the Ivory Coast , Africa. The dress is in

Category

1960s Ivorian African Vintage Clothing

1982 ISSEY MIYAKE African Samurai style RUNWAY top in woven mudcloth
1982 ISSEY MIYAKE African Samurai style RUNWAY top in woven mudcloth

1982 ISSEY MIYAKE African Samurai style RUNWAY top in woven mudcloth

By Issey Miyake

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Extremely rare Issey Miyake African Samurai-style tunic from the Fall 1982 runway collection. This

Category

1980s Japanese African Vintage Clothing

Comme des Garcons African Print Coat SS 2008
Comme des Garcons African Print Coat SS 2008

Comme des Garcons African Print Coat SS 2008

By Comme des Garçons

Located in Los Angeles, CA

African hair print panels, double-breasted front with white buttons, 3/4 length sleeves, and asymmetrical

Category

20th Century Japanese African Vintage Clothing

Moroccan Caftan Maxi Dress Kaftan Handmade in Morocco Africa
Moroccan Caftan Maxi Dress Kaftan Handmade in Morocco Africa

Moroccan Caftan Maxi Dress Kaftan Handmade in Morocco Africa

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

vintage exotic 1970s ceremonial caftan gown from North Africa, Morocco. This maxi dress caftan is made in

Category

20th Century Moroccan African Vintage Clothing

Yves Saint Laurent Unworn Beaded African Dress
Yves Saint Laurent Unworn Beaded African Dress

Yves Saint Laurent Unworn Beaded African Dress

By Alber Elbaz

Located in New York, NY

This semisheer dress is Alber Elbaz's contemporized take on Yves Saint Laurent influential African

Category

1990s French African Vintage Clothing

Moroccan Brocade Caftan Maxi Dress Kaftan Handmade in Morocco Africa
Moroccan Brocade Caftan Maxi Dress Kaftan Handmade in Morocco Africa

Moroccan Brocade Caftan Maxi Dress Kaftan Handmade in Morocco Africa

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

and red trim handmade in North Africa, Morocco. The luminous red and gold metallic caftan is made in a

Category

20th Century Moroccan African Vintage Clothing

Berber Tribal North Africa Moroccan Burnous Wool Cape
Berber Tribal North Africa Moroccan Burnous Wool Cape

Berber Tribal North Africa Moroccan Burnous Wool Cape

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

natural organic wool colors. The burnus (also called a selham) is long, hooded cloak worn in North Africa

Category

20th Century Moroccan African Vintage Clothing

Moroccan Caftan from North Africa, Morocco, Vintage Gold Kaftan, 1970
Moroccan Caftan from North Africa, Morocco, Vintage Gold Kaftan, 1970

Moroccan Caftan from North Africa, Morocco, Vintage Gold Kaftan, 1970

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

ceremonial caftan from North Africa, Morocco. Vintage exotic 1970s gold and silver brocade caftan gown. The

Category

1970s Moroccan African Vintage Clothing

Amazing Vintage Escada by Laurel African Checkered Print Corset Top
Amazing Vintage Escada by Laurel African Checkered Print Corset Top

Amazing Vintage Escada by Laurel African Checkered Print Corset Top

By Escada

Located in San Diego, CA

Incredible vintage 1990sLaurel, by Escada African-themed corset top! Black and white checkered

Category

1990s German African Vintage Clothing

Recent Sales

Women's Tribal African Loin Cloth/Skirt with Cowrie Shells
Women's Tribal African Loin Cloth/Skirt with Cowrie Shells

Women's Tribal African Loin Cloth/Skirt with Cowrie Shells

Located in Oradell, NJ

Offered for sale is this authentic women's tribal African loin cloth/skirt made of leather, multi

Category

20th Century African Vintage Clothing

1980's Mink Trimmed Crocodile Vest
1980's Mink Trimmed Crocodile Vest

1980's Mink Trimmed Crocodile Vest

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This extraordinary 1980's mink trimmed crocodile vest looks incredible with a fitted black turtleneck and black leggings. Add an ankle boot for lunch at L’Avenue and a stroll down Av...

Category

1960s South African African Vintage Clothing

1980s Jean Patou African Print Ensemble by Lacroix
1980s Jean Patou African Print Ensemble by Lacroix

1980s Jean Patou African Print Ensemble by Lacroix

By Jean Patou

Located in West Hollywood, CA

This remarkable silk African print Top and Skirt ensemble believed to have been designed by

Category

1980s French African Vintage Clothing

African Indigo Cotton Dress
African Indigo Cotton Dress

African Indigo Cotton Dress

Sold

Size: Free Size 0-12

African Indigo Cotton Dress

Located in New York, NY

made from antique hand tie-dyed indigo fabric from west Africa. This dress is cut loose and easy

Category

20th Century Central African African Vintage Clothing

African Block Printed Cotton Tunic Dress
African Block Printed Cotton Tunic Dress

African Block Printed Cotton Tunic Dress

Located in New York, NY

beads. Made from handwoven west African fabric printed by hand.

Category

Late 20th Century Central African African Vintage Clothing

Very Rare African Beaded Net Top
Very Rare African Beaded Net Top

Very Rare African Beaded Net Top

Located in New York, NY

Africa. They are not known for making beaded garments, just jewelry, so he asked them to create this, a

Category

Late 20th Century African Vintage Clothing

"Out of Africa"  Cashmere Sweater
"Out of Africa"  Cashmere Sweater

"Out of Africa" Cashmere Sweater

By Pat Baldwin

Located in New Hope, PA

This charming vintage Dalton super-soft cashmere sweater was embellished by the Pat Baldwin Company in the 1950's. Cherry red velvet ribbon edges the collar, front and cuffs of the s...

Category

1950s American African Vintage Clothing

Shamask African Inspired Sheath
Shamask African Inspired Sheath

Shamask African Inspired Sheath

By Ronaldus Shamask

Located in New York, NY

Ronaldus Shamask, painterly, abstract pattern, African inspired sheath dress. Earth tone, bateau

Category

1980s American African Vintage Clothing

Y-3 South African Football Field Mid Exclusive Size 7.5 Green Sneakers
Y-3 South African Football Field Mid Exclusive Size 7.5 Green Sneakers

Y-3 South African Football Field Mid Exclusive Size 7.5 Green Sneakers

By Y-3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO

Located in San Francisco, CA

Y-3 sneakers come in green tones, with golden and yellow details and high top. Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: 7.5 US Measurements: Outsole: 11 x 2.5 in.

Category

Late 20th Century African Vintage Clothing

African indigo peacock tapestry duster one size
African indigo peacock tapestry duster one size

African indigo peacock tapestry duster one size

Located in New York, NY

African indigo peacock tapestry duster one size

Category

1970s American African Vintage Clothing

Yves Saint Laurent African Dancer print dress
Yves Saint Laurent African Dancer print dress

Yves Saint Laurent African Dancer print dress

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

African print cotton Yves Saint Laurent gown from spring 1991. One strap at left shoulder. Gown

Category

Late 20th Century French African Vintage Clothing

HERMES vest rare scarf print TANZANIE  African animals  40  6
HERMES vest rare scarf print TANZANIE  African animals  40  6

HERMES vest rare scarf print TANZANIE African animals 40 6

By Hermès

Located in Miami, FL

Robert Dallet. Depicts East African Serengeti scenes - beautiful! 6 embossed grey buttons. Embossed

Category

Late 20th Century French African Vintage Clothing

1970s African Viscose Batik Maxi Dress with Lace
1970s African Viscose Batik Maxi Dress with Lace

1970s African Viscose Batik Maxi Dress with Lace

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Handmade 1970s African viscose bohemian printed maxi dress. Viscose batik with dramatic cream

Category

1970s Unknown African Vintage Clothing

Burke-Amey African Inspired Print Dress
Burke-Amey African Inspired Print Dress

Burke-Amey African Inspired Print Dress

By Burke-Amey

Located in New York, NY

Burke-Amey, empire waist dress with a combination of an abstract and figural, tribal inspired print. Batieau neckline and chiffon bodice , The rest of the dress is a textured cot...

Category

1960s American African Vintage Clothing

EMILIO PUCCI c.1960's Orange Multicolor African Leaf Print Silk Jersey Skirt
EMILIO PUCCI c.1960's Orange Multicolor African Leaf Print Silk Jersey Skirt

EMILIO PUCCI c.1960's Orange Multicolor African Leaf Print Silk Jersey Skirt

By Emilio Pucci

Located in Thiensville, WI

Vintage c.1960's Emilio Pucci African leaf signature print silk jersey skirt in shades of orange

Category

1960s Italian African Vintage Clothing

North Africa Berber Ethnic Moroccan Burnous Brown Wool Cape
North Africa Berber Ethnic Moroccan Burnous Brown Wool Cape

North Africa Berber Ethnic Moroccan Burnous Brown Wool Cape

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

burnus (also called a selham) is long, hooded cloak worn in North Africa and the Middle East. The hood is

Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan African Vintage Clothing

North Africa Moroccan Berber Tribal Burnous Brown Wool Cape
North Africa Moroccan Berber Tribal Burnous Brown Wool Cape

North Africa Moroccan Berber Tribal Burnous Brown Wool Cape

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

burnus (also called a selham) is long, hooded cloak worn in North Africa and the Middle East. The hood is

Category

1950s Moroccan African Vintage Clothing

Vintage leopard fur collar and pieces for arts and craft to wear or project
Vintage leopard fur collar and pieces for arts and craft to wear or project

Vintage leopard fur collar and pieces for arts and craft to wear or project

Located in Montreal, Quebec

Pieces of leopard fur Collar can be finished at clients request the cost is 200$ extra This is for arts and crafts and projects or as a decoration as is the skins are very supple an...

Category

1950s African African Vintage Clothing

Group of 9 Mbuti Textiles
Group of 9 Mbuti Textiles

Group of 9 Mbuti Textiles

Sold

H 25.6 in W 24.02 in D 1.19 in

Group of 9 Mbuti Textiles

Located in London, GB

. Before the colonial era, bark cloth was the main item of men’s and women’s clothing in Central Africa

Category

20th Century Congolese Tribal African Vintage Clothing

Materials

Natural Fiber, Glass, Oak

Set of 3 Mbuti Bark Cloths
Set of 3 Mbuti Bark Cloths

Set of 3 Mbuti Bark Cloths

Sold

H 38.19 in W 23.04 in D 1.19 in

Set of 3 Mbuti Bark Cloths

Located in London, GB

region of Africa. Before the colonial era, bark cloth was the main item of men’s and women’s clothing in

Category

20th Century Congolese Tribal African Vintage Clothing

Materials

Textile

Group of Three Mbuti Textiles
Group of Three Mbuti Textiles

Group of Three Mbuti Textiles

Sold

H 37.41 in W 26.38 in D 1.19 in

Group of Three Mbuti Textiles

Located in London, GB

. Before the colonial era, bark cloth was the main item of men’s and women’s clothing in Central Africa

Category

Mid-20th Century Congolese Tribal African Vintage Clothing

Materials

Textile, Oak

Group of Three Mbuti Textiles
Group of Three Mbuti Textiles

Group of Three Mbuti Textiles

Sold

H 37.41 in W 26.38 in D 1.19 in

Group of Three Mbuti Textiles

Located in London, GB

. Before the colonial era, bark cloth was the main item of men’s and women’s clothing in Central Africa

Category

Mid-20th Century Congolese Tribal African Vintage Clothing

Materials

Textile, Oak

South African 1970s Ethnic Cotton Caftan
South African 1970s Ethnic Cotton Caftan

South African 1970s Ethnic Cotton Caftan

Located in University City, MO

South African 1970s cotton ethnic caftan The handmade boho style caftan is designed with

Category

1970s South African African Vintage Clothing

Important Early Alexander McQueen fur jacket, 'Eshu' African Collection Fall 200
Important Early Alexander McQueen fur jacket, 'Eshu' African Collection Fall 200

Important Early Alexander McQueen fur jacket, 'Eshu' African Collection Fall 200

By Alexander McQueen

Located in London, GB

Alexander McQueen 'Eshu' Autumn/Winter 2000–2001 An early and rare Alexander McQueen black fur tribal jacket from the highly sought after 'Eshu' collection which was inspired by t...

Category

1990s British African Vintage Clothing

A Rafia Mini Skirt by Yves Saint Laurent - African Collection Circa 1967
A Rafia Mini Skirt by Yves Saint Laurent - African Collection Circa 1967

A Rafia Mini Skirt by Yves Saint Laurent - African Collection Circa 1967

By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche

Located in Toulon, FR

Circa 1967 France Rare black raffia skirt from Yves Saint Laurent's famous African collection

Category

1960s French African Vintage Clothing

African indigo peacock tapestry duster one size
African indigo peacock tapestry duster one size

African indigo peacock tapestry duster one size

Located in New York, NY

African indigo peacock tapestry duster one size

Category

1970s American African Vintage Clothing

1970's White Cotton African Kaftan With Trim
1970's White Cotton African Kaftan With Trim

1970's White Cotton African Kaftan With Trim

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Fabulous white cotton kaftan from the 1970's. The neck and sleeves trimmed with with thick blue and brown woven tape. The perfect piece for a bohemian look. Very forgiving fit. Hard ...

Category

1970s Kenyan African Vintage Clothing

1994s YSL Catwalk Yves Saint Laurent Silk African Dress
1994s YSL Catwalk Yves Saint Laurent Silk African Dress

1994s YSL Catwalk Yves Saint Laurent Silk African Dress

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in Paris, FR

sleeves, an african ethnic print. See Catwalk photos. 100% raw silk In excellent vintage condition. Made

Category

1990s French African Vintage Clothing

1960s Bill Blass "Patchwork" Style African-Inspired Coat Dress
1960s Bill Blass "Patchwork" Style African-Inspired Coat Dress

1960s Bill Blass "Patchwork" Style African-Inspired Coat Dress

By Bill Blass

Located in Gresham, OR

A fantastic 1960s Bill Blass for Bond Street cotton African-inspired batik print jacket in brown

Category

1960s American African Vintage Clothing

20th Century German Modernist Oil Painting African Ladies in Colorful Clothing
20th Century German Modernist Oil Painting African Ladies in Colorful Clothing

20th Century German Modernist Oil Painting African Ladies in Colorful Clothing

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Artist: Elisabeth Hahn (German 1924-2021), Elisabeth Hahn was born in Dortmund, Germany, where she began her artistic studies. In 1953, she moved to Paris. She continued her studie...

Category

20th Century Modern African Vintage Clothing

Materials

Oil

Vintage leopard fur collar and pieces for arts and craft to wear or project
Vintage leopard fur collar and pieces for arts and craft to wear or project

Vintage leopard fur collar and pieces for arts and craft to wear or project

Located in Montreal, Quebec

Pieces of real leopard fur This is for arts and crafts and projects or as a decoration as is the skins are very supple and malleable soft and fresh Hairs are not falling Great piece...

Category

1950s African African Vintage Clothing

1980s Saint Laurent Orange and Black African Print Cotton Blouse and Pant sets
1980s Saint Laurent Orange and Black African Print Cotton Blouse and Pant sets

1980s Saint Laurent Orange and Black African Print Cotton Blouse and Pant sets

By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1980s Yves Saint Laurent rive gauche orange and black african print cotton blouse and pant sets

Category

1980s French African Vintage Clothing

Vintage Gottex Yellow Cotton Pleated Blouse or Mini Dress Tunic
Vintage Gottex Yellow Cotton Pleated Blouse or Mini Dress Tunic

Vintage Gottex Yellow Cotton Pleated Blouse or Mini Dress Tunic

By Gottex

Located in Portland, OR

This is a great vintage Gottex yellow cotton tunic blouse that could be worn as a swimsuit cover up or even as a mini dress! The button front top has sewn in pleats, pleated shoulde...

Category

1980s South African African Vintage Clothing

Byblos Vintage Womens Silk Blend African Style Print Blouse
Byblos Vintage Womens Silk Blend African Style Print Blouse

Byblos Vintage Womens Silk Blend African Style Print Blouse

By Byblos

Located in Doncaster, South Yorkshire

bright pattern, inspired by African wax prints. Lightweight and perfect for spring and summer. Size

Category

1990s Italian African Vintage Clothing

Claire McCardell by Townley Vintage African Print Day Dress
Claire McCardell by Townley Vintage African Print Day Dress

Claire McCardell by Townley Vintage African Print Day Dress

By Claire McCardell, Claire McCardell Clothes by Townley

Located in US

Rare Iconic Vintage Claire McCardell by Townley African Print (Book Print) Pleated Tie Waist Hook

Category

1940s American African Vintage Clothing

1950s Black High Waisted Shorts with African Drum Novelty Print
1950s Black High Waisted Shorts with African Drum Novelty Print

1950s Black High Waisted Shorts with African Drum Novelty Print

Located in Yucca Valley, CA

Ultra adorable true vintage, 1950s black cotton high waisted short shorts. Such a great find! This piece features an ultra high waist, flared hips, super short length and side metal ...

Category

1950s African Vintage Clothing

Chantal Thomass, catwalk gown “African Summer” collection, Summer 92/93
Chantal Thomass, catwalk gown “African Summer” collection, Summer 92/93

Chantal Thomass, catwalk gown “African Summer” collection, Summer 92/93

By Chantal Thomass

Located in London, GB

The French fashion designer Chantal Thomass launched her label in 1975. At the end of the 70s together with figures such as Montana, Mugler and Kenzo that was celebrated for their ir...

Category

1990s French African Vintage Clothing

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African Vintage Clothing For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate vintage or contemporary piece of african vintage clothing for your needs in our varied inventory. Black is a pretty popular color, but we also have Gray, Brown, Beige and more in stock now. Finding the perfect item from our selection of african vintage clothing may mean sifting through those that were made during different time periods — popular versions were made as early as the 20th Century and a newer one, made as recently as the 20th Century, can also be found on the site. There have been many well-made iterations of this accessory over the years, but those made by Yves Saint Laurent, Morphew and Jean Paul Gaultier Soliel are often thought to be among the most stylish. If you’re browsing our inventory for these accessories, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for men and unisex.

How Much is an African Vintage Clothing?

Prices for a piece of african vintage clothing can differ depending upon size, designer and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $91 and can go as high as $16,500, while, on average they fetch $795.

Finding the Right Clothing for You

Start building your collection of covetable and iconic vintage clothing today — no matter where you roam, there is a curated selection of designer dresses and gowns, sweaters, shirts, dazzling shoes and more on 1stDibs that will keep you covered in the hottest styles from head to toe.

From elegant museum-worthy vintage Chanel dresses and jackets to audacious T-shirts and trousers from provocative punk designer Vivienne Westwood, one thing is abundantly clear: If the clothing for sale on 1stDibs could talk, it would certainly make a statement. 

For fashion lovers, the 1990s have become associated with styles adopted by today’s supermodels and influencers — think John Galliano and Roberto Cavalli — but maybe ‘80s accessories are among your (guilty?) pleasures. 

Playful, boldly colored coats and outerwear from Moschino, Ralph Lauren and other titans of the era can take a simpler ensemble to the next level, while chic and practical suits from the likes of Christian Dior and Balmain endure for haute couture advocates and beyond. 

And vintage is the name of the game on today’s red carpets, too. Celebrity stylists are turning to archival pieces created by the likes of Bob Mackie, Thierry Mugler and Jean-Paul Gaultier as alternatives to new gowns plucked straight off the runway. Wearing such sought-after items gives celebrities instant allure and suggests a personal style that’s not only achingly glamorous but intellectually informed and influenced by a love of craftsmanship. 

Those seeking contemporary luxury looks and in-demand street-style fits can indulge in designs by Bottega Veneta, Miu Miu and Loro Piana, while pieces from Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Versace endure as examples of fashion’s most covetable goods. 

The future — and glamorous past — of fashion is yours for the wearing. Find vintage clothing and accessories for sale on 1stDibs, including designs by Balenciaga, Valentino, Celine, Loewe and more.

Questions About African Vintage Clothing
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    African Kuba cloth is woven fabric made of raffia fiber that originates from the Democratic Republic of Congo. After weaving, the material undergoes a hand-tufting process that gives it colorful geometric patterns. Find a variety of Kuba cloth rugs, wall hangings and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
    Vintage clothes are usually 20 years old or older. Unlike jewelry, clothing is usually not referred to as antique. As a result, people usually use the term vintage to describe all garments produced at least two decades ago. In some cases, you may see clothing that is 100 years old or more referred to as historical or period clothes. Find a wide range of vintage apparel on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2024
    Vintage clothing is so expensive due to supply and demand. Many people love vintage apparel because it is unique, visually appealing and often features exceptional tailoring and materials. At the same time, only a limited number of pieces survive from previous eras, and those that do aren't always in good condition. As a result, the high demand and limited supply drive up prices. Shop a diverse assortment of vintage apparel on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    Clothes that are considered vintage are those that are at least 20 years old. Shoes, accessories and bags produced prior to 20 years ago may also be called vintage. You may sometimes see apparel that is over 100 years old referred to as historic or period clothing. Find a large selection of vintage apparel on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024
    Whether vintage clothing is secondhand varies. Vintage clothing is the term for apparel produced more than 20 years ago. Due to its age, vintage clothing was often preloved and worn by someone else. However, it is possible to find a small number of vintage items that are brand new with tags, indicating that no one has worn them previously. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of vintage apparel.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To find the value of a pair of vintage Versace clothing, experts suggest that you work with a certified appraiser. While some online resources are helpful when you’re looking for information about the value of an item, the suggested value you find may not reflect the actual value of your item. The actual value depend on a number of factors, including the shape your garments are in. You’ll find expertly-vetted vintage Versace clothing on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024
    You can tell if vintage clothes are real in a few ways. First, look inside pieces for labels. Union tags are usually a sign that a piece is vintage, and by researching the maker of your apparel and the evolution of their brand labeling, you can often estimate how old a particular garment is. Check the fasteners and fabrics for pieces you believe were produced in the early 20th century or before. Generally, older vintage clothing will have metal zippers and shell or metal buttons rather than plastic. However, keep in mind that any apparel that is more than 20 years old can be considered vintage. Since plastic became a commonly used material by the 1950s and ’60s, plastic buttons and other more modern features may not necessarily mean a piece isn't vintage. Because it can be difficult to date clothing on your own, consider having a certified appraiser or other knowledgeable expert assist you. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of vintage apparel.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    To tell if clothes are actually vintage, examine their details closely. Any article of clothing that is at least 20 years old is vintage, and fabrics, construction methods and styles have changed many times over the history of fashion. As a result, apparel from different decades and periods will have its own characteristics, and you may find it helpful to research what features to expect when dating apparel that you believe was made during a specific time, such as the 1960s and 1970s. However, there are a few signs that typically indicate that clothing is vintage. The first is the brand logo on the neck or waist tag. Many brands update their logos on a regular basis, so looking at images of a company's historic labels can often help you determine roughly when it made a particular piece. Other tags and markings can also be useful for spotting authentic vintage clothing. For example, since the Woolmark labeling system ended in 1999, finding a Woolmark logo inside a piece usually means it's vintage, as does the presence of Union tags. Checking the location of manufacturing can be helpful, too. If a garment was made in a country that no longer exists, such as Yugoslavia or West Germany, it would typically be vintage. A certified appraiser or experienced authenticator can be of assistance when trying to determine the date of a particular item. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of vintage apparel.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
    What vintage-style clothing is called varies. Vintage-style clothing is the term for apparel that draws inspiration from pieces produced 20 years ago or more. Some people refer to it as retro or retro-influenced clothing. Because it was manufactured more recently than authentic vintage clothing, clothing that is vintage style is classified as contemporary. Shop a wide range of vintage apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.

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