How old are vintage clothes?

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.

Why is vintage clothing so expensive?

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.

Is vintage clothing secondhand?

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.

What clothes are considered vintage?

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.

How can I appraise my vintage Versace clothing?

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.

How can you tell if vintage clothes are real?

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.

How can you tell if clothes are actually vintage?

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.

What is vintage-style clothing called?

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.

Vintage Surf Clothing

Vintage Hawaiian Dresses

Vintage Surfing

70s Shirts

New Men's Turquoise Iolani Sportswear Hawaiian Footprint Surf Shirt - S, 1950s

$250

Size: medium; comparable to modern S

New Men's Turquoise Iolani Sportswear Hawaiian Footprint Surf Shirt - S, 1950s

Located in Tucson, AZ

¼” from underarm label: Iolani Sportswear (Hawaii) size: vintage size medium; comparable to modern

Category

1950s American Surfing Clothing

1950s Vintage Surf and Shore Hawaiian Silk Screen Print Dress with Bell Sleeves

$695

Size: XS-Small

1950s Vintage Surf and Shore Hawaiian Silk Screen Print Dress with Bell Sleeves

Located in Sparks, NV

Rare 1950s Hawaiian dress made by Surf and Shore in Honolulu. Mouth watering vintage hand pulled

Category

1950s American Kaftans

1950s Alfred Shaheen Surf n’ Sand Hand Printed Vintage Blue Cotton 50s Dress

$1,095

Size: Small

1950s Alfred Shaheen Surf n’ Sand Hand Printed Vintage Blue Cotton 50s Dress

By Alfred Shaheen

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic and super rare 1950s ALFRED SHAHEEN Surf n’ Sand hand printed cotton fit and flare dress

Category

1950s American Cocktail Dresses

Recent Sales

Surf Line Hawaii vintage shirt for men Gauguin print

Unavailable

Surf Line Hawaii vintage shirt for men Gauguin print

Located in San Francisco, CA

Vintage Surf Line Hawaii for Libery House 70s mens shirt. Polyester with the look and feel of raw

Category

1970s American Shirts

New Men's Pacific Sportswear Yellow Hawaiian Watercolor Crane Shirt – M-L, 1950s

Sold

Size: vintage medium; compare to M-L

New Men's Pacific Sportswear Yellow Hawaiian Watercolor Crane Shirt – M-L, 1950s

Located in Tucson, AZ

: 26 ¼” from shoulder, 28” from rear neck, 17” from underarm label: Hawaiian Surf by Pacific

Category

1950s American Surfing Clothing

Surf 'n Sand 1940s

Sold

Size: S

Surf 'n Sand 1940s

Located in Phoenix, AZ

A fine and rare vintage Surf 'n Sand 2pc. cocktail ensemble. Crisp Rayon print (green background

Category

1940s American Dress and Coat Ensembles

1950s SURF 'N SAND Hawaiian Cocktail Halter Dress

Sold

Size: 8

1950s SURF 'N SAND Hawaiian Cocktail Halter Dress

Located in Phoenix, AZ

Fine & rare vintage Surf 'n Sand Hawaiian cocktail halter dress. Authentic 1950s item made in

Category

1950s Cocktail Dresses

People Also Browsed

1950s Vintage Brown + Beige Wool Blazer Jacket Size XS

$350

Size: XS

1950s Vintage Brown + Beige Wool Blazer Jacket Size XS

Located in Sparks, NV

Darling vintage early-1950s blazer jacket in a beige and brown woven wool. Fully lined with front button closure. Light shoulder pads are sewn in underneath the lining. This has a ju...

Category

1950s American Blazers

Karl Lagerfeld Skirt with Handkerchief Hem

$875

Size: 42

Karl Lagerfeld Skirt with Handkerchief Hem

By Karl Lagerfeld

Located in Water Mill, NY

A gorgeous black wool jersey skirt from Karl Lagerfeld. It has a 2 1/2" wide waistband with overlapping pointed panels forming the skirt. It has a back zipper, front pockets and is...

Category

1990s French Skirts

Beautiful Bill Blass Vintage Sz 6 / 8 Navy Blue Silk Satin 90s Gown + Shawl

$2,450

Size: 6 / 8

Beautiful Bill Blass Vintage Sz 6 / 8 Navy Blue Silk Satin 90s Gown + Shawl

By Bill Blass

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful 1990s BILL BLASS Couture navy blue silk satin strapless mermaid gown and matching shawl. Strapless bodice features a super soft silk velvet in navy. Interior support holds ...

Category

1990s American Evening Gowns

1980s Yves Saint Laurent Ivory + Gold Vintage 80s One Piece Swimsuit

$745

Size: Small / Medium

1980s Yves Saint Laurent Ivory + Gold Vintage 80s One Piece Swimsuit

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful and classic early 1980s YVES SAINT LAURENT ivory / off-white and gold seashell print one piece halter swimsuit / bodysuit! Features a flattering ruched waist that hides any...

Category

1980s French Swimwear

Alaia Cape Sweater 1980s

$1,200

Size: One Size Fits All

Alaia Cape Sweater 1980s

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous red knit cape poncho by Azzedine Alaia. It is elbow length with a stand up collar and a subtle abstract horizontal pattern in rows around the cape. There is a zipper at ...

Category

1990s French Capes

Moschino Couture Embroidered Words Top and Skirt

$675Sale Price|30% Off

Size: XS, S, M

Moschino Couture Embroidered Words Top and Skirt

By Moschino Couture, Moschino

Located in Water Mill, NY

An extraordinary skirt and top set from Moschino Couture in grey with a touch of green jersey. They are simple pieces with intricate detailed at the front and back hemlines comprised...

Category

1990s Italian Skirt Suits

Gucci Silk Dress with Hardware and Cut outs

$3,800

Size: 40

Gucci Silk Dress with Hardware and Cut outs

By Gucci, Frida Giannini

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous grey silk jersey dress from Gucci. It is fitted with long sleeves and cut outs at one shoulder and side waist plus a slit along the front of one leg of the straight skirt...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Gianfranco Ferre Black Jersey + Pleather Sexy Vintage 1990s Dress

$580Sale Price|20% Off

Size: Small - Medium

Gianfranco Ferre Black Jersey + Pleather Sexy Vintage 1990s Dress

By Gianfranco Ferré

Located in San Diego, CA

Sexy vintage Gianfranco Ferre black jersey dress, with pleather details at bust and shoulder straps! Body hugging fit, that is very forgiving, yet extremely flattering! A definite he...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Evening Dresses

Paco Rabanne Paris Black Leather Shoulder Bag 1980s

$285

H 10 in L 10.5 in

Paco Rabanne Paris Black Leather Shoulder Bag 1980s

By Paco Rabanne

Located in University City, MO

Paco Rabanne Paris Black leather shoulder bag c 1980s The classic saddle style shoulder bag is covered in supple black leather. Designed with twin leather shoulder straps The fron...

Category

Late 20th Century French Structured Shoulder Bags

Vintage Azzedine Alaia 1980s Black + Nude Viscose 80s Mini Sweater Dress Tunic

$1,795

Size: One Size

Vintage Azzedine Alaia 1980s Black + Nude Viscose 80s Mini Sweater Dress Tunic

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in San Diego, CA

Sexy vintage 1980s AZZEDINE ALAIA black and nude viscose micro mini sweater dress / tunic! Features the most luxurious soft viscose rayon that drapes the body so beautifully. Dolman ...

Category

1980s Italian Mini Dress

Vintage Bob Mackie Size 14 Black Velvet 1990s Sleeveless Sweetheart 90s Gown

$1,995

Size: 14

Vintage Bob Mackie Size 14 Black Velvet 1990s Sleeveless Sweetheart 90s Gown

By Bob Mackie

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful vintage 90s BOB MACKIE black velvet sleeveless evening gown! Features a flattering satin lined sweetheart neckline and a thigh high slit that reveals just the right amount ...

Category

1990s American Evening Gowns

New Badgley Mischka Beaded Evening Dress Gown Sz 6

$1,050

Size: 6

New Badgley Mischka Beaded Evening Dress Gown Sz 6

By Badgley Mischka

Located in Conroe, TX

Badgley Mischka Gown Brand New with Tags Bead Trim on Bodice and around waist Zipper and Hook Closure Pleated Bodice V-Shaped Front and Back Top We are happy to provide measurements ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Evening Dresses

Chanel Lurex Linen Mini Tote

$2,450

Chanel Lurex Linen Mini Tote

By Chanel

Located in New York, NY

Chanel Mini Tote in lurex linen with gold leather lining. Linen is metallic gold with over quilting with signature chain handles. Charming miniature shopping bag size with logo clasp...

Category

1980s French Top Handle Bags

Yves Saint Laurent Padded Chinese Satin Coat Ensemble

$4,800

Yves Saint Laurent Padded Chinese Satin Coat Ensemble

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in New York, NY

Yves Saint Laurent Chinese Padded Satin Coat Ensemble with quilted ruby satin lining. It has a flared tent shape with strong shoulder line, Haute Couture in inspiration with a padded...

Category

1980s French Trouser Pant Suits

Iconic Gianni Versace Mens Bomber

$1,450

Size: 40L

Iconic Gianni Versace Mens Bomber

By Gianni Versace

Located in New York, NY

Iconic Gianni Versace Mens Bomber from the 1980's. Striped Charcoal Gray Wool cut with deep dolman sleeves and attached leather belt of smooth and faux alligator grains. Copper toned...

Category

1980s Italian Coats and Outerwear

CHANEL black silk SATIN SNAP BUTTON TRIM Sleeveless Cocktail Dress 40

$1,690

CHANEL black silk SATIN SNAP BUTTON TRIM Sleeveless Cocktail Dress 40

By Chanel

Located in Zürich, CH

Chanel sheath dress in black silk (100%). With slit neck, snaps trims, and lace underlayer around the hemline. Closes with snaps on the front. Lined in black silk (100%). Has been wo...

Category

Early 2000s Unknown Cocktail Dresses

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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 Vintage Surf Clothing

How old are vintage clothes?
1 Answer
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.
Why is vintage clothing so expensive?
1 Answer
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.
Is vintage clothing secondhand?
1 Answer
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.
What clothes are considered vintage?
1 Answer
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.
How can I appraise my vintage Versace clothing?
1 Answer
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.
How can you tell if vintage clothes are real?
1 Answer
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.
How can you tell if clothes are actually vintage?
1 Answer
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.
What is vintage-style clothing called?
1 Answer
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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