Known for his minimalist, comfortable womenswear as well as a range of sexually provocative ad campaigns that continue to generate conversation decades later, Calvin Klein initially experienced the garment industry as a child in his grandmother’s New York City tailoring business. He would one day establish a global fashion brand — the Bronx native led the designer jeans craze of the late 1970s, and vintage Calvin Klein skirts, jackets, day dresses and shirts, frequently created in soft fabrics and understated neutral hues, are still versatile components of everyday wear.
Klein was born in 1942. He joined his mother on trips to designer discount store Loehmann’s and visited his grandmother's seamstress shop, where he was able to witness the particulars of clothing design in his youth. As a teen, Klein started making fashion sketches and attended the High School of Art and Design and the Art Students League of New York. He graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 1963.
Klein worked with coat manufacturer Dan Millstein after his studies had concluded. In 1968, he partnered with his childhood friend, Barry Schwartz, and opened a small coat and dress shop in the York Hotel in Manhattan. Schwartz ran the business side of things while Klein took the reins on creative direction. The designer’s work was soon stocked at Bonwit Teller — and appeared in large ads in the New York Times — and in 1969, a model sported a Calvin Klein coat on the cover of Vogue.
During the 1970s, Klein added sportswear, lingerie, blazers and a range of stylish accessories to his lines of apparel. He became the youngest-ever recipient of the Coty American Fashion Critics' Award in 1973, winning again in both of the subsequent two years.
Klein’s debut of his now-revered blue jeans in 1976 was somewhat of a failure — they were too expensive, and buyers complained about the fit. Late one night at Studio 54, the designer heard about the benefits that a licensing deal with apparel manufacturer Puritan Fashions might bring him. Two years later, Klein inked that deal and sold 200,000 pairs of his jeans, which were produced by Puritan, in a week.
A large percentage of Puritan’s sales in 1978 owed to Klein’s blue jeans. This streak with denim carried on into the 1980s, when Klein would be competing with the likes of Jordache, Gloria Vanderbilt and other labels. Klein’s jeans were promoted in scandalous ads featuring Brooke Shields and others that were banned by television stations and challenged by politicians. The decade saw the debut of successful men's and women's underwear collections designed by Klein that were also the subjects of steamy marketing campaigns. Soon, Calvin Klein expanded to 12,000 American stores and retail locations in six other countries.
Though profits declined in the early 1990s, Klein saved the business with successful underwear, sportswear and fragrance lines. More controversial ad campaigns with up-and-coming models and celebrities like Kate Moss and Mark Wahlberg followed, also bringing fresh attention to the brand. In 2002, the Calvin Klein company was sold to Phillips Van Heusen Corp. Belgian designer Raf Simons was named chief creative officer at the brand in 2016.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Calvin Klein clothing, accessories and handbags.
1980's Calvin Klein Black Jacket
By Calvin Klein
Located in New Hope, PA
This 1980's Calvin Klein black jacket is a great transitional piece between seasons. It is light weight and easy to wear with a shawl collar and no closures. The jacket is unlined a...
Vintage Calvin Klein 1990s Black Lace Sexy Long Sleeve 90s Bodysuit Onesie
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy vintage rare early CALVIN KLEIN 1990s black lace bodysuit! All over black regal lace. Amazing bodycon fit, that is extremely versatile. Can eas...
1990s Calvin Klein Collection Ivory Silk Mini Skirt Or Strapless Top Unworn 90s
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic vintage 1990s unworn CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION silk mini skirt OR strapless top! This is one of those pieces that TRULY can be worn as wither a skirt or blouse, and looks like it ...
1990s Calvin Klein Collection Navy Sequin Sheer Chiffon Slip Dress
By Calvin Klein, Calvin Klein Collection
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Calvin Klein Collection dress from the 1990s is cut in a long, fitted slip silhouette with thin shoulder straps. It is made of navy sheer chiffon fully covered in small sequins....
1990s Calvin Klein Black Lace Vintage Bodycon Sexy Sheer 90s Crop Top Blouse
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy vintage 90s CALVIN KLEIN black lace cropped top shirt ! Features a fine soft lace that stretches to fit. Tailored body, with sleek long sleeves. ...
Vintage Calvin Klein Brown 1980s Glen Plaid Double Breasted 80s Wool Jacket Coat
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic early 1980s vintage CALVIN KLEIN brown glen plaid double breasted wool jacket coat! Classic silhouette with neutral colors of brown, tan and black throughout. Pockets at each si...
S/S 1995 Calvin Klein Kate Moss Runway Black Silk Satin Sleeveless Dress
By Calvin Klein
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Calvin Klein dress from the Spring/Summer 1995 collection is cut in a fitted knee-length silhouette with a clean sleeveless shape. It is constructed in black silk satin with a w...
Calvin Klein Burgundy Lattice Back Swim Suit 1990s Dead Stock 14
By Calvin Klein
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Calvin Klein Burgundy lattice back swim suit 1990s dead stock, marked size 14. Unworn tank style swimming suit with a lattice back. Pull on suit has a square neck line. Although it ...
NWT 1990s Calvin Klein Black Stretch Flare Maxi Swim/Beach Dress M
By Calvin Klein
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Calvin Klein beach dress from the 1990s is cut in a fitted black silhouette with a softly flared hem. It features a straight neckline with narrow shoulder straps and a clean, un...
1990s Calvin Klein Collection Sheer Black Wool Pleated Flare Skirt US 2
By Calvin Klein, Calvin Klein Collection
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Calvin Klein Collection skirt from the 1990s is cut in a flared, mid-length silhouette. Constructed in sheer black wool, fine accordion pleating runs evenly from the waistband t...
Calvin Klein 1990's Navy Blue Silk Evening Suit with Metallic Gold Trim
By Calvin Klein
Located in New Hope, PA
Calvin Klein designed this navy blue silk evening suit in the 1990's and it is a perfect example of his clean lined minimalist clothing. The jacket is trimmed in metallic gold braid...
1990s Calvin Klein Yellow-Green Dress & Jacket Ensemble
By Calvin Klein
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1990s Calvin Klein dress and jacket ensemble in a soft pale yellow-green. The sleeveless dress features a high boat neckline, clean lines, and a very simple silhouette that reflects ...
$580Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Calvin Klein Collection 1990s Burgundy Maroon Size 4 /6 Blazer Jacket
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 90s CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION burgundy / maroon virgin wool blazer jacket! Features a smart tailored fit, with three hidden buttons down the front....
1990s Calvin Klein Collection Cashmere Size 8 Brown Vintage 90s Jacket
By Calvin Klein, Calvin Klein Collection
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic vintage 1990s CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION brown cashmere blend jacket! Features the softest cashmere (47%), wool (30%), angora (20%), and spandex (3%) fabric. Sleek tailored fit. Zi...
Calvin Klein Women's High Waist Wide Leg Long Pants in Lined Wool Chiffon
By Calvin Klein
Located in valatie, NY
Calvin Klein Woman's High Wide Leg Long Pants in 100% Lined Wool Chiffon, With Concealed Button and Zip Fastening on the Side. These pants are a long women's trousers cut with a loos...
Calvin Klein SS1996 Wool Skirt Suit Set Blush Peach Double Breasted US6
By Calvin Klein
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare Calvin Klein Spring Summer 1996 skirt suit in blush peach, as seen in the original runway presentation on Amber Valetta, a defining piece from the collection that cemented Calvi...
Calvin Klein Black Lace Cocktail Dress, c. 1990s.
By Calvin Klein
Located in New York, NY
Calvin Klein Black Lace Cocktail Dress, c. 1990s. Calvin Klein Black Lace Cocktail Dress featuring low cut V-ncekline and shoulder pads. Beautiful Lace hem extends past chiffon linin...
CALVIN KLEIN Size 10.5 White Leather Hook and Loop Closure Lace Up Shoes
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Francisco, CA
CALVIN KLEIN lace up shoes in a white leather featuring a hidden lace up style, with a hook and loop closure, and a rounded toe. Made in Italy. Good Pre-owned Condition. Moderate We...
CALVIN KLEIN Chest Size 40 Brown Wool Blend Notch Lapel Sport Coat
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Francisco, CA
CALVIN KLEIN sport coat in a brown wool featuring a full liner, notch lapel, faux flap pockets, double back vent, and a double button closure. Excellent Pre-owned Condition. Marked...
CALVIN KLEIN Size L Cream Wool & Nylon Hooded Coat
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Francisco, CA
CALVIN KLEIN coat in a cream wool and nylon blend featuring a hood, double breasted style, and a button closure. Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: L Measurements: Shoulder: 1...
CALVIN KLEIN Size 8 White Linen Viscose Bermuda Shorts
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Francisco, CA
Calvin Klein Bermuda shorts offer a sophisticated look in crisp white. Made from a breathable linen and viscose blend, this pair features a fully lined design and a 13-inch inseam. ...
CALVIN KLEIN Size 44 Navy Wool Shawl Collar Sport Coat
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Francisco, CA
Calvin Klein wool tuxedo jacket. Rendered in a deep navy hue, it features a sleek two-button closure, elegant fabric buttons, and a classic tuxedo shawl lapel for a polished, timeles...
CALVIN KLEIN Size 38 Grey Speckled Wool Silk Sport Coat
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Francisco, CA
Calvin Klein sport coat features a classic two-button closure, notch lapels, and double vents. Crafted from a premium wool-silk blend, its charcoal base is beautifully elevated by a ...
Red silk top and skirt ensemble with black Polka dots Calvin Klein
By Calvin Klein
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Red silk top and skirt ensemble with black Polka dots. Black buttons on the left side of the top and the skirt. Fabric buttons on the cuffs. Shoulder-pad. Cut-work on the waist. Siz...
1990s Vintage Calvin Klein Collection Black and Brown Color Block Silk Top
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage Calvin Klein Collection black and chocolate brown silk blouse! Wonderful geometric print. Slightly flared sleeves, with a body hugg...
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC Raf Simons 2018 black side trim straight leg pants US0 XS
By Raf Simons, Calvin Klein
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC Raf Simons 2018 black side trim straight leg pants US0 XS Reference: CYVN/A00108 Brand: Calvin Klein 205W39NYC Designer: Raf Simons Collection: Fall Winter 201...
$122Sale Price|25% Off
2000s Calvin Klein Gold Cross Double Strap Flat Sandals
By Calvin Klein
Located in London, GB
2000s Calvin Klein Gold Cross Double Strap Flat Sandals, bronze metal buckle, gold and cream leather with gold details, made in Italy Size: 37 IT US 7 FR 38 JP 24 KR 240 Conditi...
Calvin Klein Cashmere Knit Ensemble
By Calvin Klein
Located in New York, NY
This wonderful Calvin Klein 2-piece cashmere ensemble has a floor-length fitted, yet flared skirt with a hem circumference measuring 96". The elastic waistband measures 24" - 26" com...
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC 2018 ANDY WARHOL red Cowboy print hoodie M
By Calvin Klein, Raf Simons
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC 2018 ANDY WARHOL red Cowboy print hoodie M Reference: YNWG/A00113 Brand: Calvin Klein Designer: Raf Simons Collection: 205W39NYC 2018 ANDY WARHOL Material: Cot...
F/W 2002 Calvin Klein Collection Runway Black Keyhole High-Slit Tunic Top
By Calvin Klein, Calvin Klein Collection
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Calvin Klein Collection tunic top from the Fall/Winter 2002 collection is cut in a long, straight silhouette with a floor-length hem and side slit. It features long sleeves, a h...
Calvin Klein 205W39NYC by Raf Simons Fall 2017 RUNWAY Yellow Faux Fur & PVC Coat
By Raf Simons, Calvin Klein
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fashion History: A famous piece from Raf Simons’s debut collection for Calvin Klein 205W39NYC, the Fall/Winter 2017 collection marked Simons’s first runway presentation for the Ameri...
2000S CALVIN KLEIN Burgundy Bias Cut Silk Crepe Back Satin Patchwork Cut-Out Go
By Calvin Klein
Located in New York, NY
2000S CALVIN KLEIN Burgundy Bias Cut Silk Crepe Back Satin Patchwork Cut-Out Gown With Very Full Skirt
$392Sale Price|20% Off
Calvin Klein Black Knit Sweater Vest Top, Size Small
By Calvin Klein
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: Featuring wool and cashmere blend, turtle neck, sleeveless vest top designed by Calvin Klein. The tags are missing. Size estimated by the measurements.
NWT S/S 2002 Calvin Klein Collection Runway Black Bodycon Flare Midi Dress 4
By Calvin Klein, Calvin Klein Collection
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Calvin Klein Collection’s Spring/Summer 2002 runway, this sheer black midi dress features a body-skimming silhouette with structured panel construction. The design includes shor...
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC Raf Simons brown leopard print pleated skirt US0 XS
By Raf Simons, Calvin Klein
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC Raf Simons brown leopard print pleated skirt US0 XS Reference: SNKO/A00586 Brand: Calvin Klein Designer: Raf Simons Collection: 205W39NYC Material: Polyester C...
Early 2000s Calvin Klein Grey Wool Mohair Double Breasted Mini Skirt Suit 2
By Calvin Klein, Calvin Klein Collection
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Calvin Klein grey wool-mohair skirt suit from the early 2000s is tailored with a subtle check pattern. The double-breasted jacket features a notched lapel, structured shoulders,...
CALVIN KLEIN Size S Black Charcoal Herringbone Toggle Closure Coat
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Francisco, CA
CALVIN KLEIN coat in a black and charcoal grey wool blend fabric featuring a herringbone pattern, hooded style, and toggle closure.Good Pre-Owned Condition. Signs of wear on faux lea...
$280Sale Price|20% Off
Calvin Klein Andy Warhol White Tank Top, Size Small
By Calvin Klein
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: The top features black and white American Flag, 1983 print on the front.
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC Raf Simons polyester bishop sleeve muumuu dress IT38 XS
By Calvin Klein, Raf Simons
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC Raf Simons navy polyester bishop sleeve muumuu dress IT38 XS Reference: CYTY/A00142 Brand: Calvin Klein Designer: Raf Simons Collection: FW 2017 Material: Poly...
Calvin Klein Faux Fur Coat
By Calvin Klein
Located in New York, NY
Before Calvin Klein established himself as an American Modernist designer, his company produced coats on 7th Ave. American manufacturers looked to Europe back in the day and this coat is obviously influenced by Gucci. This Calvin Klein faux seal fur coat...
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC Raf Simons black distressed satin patch washed jeans 31"
By Raf Simons, Calvin Klein
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC Raf Simons black distressed satin patch washed jeans 31" Reference: YNWG/A00174 Brand: Calvin Klein Designer: Raf Simons Collection: 205W39NYC Material: Cotton...
Calvin Klein Collection 1990s Size 6 Seersucker Utility Vintage 90s Vest Shirt
By Calvin Klein, Calvin Klein Collection
Located in San Diego, CA
Classic CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION for BERGDORF GOODMAN Size 6 seersucker utility vest top ! Features a thin seersucker print in blue and white. Hidden buttons up the front. Cargo style...
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC black lambskin leather straight leg utility pants IT40 S
By Raf Simons, Calvin Klein
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC black lambskin leather straight leg utility pants IT40 S Reference: CYTY/A00194 Brand: Calvin Klein Designer: Raf Simons Collection: 205W39NYC Material: Leathe...
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC Raf Simons 100% silk black leopard print shirt US0 XS
By Raf Simons, Calvin Klein
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC Raf Simons 100% silk brown black leopard print shirt US0 XS Reference: SNKO/A00600 Brand: Calvin Klein Designer: Raf Simons Material: Silk Color: Brown, Cream ...
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC RAF SIMONS blue floral jacquard sleeveless top Fr36 S
By Raf Simons, Calvin Klein
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC RAF SIMONS blue floral jacquard sleeveless top Fr36 S Reference: LNKO/A01704 Brand: Calvin Klein Designer: Raf Simons Material: Acetate Color: Blue Pattern: Fl...
CALVIN KLEIN Size M Olive Polyester Spandex Zip Up Jacket
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Francisco, CA
CALVIN KLEIN jacket in an olive polyester and spandex material featuring a front pocket, and zip up closure.Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: M Measurements: Shoulder:...
1980s Calvin Klein Gray Rayon Open Neck Maxi Dress
By Calvin Klein
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Calvin Klein maxi dress Gray rayon Open v neck Shoulder pads Stretchy pull-on style Size 6 Made in USA *Please feel free to contact us with the "Ask the Seller" link should you...
CALVIN KLEIN Size XL Black Merino Wool Knit V-Neck Pullover
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Francisco, CA
CALVIN KLEIN pullover in a black merino wool knit featuring long sleeves and V-neck. Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: XL Measurements: Shoulder: 19.5 inches Chest: 48 ...
$50Sale Price|20% Off
CALVIN KLEIN Size L White Blue Letters Cotton Long Sleeve Shirt
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Francisco, CA
CALVIN KLEIN long sleeve shirt in a white cotton woven fabric featuring a tiny blue letters print, slim fit, and button closure. Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Minor mark on front. ...
Calvin Klein, Black stretch dress
By Calvin Klein
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Calvin Klein, Black stretch dress in size US4/S. This item is new/unworn.
$161Sale Price|20% Off
CALVIN KLEIN Size XXL Black Polyester Multi-Pockets Jacket
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Francisco, CA
CALVIN KLEIN jacket in a black polyester fabric featuring multiple pockets, hidden hood, and zip up and snap closure.Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: 2XL Measurements: ...
$108Sale Price|20% Off
CALVIN KLEIN Size 40 Brown Polyester Notch Lapel Sport Coat
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Francisco, CA
CALVIN KLEIN sport coat comes in a black polyester velvet with a full liner featuring a notch lapel, flap pockets, double back vent, and a double button closure. Very Good Pre-Owned ...
$258Sale Price|20% Off
CALVIN KLEIN 'COLLECTION' Size 42 Grey Olive Abstract Polyester Sport Coat
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Francisco, CA
CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION sport coat comes in a gray abstract print polyester woven material with a full liner and includes a single breasted, single button hidden closure, notch lapel...
$144Sale Price|20% Off
CALVIN KLEIN Size 38 Grey Wool Notch Lapel Sport Coat
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Francisco, CA
CALVIN KLEIN sport coat in a grey wool with a grey liner and includes a single breasted, two button sport coat with a notch lapel.Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Minor marks. Marked...