Vintage Clothing Style: What It Is, How to Identify It, and Why You Should Sell It

More and more people are drawn to the vintage clothing style—whether to dress differently, sell unique items, or simply for the aesthetic. But questions often come up: what is vintage clothing style, how do you recognize it, and is it really profitable today?

As vintage wholesalers, we’ll explain clearly and practically how vintage clothing looks, how to identify it, and how you can use it to start or grow your resale business.

What Is the Vintage Clothing Style?

The term vintage is often used, but not always correctly. So let’s start by clarifying what vintage clothing style means and how it differs from retro or old clothes.

Vintage is not just old clothing

Vintage clothing refers to authentic garments produced in past decades, typically between the 1920s and 1990s, that have been preserved in good condition. It’s not just old clothes, but pieces that reflect the spirit, quality, and fashion of their time.

To be considered vintage, a garment usually:

• Is at least 20 years old, but less than 100 (over 100 is considered “antique”)

• Was made in its original time period

• Represents a trend or iconic element of a specific decade

Vintage, retro, and second-hand: what’s the difference?

• Vintage: Original items from a past era

• Retro: New pieces inspired by vintage design

• Second-hand: Pre-owned, but not necessarily vintage

So when people ask what defines vintage clothing, think about original 70s dresses, 80s jackets, Levi’s from the 90s, or authentic band tees—unique, iconic and full of personality.

Key Features of the Vintage Clothing Style

To recognize a vintage piece, you need to understand how the vintage clothing style looks and feels. While each decade has its own aesthetic, here are some traits most vintage garments share.

Authentic and long-lasting materials

Vintage items are usually made from thicker, more durable fabrics, such as:

• Heavy cotton

• Pure wool

• Natural silk

• Classic polyester blends

These materials, when well maintained, age beautifully and hold their structure.

Construction details that no longer exist

Many vintage pieces have sewing details or finishes rarely seen today:

• Fabric-covered buttons

• Reinforced seams

• Hand-stitched embroidery

• Original metal zippers or snap closures

These details reflect quality craftsmanship and era-specific techniques.

Patterns and cuts that define a decade

Every era has its look—and this is key when learning how vintage clothing style is expressed:

• 1950s: flared skirts, fitted waists, polka dots and florals

• 1960s: mini skirts, straight-cut dresses, bold colors

• 1970s: bell-bottoms, printed shirts, flowing fabrics

• 1980s: shoulder pads, neon colors, oversized jackets

• 1990s: graphic tees, plaid shirts, ripped denim

Knowing these references helps you spot items worth reselling.

Tags, origin, and production clues

Want to know what is truly vintage clothing? Look at the label:

• Does it feature a now-defunct brand or old logo?

• Does it show sizing or country names that are no longer used?

• Is the tag stitched by hand or in an outdated style?

These small clues help confirm authenticity.

How to Identify Genuine Vintage Clothing

If you want to resell or specialize in vintage fashion, being able to tell the real thing from retro-inspired fakes is essential.

Start with the label

Look for:

• Old-school fonts and logos

• Size formats different from today’s (e.g., “size 40” instead of “M”)

• Tags indicating countries that no longer exist (e.g., Made in West Germany)

Check the fabric and finishing

Vintage items often have heavier, more structured fabrics and detailed inner construction:

• Lined interiors

• Hand-finished seams

• Metal buttons or zippers

If it feels “cheap” or overly synthetic, it probably isn’t vintage.

Compare the design with actual decades

A “70s-style” dress that’s ultra-slim and has modern stretchy fabric? Likely just retro.

If you're not sure, compare with catalogs, magazines, or Instagram vintage accounts for reference.

Look for natural signs of aging

Some wear is expected—and often welcomed—in real vintage:

• Slight fading

• Minor tag fraying

• Discreet signs of repair or customization

If it looks too perfect and claims to be from the 70s… it probably isn’t.

Why Is the Vintage Clothing Style So Popular Right Now?

Vintage fashion isn’t just a trend—it’s a cultural movement. Here’s why it’s thriving:

Authenticity over fast fashion

In a world of mass-produced clothes, many people crave unique, character-rich pieces. Vintage gives them exactly that: a way to express themselves differently.

Sustainable fashion values

Buying vintage means:

• Reusing existing garments

• Avoiding unnecessary production

• Supporting circular fashion

It’s an ethical choice with real style.

High demand and good profit potential

Vintage isn’t just cool—it’s also profitable:

• Customers will pay more for original pieces

• Demand continues to grow, especially online

• Some items even gain value over time

If you want to build a strong resale business, vintage is a smart place to start.

How to Integrate Vintage Clothing Style into Your Resale Store

Now that you know what the vintage clothing style is, how do you use it in your store?

Create a dedicated vintage section

Online or offline, make it easy for customers to find your vintage collection. Use tags like “Vintage,” “Original 80s,” or “Authentic 90s” to help them browse confidently.

Use storytelling to add value

Each piece has a past—tell that story. Describe the decade, the cut, and why it's special. This helps justify the price and builds connection.

Showcase it with strong visuals

Photos matter. Whether online or in your shop, make sure vintage items are well lit, styled, and highlighted in a way that reflects their uniqueness.

Group by style or decade

Help customers create a “look” by curating outfits or sections:

• “90s Vibes”

• “Boho 70s”

• “Power Dressing: 80s Edition”

This simplifies decision-making and increases basket value.

Mix vintage with modern (if relevant)

Show how vintage works with modern basics. This helps hesitant shoppers feel more confident and see vintage as wearable and relevant.

Vintage Is More Than a Trend—It’s a Business Opportunity

To sum up:

• Vintage is real, original fashion with history

• Each piece has unique style, quality, and value

• The market is growing and full of demand

• Learning to spot and present vintage is a skill worth mastering

• And yes, you can build a solid, profitable business around it

If you’re just starting or need a trusted supplier, we offer quality vintage pieces, ready to sell, with expert support.

Let’s talk. This could be your first step into the world of vintage resale.