Vintageholic-ers have learned the secret to distinguishing between authentic and counterfeit items.

Not all old items are considered vintage, and if you’re a vintage shopping addict, you certainly need to know the tricks to distinguish between genuine and fake to avoid making mistakes.

Summary: Check the information on the tag Pay attention to the font on the tag “Made in China” – an unreliable phrase Check the material The importance of stitching and seams Pay attention to metal buttons and zippers

The Y2K wave has made vintage shopping more vibrant and lively than ever before. If in the past, shopping for vintage items was not a fun activity for everyone due to concerns about personal hygiene, in the new fashion era when old trends are revived, the vintage hunt becomes more appealing than ever. Additionally, thanks to the enthusiastic endorsement by “It” girls like Bella Hadid or the Jenner sisters, designs that were once considered “outdated” have become fresh and trendy instantly. Surely the fashion world hasn’t forgotten the moment when model Kendall Jenner stepped out with a slew of Jean Paul Gaultier dresses from reputable vintage stores or when Kylie Jenner walked the red carpet in designs pulled from the archives of renowned fashion houses. Furthermore, as environmental issues become increasingly serious and a top priority for the fashion industry, buying vintage or secondhand items is also an effective measure.

At first glance, buying old items and collecting vintage items seems like an easy task, but it also leaves fashion enthusiasts scratching their heads over distinguishing between authentic and counterfeit items. Not every item displayed in vintage stores can be considered valuable vintage designs. Certainly, an untrained eye cannot determine the authenticity of vintage items, so accumulated knowledge from various sources is essential. If fashion enthusiasts do not want to “lose money for nothing,” pouring money into counterfeit items labeled as “vintage,” here are the key points to remember when stepping into a vintage store or considering options on an online platform.

Check the information on the tag One of the first and easiest steps before deciding to purchase any old item is to look at and check its tag. Not only does the label bear the brand name, but it also provides customers with information about size, designer, location, and time of production. These important clues can help you verify the authenticity and true value of the vintage item. For tags with the phrase “one size fits all,” be cautious as this notation was common in the 1980s and today, but not in previous eras.

Pay attention to the font on the tag Although font or typeface may seem like a small detail not worth noticing, it helps authentic fashion enthusiasts determine the origin and value of the vintage item they are eyeing. Firstly, you should check if the brand name is spelled correctly. Moreover, many clothing brands changed their fonts at certain times. For example, Celine’s tags in the 1960s (under the leadership of creative director Phoebe Philo) once appeared with the name Céline. By noticing changes in the font on the tag, you can also determine the production time. For instance, Art Deco fonts were prevalent in the 1940s and 1950s, but decades later, manufacturers began using round and bold fonts.

“Made in China” – an unreliable phrase Typically, for genuine and high-value vintage items (especially those from renowned fashion houses), you will see the appearance of “Paris,” “Milan,” or “London” – the origin of the brand, rather than where the clothing was manufactured. Therefore, even if the old item meets the reputable authenticity criteria, if the tag bears the phrase “Made in China,” you should think twice before purchasing.

Check the material Authentic vintage clothing is usually made from high-quality materials such as silk or wool and meticulously crafted down to the smallest details. Almost or always, these types of materials consist of 100% pure components. For example, if it’s wool, the garment must be made of 100% wool and not mixed with other impurities. Therefore, these items are not only timeless pieces with timeless designs but can also last long due to the quality of the material. Additionally, women should remember that synthetic materials like polyester were not used until the mid-20th century.

The importance of stitching and seams The technique and quality of stitching are also one of the details that help fashion enthusiasts determine whether to buy that vintage item quickly and easily. This condition is more authentic for items with handbags. Since these are products that value craftsmanship over mass production like clothing, their seams are not the same (compared to other brands) and are ensured to be the most meticulous. For example, Hermès leather goods are characterized by double stitching and saddle stitching throughout the leather.

Pay attention to metal buttons and zippers Small details such as buttons or zippers are reliable indicators to know the durability of that vintage item. To have a quality product that is both durable and safe for consumers, not only the material but also small details like stitching, buttons, snaps, or metal zippers must be meticulously crafted step by step. These small details are also the conditions for buyers or vintage store owners to determine the selling price or for buyers to know the age of the item. Plastic zippers were only used in the 1960s (metal zippers were used before the post-war period). Vintage buttons were also more elaborate and intricately crafted than today’s styles.