Over the past few years, I’ve become increasingly interested in vintage fashion – when I first started buying, I relied on others (mostly online vintage shops) to do the searching. I only had to wait for a shop update and choose what I wanted from an already-curated selection.
Lately though, for a number of different reasons, I’ve been doing a lot of my own “picking”. Spending Saturday afternoons hopping from one Goodwill to another has become an afternoon I so look forward to. Since this new interest in the search, I’ve learned a few things that help separate the quality from the quantity.
I wanted to share one of the most helpful things I’ve learned on how to date vintage with ya’ll – I know many fashion bloggers out there have been thrifting for vintage for a lot longer than I have but hopefully this will help some of you!
The International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union (ILGWU) was founded in 1900 and remained active until 1995. Beginning around 1940, ILGWU tags became common on any piece of clothing that was made by a union company. The tags took on different forms, colors and acronyms between 1940 and 1995, thus making these tags invaluable when you’re trying to 1) decide if something is even vintage and 2) dating it to a specific period.
ILGWU tag 1955-1963
ILGWU 1963-1974
ILGWU 1974-1995
Obviously, not every vintage garment was union made; you’re sure to find lots of gems that won’t be able to be dated so simply, however, what a thrill it is to see this stamped on a tag of a pretty dress while you’re standing in the middle of a thrift store!
I’ve got a whole list of other tips and tricks I am happy to share if ya’ll want more – just let me know! Hope this helped!
Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s almost time for some coconut cake and BIG LOVE.
p.s. How many of you are also lovvvinngg the new Big Love intro? I could watch that on repeat for an hour and be happy.
sources: vintage fashion guild, The Little Guide to Vintage Shopping by Melody Fortier
Ahh! I’m trying to fly through my other Netflix right now so I can get to Big Love. Can’t wait.
Very cool info on the vintage stuff too.
closet365.wordpres.com
I do want to hear more! I’ve gotten more into vintage/thrift shopping lately, too – much more satisfying than regular retail and now I’m going to have to keep my eyes peeled for these tags!