In this article, we’ll explore the concept of ‘Vintage fashion’ – the origin of the term, its definition, meaning, and usage in fashion.
We’ll then explain the similarities and differences between vintage, retro, and antique fashion, highlighting popular fashion brands and celebrities for promoting vintage clothes, footwear, and accessories.
We’ll show how vintage fashion plays an essential role in sustainability and conclude by showcasing popular clothes of the last century that are now classic vintage creations.
What is Vintage?
The term ‘Vintage’ originates from the Old French ‘vendange,’ describing the year a particular wine was bottled.
The term’s use in fashion gained prominence in the latter half of the 20th century, coinciding with the rise of second-hand stores and a burgeoning appreciation for the styles of bygone eras.
In fashion, ‘Vintage’ describes genuine clothing, footwear, and accessories older than 20 years but not over 100.
Vintage Fashion Characteristics
In a 2017 Vogue article, Anna Wintour stated that:
“The ‘vintage’ tag can be appended to pieces of at least 20 years old and only if these articles showcase characteristics associated with that era”
Wintour continued by stating that the term vintage clothing implies collectability when appended to haute couture and designer creations.
A 1960s Mary Quant miniskirt or 1980s Versace power suit are excellent examples of vintage fashion.
Apart from having the correct age, for an item to qualify as vintage, it must comprise stylistic elements relevant to the times it belongs.
For example, a dress made in 1985 that looks no different from one made in 2022 is, technically, vintage.
However, the dress is not vintage if it does not depict a particular fashion style and aesthetics relevant to the 80s decade.
Vintage vs. Retro vs. Antique Fashion
Vintage, antique, and retro fashion creations are valuable thanks to the age of manufacturing, craftsmanship, rarity, and cultural/historical connections.
However, despite being interchangeably used in the parlance of fashion, the terms vintage, antique, and retro have different meanings and, thus, other pricing points.
Vintage vs. Antique
Vintage fashion describes authentic clothing, footwear, or accessories that are at least 20 years old but not over a century.
A 1960s Mary Quant miniskirt or 1980s Versace power suit are excellent examples of vintage fashion.
On the other hand, antique fashion refers to genuine and age-verified garments, accessories, footwear, apparel, and artifacts that are older than 100 years.
Genuine and age-verified Edwardian gowns or 1920s flapper dresses are great examples of antique fashion.
Vintage vs. Retro
Again, for any garment, footwear, or accessory to be cataloged as Vintage fashion, it must be at least 20 years old but not over a century.
A 1960s Mary Quant miniskirt or 1980s Versace power suit are excellent examples of vintage fashion.
On the other hand, Retro fashion refers to clothing, shoes, and accessories inspired by fashion creations of previous decades but made within the last 20 years (contemporary copies).
Any modern iterations (after 2003) of 1950s poodle skirts, 1970s bell-bottom jeans, or 1980s fitness-mania suits are examples of retro fashion.
Vintage Fashion Brands
- Chanel – Chanel’s iconic tweed suits and quilted handbags are featured prominently in vintage fashion auctions.
- Dior – Dior’s “New Look,” vintage allure – an emblematic fashion design that defined the 1940s decade – is one of the most sought-after vintage fashion creations.
- Saint Laurent – YSL’s Mondrian dress and Le Smoking tuxedo are two everlasting symbols of vintage fashion.
- Gucci – Gucci’s signature Jackie bag continues to reinvigorate its past, exemplified by the reissue of vintage logos and signature items such as the
- Levi’s – While not the most expected vintage fashion, Levi’s 501 jeans have served people for decades with their functional construct and timeless appeal.
Vintage Fashion Celebrities
- Zoë Kravitz – Renowned for mixing vintage YSL blazers and Chanel dresses.
- Sarah Jessica Parker – Popular among vintage fashion lovers for her 1980s Manolo Blahniks, vintage Halston creations, and the vintage Norma Kamali dress she wore at the 2000 VH1/Vogue Fashion Awards.
- Kate Moss – A lover of Bohemian-style vintage dresses and 1970s fringed jackets.
- Chloë Sevigny – Known for unique blends of modern footwear and accessories with vintage Chanel dresses and 1990s Comme des Garçons outfits.
- Dita Von Teese – Famous for wearing outfits comprised of vintage corsets and skirts from the 1940s up to the 60s.
How Sustainable is Vintage Fashion?
Vintage fashion plays a huge role in the overall movement of sustainable fashion, and here’s why.
- Waste Reduction – Vintage fashion reduces waste by giving old garments and accessories new usage (a new life).
- Lowers Environmental Impact – As vintage fashion garments already exist, there’s no need to manufacture new clothes, footwear, and accessories.
- Quality Over Quantity – Given their timeless nature, vintage garments and accessories foster sustainability by reducing the need for periodic (fashion-trends-driven) replacements.
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Lovely written and very informative content, really enjoyed reading and learning more about vintage clothing and fashion.
Thank you! Now I’ve learnt the differences. Beautiful website <3
Great article clarifying the differences between vintage, retro, and antique.
Thank you for covering the subject, I’ve been doing a little research about vintage fashion and this article was super helpful! Lots of love ♥
It’s a shame that vintage fashion is not popular in the middle east, at least not in Turkey or Tunisia. Vintage clothes are seen as second-hand only for poor people, but I love seeing the vintage shops in New York and London.
It’s a shame that vintage fashion is not popular in the middle east, at least not in Turkey or Tunisia. Vintage clothes are seen as second-hand only for poor people, but I love seeing the vintage shops in New York and London!
Which one is more desirable, the antique or retro? Also, as a fashion stylist, how can I let my clients know immediately – visually – that the suit I put together for them is antique or retro?
love your site!
as a guy that buys and seels retro and vintage tees without even knowing the difference, I found this article after an argument with a client and it helps me understand the difference and now I can charge more