Inquiries
The Vintage Inquiry Shelf
The questions readers ask most often, answered briefly, with links to the full guides where the evidence is explained.
Does "vintage" have an official definition?
No legal standard exists. Many sellers and collectors use "vintage" for pieces roughly 20 years old or more and "antique" for around 100 years. These are trade conventions, so always ask what a seller means.
How can I tell if a piece is genuinely vintage?
Combine several independent clues: construction, closures, fiber, label wording and signs of wear. One clue rarely settles it. See What a Label Can Tell You.
What does an RN number tell me?
An RN is a registered identification number issued by the US Federal Trade Commission, a system that began around 1959. It indicates a US-market business and sets a "not before" boundary for that label.
Why can't you give an exact year?
Most clues describe ranges. Documented events, such as the 1960 fiber labelling law or Dior's 1947 collection, give firm boundaries, but labels can be replaced and styles revived. A clear range with reasons is more honest than a guessed year.
Is a reproduction worse than an original?
Not for wearing. Reproductions are often sturdier, easier to size and kinder to fragile originals. They should simply be described as reproductions, not sold as period pieces.
Why does an old size 12 fit like a modern size 8?
Size systems have changed several times, and manufacturers set their own scales. Measure the garment flat and compare it with clothes that fit you.
Should I wash a vintage garment?
Often airing and gentle brushing is enough. If you wash, identify the fiber, test a hidden area and support the wet garment. Early rayon and weighted silk are especially risky. See Care for an Older Garment.
How should I store vintage dresses?
Clean first, then store in a cool, dark, stable place. Keep heavy, beaded, knitted and bias-cut pieces flat with acid-free tissue, and use breathable cotton covers instead of plastic.
Can you appraise or authenticate my garment?
No. We offer editorial guidance only. For value or authenticity, consult a qualified appraiser, a specialist auction house or a museum costume department.