The Difference Between Vintage, Retro, and Reproduction

Just because it looks old doesn’t mean it is. Let’s clear some things up.

Walk into any vintage shop (ours included), and you’re gonna see labels like vintage, retro, repro, and maybe even vintage-inspired. But what do they actually mean? And more importantly — which one are you buying?

Vintage = The Real Deal

When we say something is vintage, we mean it’s at least 20 years old — and it was actually made back then. That ‘90s windbreaker you just grabbed? It lived through the ‘90s. It saw roller rinks, grunge, and the rise of AOL.

True vintage has the stitching, materials, and tags to prove it. Sometimes that means single-stitch tees, union labels, or sizing that makes absolutely no sense by today’s standards. That’s the charm — and the value.

• ✅ It’s old. It’s original. It’s one-of-a-kind.
• 🖤 That’s what we sell.

Retro = Made Later, Looks Older

Retro pieces are modern items made to mimic older styles. Think of it like a cover band — it plays the same songs, but it’s not the original record.

You might see a brand today make a 1970s-style bell-bottom jumpsuit. Cute? Sure. But unless it came from a disco-era closet, it’s retro — not vintage.

• ✅ It’s modern. It’s stylized. It’s fun.
• 🚫 But it’s not the real thing.

Reproduction = A More Accurate Copy

Reproduction (or “repro”) pieces are made to faithfully replicate vintage items, often using period-correct fabrics and construction. These aren’t just inspired — they’re crafted to look and feel like the originals.

Sometimes these are made by modern brands with a niche following. Other times, they’re official reissues from the OG labels (like Levi’s Vintage Clothing or Nike re-releases).

• ✅ It’s new. It’s accurate. It fools even the seasoned collectors (sometimes).
• 🕵️‍♀️ Check those tags carefully.

Why It Matters

We’re not snobs (okay, maybe a little), but knowing the difference helps you shop smarter and build a wardrobe that actually lasts. True vintage is:

• Often better made
• Less available
• And full of weird, wonderful history

Retro and repro pieces can still be great! But when you're buying vintage, you deserve to know what you're getting — and what you're not.

So What Does Decaydence Sell?

Mostly vintage. The real stuff. We dig it up, clean it up, and put it back into circulation. If we ever carry a repro or retro piece, we’ll tell you — and we won’t pretend it’s something it’s not.

✨ Because we don’t fake the funk. And neither should your closet.