How to Spot Quality Vintage (Without Getting Duped by Polyester Lies)

Not all old clothes are good clothes. Here’s how to separate the timeless from the tragic.

Just because something's old doesn’t mean it’s valuable — or even wearable. There’s a difference between vintage you want to wear and vintage that belongs in a haunted attic.

So how do you spot the gems? Whether you're shopping with us or digging through a bin at an estate sale, here’s how to tell what’s worth your time — and what’s better left behind.

1. Check the Fabric (and Feel It)

First red flag? Cheap, plasticky material. If it feels like a garbage bag, walk away. Quality vintage usually means:

• Natural fibers: cotton, wool, silk, linen
• Heavier weight knits
• Durable denim that doesn’t feel like tissue paper

2. Look for Union Tags or “Made in USA” Labels

One of the easiest signs of authenticity? A union tag (like ILGWU) or an old-school “Made in USA” label. These were common pre-90s, before mass outsourcing.

3. Check the Stitching and Seams

Vintage clothing was made to last. That means:

• Straight, tight stitching
• Finished seams (not raw edges)
• Sometimes even hand-sewn details

4. Single-Stitch vs Double-Stitch Tees

Single-stitch sleeves/hems = pre-mid-1990s. Double-stitching came later. It’s not a guarantee of value, but it’s one of the most common ways to date vintage T-shirts — and it's become a key detail for collectors.

5. The Weird, Wonderful Details

Extra-wide lapels from the '70s, wild novelty prints from the '80s, shoulder pads that could block a linebacker — vintage has personality. The good stuff stands out — and it doesn’t feel mass-produced.

So What’s the Secret?

Quality vintage isn’t about age alone — it’s about:

• How it was made
• What it was made from
• How well it’s held up over time

At Decaydence, we don’t just look for the oldest stuff. We look for the best stuff. And now, so can you.

💡 And if you’re not sure? Ask. We live for this stuff.