Vintage clothing comes from a previous era. It is not simply old. It is old enough to be distinct from current fashion but not so old that it becomes antique. The general rule is at least 20 years old. A 1990s dress is vintage. A 1920s dress is antique. Vintage pieces are valued for their craftsmanship, materials, and design, which often differ from modern production.

The market is large and varied. Vintage stores, flea markets, and online platforms sell garments from many decades. Some buyers seek investment pieces from luxury houses. Others look for everyday wear at lower prices. Vintage denim, leather jackets, and band t-shirts are especially popular. Condition matters. A piece in excellent condition commands a higher price. Repairs and alterations affect value. Provenance, or the history of the piece, can add interest.

Vintage has environmental appeal. Buying secondhand extends a garment's life and keeps it out of landfills. It avoids the resource use of new production. The demand for vintage has grown as sustainability concerns rise. That growth has created complications. Prices have risen. Some sellers mislabel newer garments as vintage. Fast fashion brands have produced "vintage-inspired" lines that mimic the look without the history. True vintage remains distinct. It carries the marks of its time, from the stitching to the label to the wear.

Common eras

• 1920s-1930s
• 1940s-1950s
• 1960s-1970s
• 1980s-1990s
• Early 2000s (emerging vintage)