Posted on May 4th, 2025

How to Date Clothing

1. Check the Label & Tag Details

Brand & Tag Design: Many brands have changed their labels over the years. Research old brand logos and tag styles.

RN (Registered Number): If a U.S. brand has an RN number (usually on the care tag), you can estimate the era:

RN 00101–04000 → Issued before 1959

RN 04001–13670 → 1959–1977

RN 13671+ → Post-1977

Care Labels:

No care label = Pre-1971 (care labels became mandatory in 1971)

Symbols instead of text = Likely post-1997

Material Composition:

No polyester = Likely pre-1950s

Polyester-heavy fabrics = Common in 1970s

Spandex/lycra in casual wear = Post-1990s

2. Inspect the Zipper, Buttons & Closures

Metal zippers = Pre-1960s (usually side or back zippers on dresses)

Nylon/plastic zippers = Post-1960s

Union-Made Labels (U.S.): Union tags were common from the 1940s to the 1980s

Side snap closures = 1930s–1940s

3. Look at the Stitching & Construction

Hand-stitched hems/seams = Likely pre-1950s

Serger (overlock) seams = Common after the 1970s

Pinked (zig-zag cut) seams = Often pre-1970s

4. Consider the Silhouette & Style

Fashion eras have distinct silhouettes. Some key examples:

1940s: Structured shoulders, knee-length dresses, A-line skirts

1950s: Cinched waists, full skirts, wiggle dresses

1960s: Shift dresses, mod styles, psychedelic prints

1970s: Bell-bottoms, peasant tops, earthy tones

1980s: Shoulder pads, oversized blazers, neon colors

1990s: Minimalist slip dresses, grunge flannels, baggy jeans

Y2K (2000s–2010s): Low-rise jeans, baby tees, rhinestones, velour tracksuits

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Common Clothing Measurement Sizes

Since vintage sizing differs from modern sizing, here’s a general reference:

Women’s Vintage vs. Modern Sizing (U.S.)

General Women’s Modern U.S. Sizing Chart

Men’s Modern U.S. Sizing

Jeans Sizing (Women & Men)

Most jeans are measured in waist/inseam format (e.g., 28x32).

Women’s size conversion:

24” waist → Size 0

25” waist → Size 2

26” waist → Size 4

27” waist → Size 6

28” waist → Size 8

29” waist → Size 10

Men’s standard sizing (waist/inseam):

28x30, 30x32, 32x34, etc.

A typical men’s small = 28–30” waist, medium = 32–34” waist, large = 36–38” waist

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Final Tips for Sizing & Dating Clothing

Use a measuring tape! Vintage sizing is inconsistent—measure the garment and compare it to a modern size chart.

Look for unique details like specific fabric types, fasteners, and prints to pinpoint the era.

Check fashion trends by decade to get a general idea of the time period.

Research brands & logos—many brands have archives online.

Trust the fit, not the tag—try things on when possible!

For more style tips and vintage finds, follow Dazzle & Doodle LLC!