How to date vintage clothing?

Today I will be showing you how to date vintage clothing in a quick and simple manner (this will help both vintage buyers and sellers to make sure you have an authentic vintage garment or at least have the proper era stated). I hope this simple lesson helps you bunches!

The Garment: A blue and white vintage pencil skirt.


What we know
+ There is a label that reads "Bobbie Brooks"
+ There is no care label
+ There is a metal zipper
+ There is no fabric content
+ The skirt is partially lined



Because the garment lacks a care label we know this skirt was made prior to 1972. Read more about care labels here. But now let's narrow down the years even more.

If you visit the website Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) you can search for when trademarks were filed and used.



1.] Click on " New User Form Search (Basic)"
2.] In the "Search Term" field, enter the tag label (Bobbie Brooks)
3.] Press ENTER and wait for the search results

You should get 4 listings for Bobbie Brooks. The last one is exactly the one we are looking for, the logo matches the one on the tag!



The information on the page lets us know that the trademark was first used in 1941 and the trademark was filed in 1952.

So now we know the skirt is before 1972 but after 1941. Still a pretty big window. But because of the style, the metal zipper, and the lack of a fabric content label, we can narrow it down to 50s-60s.

In early 60s is when this style of skirt was quite popular. And on the label it reads "Color-Coordinate" meaning at one point it probably came with a matching jacket or blouse. Which in the early 60s was quite popular to have matching skirt and suit jackets.



So the verdict... when this darling skirt gets added to the shop, it will be described as an early 60s vintage skirt.

I hope this information was helpful to you and have fun dating more of your vintage!