Most people don’t give a second thought to the inside label of a shirt. It’s like blinking, having a second helping of dessert, or, for some people, not indicating at roundabouts. But in the world of vintage? That tiny tag is everything. It’s the Rosetta Stone of resale.
It’s a direct line to where, when, and how your new favourite piece (or the one you’re
about to give a fond farewell to) came to be.
Whether you’re flipping fits on Vint Street, curating your own unique look, or just want to make sure that Nike crewneck’s the real deal, here’s why checking the label matters.
What’s laid out in this post is very much a beginner’s guide to labels. What to look out
for, and a few telltale signs of how a label can date a piece and confirm whether its
genuine… or a genuine fake.

What’s in a Name? More Than You Think

Brand matters. Always has, always will. But it’s not just about who made it, but when
they made it. Labels evolve over time, and those subtle dif

ferences can help you date a piece almost to the year.

Let’s say you find a Champion sweatshirt. If the logo’s embroidered in that iconic ‘C’
patch on the sleeve, but the inner label says “Made in USA” with a blocky serif font, you
might be looking at an 80s or early 90s Reverse Weave, a bit of a holy grail territory for
streetwear heads.

A Nike tee with a red swoosh and “Made in Japan”? That’s not a high street drop, that’s
collector bait.

The same logic goes for Levi’s red tabs (Big E = pre-1971, worth a fair
few quid) or vintage St Michael pieces from M&S (yes, really) with their old union labels.

In short: check the label, and give it a Google. You might be sitting on a goldmine. And
whatever you do, don’t cut it out.

Why “Made In” Matters

Right next to the brand name, the country of manufacture is often the next best tell.
These few little words — Made in USA, Made in Japan, Made in Italy — speak volumes.
Not just about quality, but about cultural and historical relevance too. Here’s a very quick
lowdown:

Made in USA (Pre-90s)

Often a sign of superior materials and craftsmanship, especially for denim, varsity
jackets, and sportswear. Once brands began outsourcing production, these older USA-
made pieces became one of the last bastions of authenticity. We’re talking the likes of
Levi’s 501s, Champion Reverse Weave, or even Hanes blanks with classic single-stitch
hems.

Made in Japan

One for the true collectors. Japan’s obsession with quality control and replication of
American styles means pieces from here, especially 80s/90s Nike or Japanese denim,
are usually exceptional. Some of the most sought-after streetwear ever made came
from Japan (looking at you, BAPE).

Made in Italy

Associated with tailored fits, luxury fashion, and exceptional leather. But “Made in Italy” doesn’t always mean couture; older sports brands and niche labels also manufactured
lines there before fast fashion took over.

Made in France

Elegant and rare. A Chanel or Dior piece with this label instantly rings authenticity
alarms. Even non-designer items carry clout if they’ve got that French-made tag.

Made in Hong Kong (Pre-90s)

Before China became the garment hub, Hong Kong was the epicentre of quality
exports. Vintage Ralph Lauren, DKNY, and other designer offshoots often came from
here. Less common now, and funnily enough, all the more desirable because of it.

Made in England

Look out for it on classic British heritage brands like Barbour, Burberry, and even old
M&S. As with the USA, once manufacturing moved abroad, these OG UK pieces
became symbols of “the good stuff.”

Made in Korea/Taiwan/Philippines (70s–80s)

These countries played a major role in mid-century garment production. They’re less
about prestige, more about era — spotting these labels can help you accurately date a
fit, especially in fast fashion’s earlier days.

Vint Street Top Tip: Label fonts and material matter, too. A stiff woven tag from the 80s
is very different from a heat-pressed plasticky one from 2005. You might not think much
of it at a glance, but a keen eye can spot these subtleties that will clue you in on the real
value of the product.

How Labels Help Date Your Pieces

Even if you’re not a label nerd (yet), you’ll be amazed at what a bit of Googling can
reveal. Entire Instagram accounts and Reddit threads are devoted to this stuff.
Some key features to look out for:

Font & Design – Logos change! If it looks different from what you’re used to seeing in-
store now, it might be a legit vintage piece.

Union Tags – Found in a lot of older USA-made clothing. These little symbols can
confirm a piece is pre-80s.

Care Instructions – If they’re missing, it’s probably older than you are. Washing
symbols only became widespread in the 70s and 80s.

Designer vs High-Street: Labels Level the Field

Let’s be real: spotting a vintage Burberry trench is great. But what about that no-name
80s windbreaker with Made in Canada on the inside and a funky print? Even without a
designer name, the label might tell you it’s rare, deadstock, or part of a limited run.
And for resellers? It means you can price accurately, list confidently, and avoid awkward
DMs asking, “Is this real?”

The Reworked Factor: Why Provenance Matters

As reworking and upcycling become part of the mainstream, labels are your proof of
provenance. That corset top made from an old Nike tee? Buyers will still want to know if
it was a real vintage blank or just something from Sports Direct in 2014.
That’s why at Vint Street, we encourage all sellers to include label shots in their listings.
It’s not just for flexing; it proves authenticity, keeps the stories alive, and develops trust.
It’s what our community was both built and thrives on.

Always Read the Label

We get it. Tags can be itchy, annoying, or even half-faded. But bear in mind that little
label could be the key to what makes an item special, rare, or worth way more than you
paid.

Again, it’s worth mentioning that this is a very brief, fast-and-loose guide that aims to
cover as much of this broad subject in as few words as possible. When it comes to
labels, there are plenty of nuances and niche caveats to consider, which we’ll likely go
into in future posts. We’ve only touched on the tip of the iceberg here, really.
So, should you read this and are still not quite sure on what you’re looking at (or looking
to list) is the real deal—don’t worry! Get in touch, and we’ll be happy to help. Our team
is full of experts when it comes to all things vintage, and we love to see what cool stuff
people are looking to list (some call it being nosey, we call it passion).
Either get in touch directly or DM/comment on Instagram. And on the incredibly rare
chance that we can’t answer, someone from our wonderful community will.

Want more tips on spotting fakes, decoding sizing quirks, or uncovering hidden gems?

Stick around. We’ve got more guides coming soon, from community seller spotlights to
deep dives into fashion subcultures.