Before digging frantically in thrift store, know that a discreet index, sewn inside a t-shirt, is able to betray the real age of a garment. Neither the cut, nor the pattern, or even wear and tear only speak as clearly as this label.
In the world of second -hand fashion, everyone wants real. The word “vintage” is released to the whole of all, but everything that seems to be out of the 90s is not necessarily authentic. Many pieces are new, made to look like old. Some brands even surf this trend to produce vintage false, deliberately faded, patinated, worn. Nostalgia sells well. Result: thrift stores, flea markets and even vintéd are full of imitation. For novices, not easy to navigate.
Coline, content designer followed for her sharp eye and retro clothing selections, shared a tip to avoid mistakes. In one of her videos, she explains : “If you are interested in vintage t-shirts, when you see this type of label, as a rule, it’s quite a good sign, it augurs for a fairly good quality and a t-shirt that is quite old.” She talks about a reliable mark here, which connoisseurs immediately notice. This small detail, she regularly meets him over her finds. This is what allows him, at a glance, to spot the right pieces. This is also what distinguishes a clothes with a real story of a t-shirt made to make an illusion.
The secret is there: the “Hanes” label. An iconic American brand, known for its quality basics, especially in the 80s and 90s. Hanes t-shirts were worn by everyone: teens, rockers, sports, celebrities. They were solid, well cut, often printed with logos of groups, universities or events. Today, the vintage versions of these t-shirts have become much sought after. Not because they are rare, but because they check all the boxes: style, sustainability, authenticity.
The label itself has sometimes changed look over the decades, allowing lovers to date the pieces almost to the nearest year. In short, to identify an era hanes label is like falling on a good forgotten wine in a cellar. We know it’s solid.
