How to date vintage T-shirt tags
One of the appeals of vintage T-shirts is their historical value. To determine their age, the first thing to check is the tag. Here, we'll explain three types of tags that are particularly important to remember.
~1980s: "Single Tag"
First is what's called a "single tag." T-shirts from this era have one tag, with size, material, and country of origin information consolidated on the front. If a T-shirt has this information and a single tag, it's highly likely to be from before the 1980s.
Early 1990s: "Loop Tag"
In the early 1990s, the "loop tag" appeared, where the tag is looped. Loop tags have information on both the front and back: the front typically shows size, material, and country of origin, while the back shows washing instructions. T-shirts with this type of tag are likely from the early 1990s.
Late 1990s: "Double Tag"
From the late 1990s, "double tags" became common. The first tag usually includes the brand name, size, and material, while the second tag often lists the place of manufacture and washing instructions. Double tags are a characteristic often seen from the late 1990s to the 2000s.
By remembering these tag characteristics, you can easily determine the age of vintage T-shirts. Even if there's no tag, you can also infer the age from details like stitching and fabric texture. Make sure to check the tags and enjoy the history of vintage T-shirts.
