Vintage Clothing Identifier — Date and Identify Vintage Pieces
Every vintage piece carries evidence of when and where it was made — you just have to know how to read it. Tag design, union labels, stitching methods, and hardware all changed in documented ways over the decades. Upload a photo and StyleFinder's AI reads those clues to identify the brand and estimate the era, whether you're holding a thrift-store mystery or checking a listing before you buy.
Tags and labels: the fastest clues
Brands redesigned their tags regularly, and those redesigns are well documented — a Levi's tab, a Nike swoosh tag, or a Harley-Davidson label can often be dated to within a few years by design alone. Union labels (like the ILGWU label on U.S.-made garments) place a piece before the mid-1990s, and their color schemes narrow the window further. RN numbers on care tags identify the company that made the garment, even when the brand name has faded.
Construction details that date a garment
Single-stitch hems on t-shirts generally indicate production before the mid-1990s, when double-stitching became standard. Zipper manufacturers are a timeline of their own: Talon dominated mid-century American clothing, while YKK took over from the 1970s onward. Selvedge denim, chain-stitched hems, gussets, and button materials all carry similar signals. The AI weighs these construction details together with the tag evidence to place a piece.
Built for thrifters and resellers
If you flip clothing on Depop, Poshmark, eBay, or Grailed, correct identification is the difference between pricing a shirt at $8 and recognizing a $150 single-stitch band tee. Snap a photo in the store aisle — front of the garment, then the tag — and get an identification before you commit at the register. Sellers also use the brand and era details to write listings that actually surface in buyer searches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can it tell how old a garment is?
It estimates the era from datable evidence — tag design, union labels, stitching style, and hardware. The more of these your photos show, the tighter the estimate. An exact year usually isn't possible, but a decade range often is.
What photos should I upload?
One clear photo of the full garment, and if possible a second of the tag or label area. Tags carry the most dating information, so a sharp, well-lit tag photo dramatically improves results.
Can it read union labels and RN numbers?
Yes — if they're legible in the photo, the AI factors them in. Union labels help date U.S.-made pieces, and RN numbers tie a garment to its registered manufacturer.
Is it free?
Your first 3 identifications are free with no sign-up. Unlimited access is $4.99/month.