What Does Vintage Mean?
Vintage refers to clothing, accessories, furniture or objects that are typically 20 to 99 years old and come from a specific past decade or era. Vintage pieces were made in the time period they represent, making them authentic items from the past rather than modern reproductions.
The term is most commonly used in fashion, but it applies to homeware, decor, jewellery, collectibles and design objects too. Vintage items are appreciated for their style, quality, character and the history they carry.
Vintage Meaning
Vintage refers to an item that is around 20 to 99 years old and was originally produced in the era or decade it represents. It is genuinely from the past, not newly made to look old.
For example, a dress made in the 1970s is vintage. A dress newly manufactured in 2024 to look 1970s-inspired is retro.
How Old Does Something Have to Be to Be Vintage?
While definitions vary slightly, the general rule is:
20 to 99 years old = vintage
100 years or more = antique
Newly made but old-looking = retro
This means items from the 1920s through early 2000s can be considered vintage, depending on the specific cut-off used.
Examples of Vintage Items
You can find many categories of vintage pieces, including:
clothing from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s or early 2000s
vintage denim, band tees and designer items
jewellery and accessories
mid-century modern furniture
art, prints and posters
ceramics and home decor
vintage handbags and shoes
collectibles such as cameras, records or toys
Vintage items often reflect the design, construction and materials of their era.
Vintage vs Retro vs Antique
These three terms all relate to the past but mean very different things:
Vintage
20 to 99 years old
made in the era it represents
valued for quality, style and authenticity
Retro
newly made
inspired by older trends
imitates a past look or vibe
Antique
around 100 years old or more
valued for rarity, craftsmanship and historical significance
If an item is genuinely old and comes from a real past decade, it is vintage. If it simply looks old but is newly made, it is retro. If it is very old, it is antique.
Why People Love Vintage
Unique style: Vintage items offer silhouettes, materials and details rarely found in modern fashion.
Quality: Older garments are often better constructed with durable fabrics.
Sustainability: Buying vintage extends the life of existing pieces and reduces demand for new manufacturing.
Cultural history: Vintage items represent real moments in design, fashion and pop culture.
Better value: Vintage can provide high-quality pieces at lower prices than new equivalents.
Where to Find Vintage Items
Vintage pieces appear in many second-hand and resale environments, including:
vintage boutiques
curated retro shops
charity shops
thrift stores
flea markets
kilo sales
online resale platforms
estate sales
car boot sales
Some shops specialise in particular decades, while others offer broad mixes of styles and eras.
How People Use the Word "Vintage" Today
While the strict definition refers to items around 20 to 99 years old, many people now use "vintage" more loosely to describe:
anything old-looking
items that feel nostalgic
retro-inspired clothing
thrifted pieces with character
The popularity of vintage fashion on TikTok, Instagram and Depop has made the term even more flexible, although the original meaning still matters in fashion and resale.
Related Terms
Discover vintage shops, charity shops and second-hand boutiques near you with the Ganddee app.