There‘s something special about sporting a vintage piece from an iconic brand. Whether it‘s a perfectly broken-in band tee, a pair of classic high-top sneakers, or a varsity jacket that looks like it‘s seen some glory days, vintage gear has a way of radiating cool while nodding to the past.
As a vintage style enthusiast myself, I‘m always on the hunt for those rare gems from decades past. The thrill of uncovering a highly coveted piece is unmatched! Over the years, I‘ve learned a thing or two about which vintage brands are most loved by collectors and how to score authentic goods.
In this ultimate guide, I‘m sharing everything I know about 10 of the most iconic vintage brands, from their history to their most famous styles to tips for finding legitimate vintage wares. Consider this your handbook next time you go thrifting or scour eBay for throwback fashion gold. Let‘s dive in!
1. Champion
Founded in 1919 in Rochester, New York as Knickerbocker Knitting Mills, Champion is an OG sportswear brand best known for its sweatshirts and athletic apparel. The brand hit its stride from the 1930s-1960s as a go-to for college athletic programs and the U.S. Military.
Champion‘s most famous vintage styles include their reverse weave sweatshirts, which resisted shrinking and featured the iconic "C" patch logo. These sweatshirts are super collectible today, with prices ranging from $100-$300 depending on condition and tags.
Besides sweatshirts, varsity jackets and collegiate wear are also highly sought-after Champion pieces. Look for wool and leather styles from the 1940s-1960s with felt or chenille lettering.
The key to verifying a real vintage Champion piece is checking the tags and labels. Different eras featured different versions of the cursive Champion wordmark and "C" logo. Research the distinctions for the decade you‘re shopping.
Style a vintage Champion sweatshirt with straight-leg jeans and classic sneakers for a foolproof casual look. You‘ll be channeling vintage vibes worn by everyone from Muhammed Ali to Rihanna.
2. Levi‘s
Does denim get any more iconic than a pair of vintage Levi‘s? Founded in 1853 in San Francisco, Levi‘s is credited with inventing blue jeans and has been a global fashion mainstay ever since.
The most covetable vintage Levi‘s styles are the 501 jeans from the 1940s-1960s, identifiable by their red tab, button fly, and selvedge denim. Big "E" jeans, produced prior to 1971 when Levi‘s switched the tab to a lowercase "e", are the ultimate collector‘s item with prices reaching into the thousands.
Besides 501s, vintage Levi‘s truckers jackets and western shirts are also popular vintage picks. The earlier the production date, the more valuable the piece. Always check for telltale signs of aging like worn denim and oxidized hardware.
Rock your vintage Levi‘s 501s with a plain white tee and Converse for rebellious 1950s style à la Marlon Brando and James Dean. For major fashion points, pair them with other vintage workwear staples like flannels and duck boots.
3. Nike
One of the biggest names in athletic footwear and apparel today, Nike has humble 1960s origins as Blue Ribbon Sports, founded by Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman in Oregon. The brand‘s 1970s and 80s styles are catnip to vintage sneaker collectors.
The most popular vintage Nike shoes include the Cortez (1972), Blazer (1973), Tailwind (1979), and of course, Air Force 1 (1982) and Air Jordan 1 (1984). Acquiring a deadstock pair in your size is like winning the lottery for sneakerheads!
To ensure you‘re buying legitimate vintage Nikes, consult an expert if possible and utilize resources like Vintage Nike‘s authentication database. Check for period-correct details like logos, stitching, and soles and beware of anything that looks too new.
Style your retro Nikes to the max by color-blocking them with matching vintage track jackets and pants. Finish with tall socks and you‘ll be looking fresh to death!
4. Adidas
Another sportswear giant, Germany‘s Adidas dates back to 1924 when Adolf "Adi" Dassler created his first sneaker. Acquiring a pair of pre-1970s Adidas with the iconic trefoil logo is a big score for vintage collectors.
Some of the most beloved vintage Adidas sneaker styles are the Samba (1950), Superstar (1969), Stan Smith (1971), and Gazelle (1968). The brand‘s apparel, especially track suits, also make stellar vintage finds.
Pay close attention to details like stitching and logo placement to determine an authentic vintage Adidas item. Different eras featured different logos and branding, so gen up on the hallmarks for the period you‘re shopping.
For extra vintage style points, complete your retro Adidas with other 70s and 80s athletic wear like short shorts and knee high tube socks. You‘ll be serving Ivan Lendl at Wimbledon realness!
5. Converse
It doesn‘t get more classic than a pair of Chuck Taylors. Converse was founded in 1908 in Massachusetts and started producing its All Star basketball shoe in 1917. When basketball player Chuck Taylor became their spokesperson in the 1920s, an icon was born.
Though Converse has produced Chucks in countless colors and variations over the decades, you can‘t beat a classic pair of black or white high tops when it comes to versatile vintage style. Beat-up, dirty Chucks have their own insouciant charm!
Determining a genuine vintage pair of Converse involves looking at details like the license plate on the heel, toe cap stitching, and eyelets. Expect to pay upwards of $100 for pre-1970s pairs in very good condition.
Wear your retro Chucks with cuffed selvedge denim, a fitted white tee, and a leather motorcycle jacket to channel classic rebel style. It‘s a timeless look that will never steer you wrong!
6. Polo Ralph Lauren
Since 1967, Ralph Lauren‘s Polo line has defined preppy American style with its sporty, collegiate-inspired designs. Though the brand is still a modern luxury mainstay, seekers of vintage Polo look for pieces from the 1980s and 90s.
Some of Polo‘s most iconic vintage pieces include varsity jackets, rugby shirts, polo shirts (of course!), and printed button-downs. Basically anything emblazoned with Polo‘s signature prepster motifs like crests, flags, and polo players.
Polo is one of the most frequently counterfeited brands, so be extra diligent in authenticating vintage pieces. Check that logos, labels, buttons, and stitching look and feel period-accurate.
Live out your vintage preppy fantasy by pairing a Polo oxford with a tweed blazer, khakis and penny loafers. Bonus points if you pop that collar and affect an old money accent!
7. Tommy Hilfiger
Tommy Hilfiger is another brand that epitomizes classic American cool. Founded in 1985, the brand found massive success in the 1990s with its vibrant primary color designs and bold logos.
Vintage Tommy collectors go crazy for the brand‘s 90s era oversized rugby shirts, sailing jackets, flag sweaters, and denim overalls. The more colorful and heavily logo-ed, the better!
To ensure a genuine vintage Tommy piece, check the buttons, tags, and zipper pulls in addition to the overall quality. Familiarize yourself with the specific logos and fonts used throughout the 90s.
Embrace full-on vintage 90s style by pairing your Tommy gear with light wash baggy jeans, a backwards baseball cap, and chunky white sneakers. You‘ll be channeling Snoop Dogg in his Tommy Hilfiger ads!
8. Fila
Though Italian sportswear brand Fila has been around since 1911, it‘s the brand‘s 1990s styles that really get vintage collectors going today. Fila hit its stride in the 90s as the unofficial outfitter of hip hop stars and the rave scene.
Fila‘s most popular vintage pieces include colorblock windbreakers, tennis dresses, bucket hats, and of course their famous chunky Grant Hill sneakers. If it‘s got that sprawling cursive Fila logo, vintage lovers want it!
Since Fila knockoffs abound, always peep the tags and labels for authenticity. Real deal vintage Fila will have specific details like rubberized logo patches and flat drawcords.
For a throwback 90s ensemble, rock Fila from head to toe! Start with a navy bucket hat, add a teal windbreaker, and finish with crisp white Grant Hill sneakers. You‘ll be looking like an extra in a Backstreet Boys video in no time.
9. Guess
In the 1980s, Guess was the ultimate purveyor of sexy, form-fitting denim and the brand‘s vintage jeans are still highly prized by collectors today. The company was founded by the Marciano brothers in California in 1981.
In addition to their butt-sculpting jeans, Guess is known for their logoed baby tees and sleek black dresses from the 80s and 90s. Claudia Schiffer and Anna Nicole Smith immortalized these body-con looks in Guess‘s racy ad campaigns.
To verify authentic vintage Guess, inspect labels, hardware, buttons and zippers to make sure they‘re period-correct. The red triangle label is key, as is the leather Guess logo patch on denim.
Want to do vintage Guess bombshell style? Pair the jeans with a skintight white tank top, black stilettos and a moto jacket thrown over your shoulders. Oversized sunglasses and hoop earrings complete this smoldering look.
10. Ralph Lauren Western
Besides his preppy Polo line, Ralph Lauren is also known for luxe cowboy style via his Western label, which launched in the 1970s. Synonymous with rustic Americana, vintage Ralph Lauren Western is highly collectible today.
Fans of vintage Ralph Lauren Western look for aged leather bomber jackets, shearling coats, floral prairie dresses, distressed denim, and classic cowboy boots. The more broken-in and roughed-up, the better!
Since knockoffs are common, always buy from a reputable vintage dealer and consult an expert if needed. Genuine goods will have period-correct labels, buttons, and stitching.
Go full vintage ranch hand by layering Ralph Lauren Western denim, leather, and shearling with a ten gallon hat and some turquoise jewelry. You‘ll be ready for your Ralph Lauren ad campaign in no time!
No matter which of these legendary vintage brands speaks to your personal aesthetic, always do your due diligence in verifying authenticity. Consulting experts, studying the hallmarks for specific eras, and buying from reputable sellers will ensure you‘re investing in the real deal.
Beyond scoring legit goods, the best part of vintage collecting is getting to wear these iconic pieces knowing they‘ve stood the test of time. Every scuff, every stain, every faded logo tells a story and links you to the past in a tangible way.
So here‘s to poppin‘ tags and giving these vintage treasures another life! With this guide in hand, you‘re ready to start building a collection that‘s the envy of all your fashion-loving friends. Happy hunting!
