Union labels, city-specific tags (e.g., "Manufactured in Chicago")
Generic "Vintage Style" tags
Closures
Bakelite buttons, metal zippers with patina
Plastic zippers, velcro
Seams
Raw edges, french seams
Overlocked serging
Pro Tip: Decoding Spreadsheet Listings
Search using era-specific terms like:
1980s deadstock
1970s ykk
bemberg lining
For visual learners, Mulebuy TikTok creator @SpreadsheetSleuth demonstrates vintage authentication in their 3-part tutorial series, showing how to analyze stitch patterns under magnification.
Sustainability Meets Style
Beyond aesthetics, shopping vintage through Mulebuy supports circular fashion. The average retro piece has 80% lower carbon footprint than fast fashion equivalents, according to sustainable fashion analytics.
