Bootlegs
Let’s Clear Up Some Vintage T-Shirt Terminology Confusion
@ralliroots recently contacted us after repeatedly noticing members of the community mislabeling the various types of t-shirts in the vintage universe. Let’s all get on the same page about these definitions, shall we?
We’ve elaborated on our list of vintage t-shirt definitions with actual examples to set the record straight.
And don’t worry, it is a touch confusing…
What’s an Authentic Vintage T-Shirt?
An authentic, real, true, or genuine vintage t-shirt is at least 20 years old. If two decades have passed since its manufacture, it’s authentic vintage, regardless of whether it’s an original, a reissue, a bootleg or throwback (more on those later.) Modern marketers often misuse this term to sell stuff that isn’t actually vintage and is actually a throwback. So remember, no matter what the t-shirt is, if it’s 20 years old, it’s classified as true vintage.
What’s a Vintage Bootleg T-Shirt?
A vintage bootleg is a t-shirt that is at least 20 years old, but it wasn’t licensed, which means the musicians, IP holders, did not give their permission to use their likeness, logos, etc. They didn’t make any money from the sale of this item. These were created by bootleggers, often with an original design, or loosely inspired by a licensed, and commonly sold outside of concert venues in the parking lot, or at flea markets, and even through mail order catalogs or the classified section of magazines in the 1970s, 80s and 90s.
What’s a Modern Bootleg T-Shirt?
A modern bootleg is a t-shirt created recently, with an original design, and without a license. These tees are not intended to be passed off as vintage. They are a reimagining of various pop-culture IPs. These are often distributed privately, in limited quantities, via the internet or social media channels. And once they’ve aged 20 years, they will become a vintage bootleg. There is some confusion with this definition in the community, who often include fake vintage t-shirts under this description, but we’ll clear that up in the next section.
What is a Counterfeit Vintage T-Shirt?
A counterfeit, fake, replica, fugazi, or knock-off vintage t-shirt is one that copies an existing t-shirt from 20+ years ago. It’s a copy of not only the design, but often has a counterfeit vintage t-shirt tag. Similar to how people may opt to buy a far lessor expensive knock-off Gucci handbag, t-shirt wearers do the same. They’ll purchase the item for a fraction of the price, knowing it isn’t real. But these fakes are also often sold at a premium online to dupe buyers into thinking they are getting an authentic vintage t-shirt.
What is a Reproduction, Reprint or Reissue T-Shirt?
Bands and their licensees often revisit their old merch and reissue their original artwork. Sometimes the designs may even feature the old copyright date. These are not fake or counterfeit as they are released with permission by the IP owners. Unfortunately, some sellers will try to pass them off as original, or even replace the tag on them with an old one to trick unsuspecting buyers. To make things a touch more confusing – some of these were reissued over 20 years ago so reproductions eventually become vintage reproductions.
What is a Retro or Throwback T-Shirt?
Retro tees are manufactured by third party licensees, using original, yet vintage-themed artwork for nostalgic appeal. They’re printed on new t-shirts that often times are manufactured with softer fabric blends. Companies like Junk Food specialize in these types of t-shirts. And once again, to make matters more confusing, some of these t-shirts are now becoming vintage given they are 20 years old.
How Can I Tell the Difference?
- Use our ultimate guide to vintage t-shirt authentication.
- Immerse yourself in the world of vintage tag authentication.
- Use our fake tag archive to determine if the tag matches yours.
- Use our tag archive to see how old your tag is.
- Get familiar with vintage bootleg brands like Bay Club and Pakistan-based ones.
- Get up to speed on the unreliability of copyright dates on vintage t-shirts.
Happy authenticating!
Jimmy founded Defunkd in 2004 when he started selling vintage t-shirts online. 20 years of experience later and he hasn't looked back since. Actually, he looks back all the time given he's a sucker for nostalgia. For more, check the history of Defunkd and Jimmy's Expertise.
