Category: Vintage T-Shirt Authentication | Legit Check

The tag is one of your best allies in the vintage t-shirt authentication arena. It’s a stronger authenticity signal than single-stitching and a copyright combined, but authentication via the tag should always be done in conjunction with an analysis of the print. We’ll explain why below. Sewn-in Tags We have seen counterfeiters attempting to pass of t-shirts with genuine vintage tags installed from other shirts. It is, however, not very common – because it’s tough to do, seamlessly, pun intended. In most of the instances, I’ve seen it was super obvious – the seams are off – the tag is ... Read more

Copyright lines, that tiny text that often appears near the edge of the print on a t-shirt, is another tool in your vintage t-shirt authentication toolbox. But just like single-stitching, it comes with plenty of exceptions that make it unreliable as a stand-alone signal of age and authenticity. Does the copyright date indicate when the t-shirt was printed? It can, but the copyright date you see on your t-shirt is the date the copyright on the design was completed or registered. Which is not necessarily the date the shirt was printed. There are no requirements to update a copyright every ... Read more

The first time I heard the term “single-stitch” was in the early aughts when vintage Levi’s Jeans were having their vintage money moment. Everyone wanted to get their hands on (and legs in) a pair of Big E jeans or and selvedge, redline, hidden rivets, and single-stitch were among the vintage jean-related keywords at the time. At some point in the LEVI’s timeline, double-stitch construction was introduced and single-stitch became a sought-after feature. Dealers would often turn the rear pocket inside out to examine the hem because it was one method used to evaluate a pair. Meanwhile, in 2005, in ... Read more