Vintage T-Shirt Forum & Community Authentication Appraisals

That is the question I pose to thee t-shirt experts.

I happened to be engaged to a very talented seamstress and am wondering if I should have her do some repairs for me, especially in the armpits of a few old 70s concert t's.

Is this generally frowned upon? Does it hurt or help the value?

Thanks!

-Max

Tough q.

I think if done really well it doesn't hurt the value...depending on the piece - maybe even improve if it's near seamless. Plus fixing some holes, especially pits, can help stop them from getting worse. But you're also taking a risk of making it worse if the job is botched.

I think like most collectibles professional restoration is acceptable. But I still think you have to report the restoration when selling it, even if it's invisible.

Although vintage tees are one market that probably has one of the largest bases of collectors who don't mind the odd blemish and would rather have it as is.

Read the mixed reaction to this tee collector in the comments section when he announced he sometimes dyed his tees to restore their color:

http://www.defunkd.com/2009/02/01/the-g ... -t-shirts/

Yeah, it is a tough call. I remember reading those comments while going through the blog archive and being a little on the fence. On one side, if you improve something it will last longer, but on the other you're kind of taking away the originality of the piece.

Most of the fixes would be the on that seams in the armpits or on the side. Mainly to just prevent those from getting worse as you said. If the value, isn't greatly affected, I don't think I'll bother though and just keep the holes as is.

It really surprised me when I first started getting into this to see enormous prices on shirts that were in less than good shape. But I'm slowly getting used to the fact that they're still worth quite a bit to the right buyer.

I had posted a while ago about what to do once your tees show holes/signs of wear. I've never been lucky enough to have anything that a simple sew job would fix.

Got a link to that post Bubba? I can't seem to find it.

I've had more than one potential buyer ask if there were any repairs to a shirt, so it seems that some people would care. I would still do it though, except that I WOULD botch it. If I was in your shoes I would do it and mention it. If they don't like it they can get a seam ripper at the dollar store.

maxvintage wrote:Got a link to that post Bubba? I can't seem to find it.

My post was a question to fellow posters, rather than an answer