Here’s my tips on authenticating Vintage Surfwear

Here’s my tips on authenticating Vintage Surfwear

Whether its a local op shop find or your Dad’s old surfwear, follow these tips

Authenticating ’80s, ’90s and 2000s surfwear apparel is becoming increasingly harder with the recent introduction of re-issued products.

A re-issue simply means that the brand re-creates the vintage logos onto a new blank, which almost looks identical to the older versions.

Here’s how I tell the difference …..

The Tags

Yes, the tags on the inside of the tee, crew neck or boardies play a huge role in identifying the authenticity of an item.

The latest re-issued products are usually stated because of the close comparison to the original surfwear creations back in the day.

The Stitching

Let me introduce you to the world of ‘product stitching’ in determining age – single stitch vs double stitch.

Double stitching is the most common modern form of product stitching around. If you are wearing a tee no earlier than the 2000s, chances are its double stitched.

A single stitch on the other hand is a sign of an older make, usually thinner in material and have a lightweight feel.

This stitching pattern was favourable back in the ’80s and ’90s and as a result, this is a great way to authenticate that your market stall or online find is in fact vintage surf wear.

The Fade and Feel

This is usually my last resort. A 20 or 30 year old tee is most likely going to have a ‘worn in’ feel. In fact many brands today are chasing this aesthetic, as it avoids the breaking in process and fits perfectly right off the bat.

To authenticate an item, you really need to have the surfwear piece in hand. If it feels worn in and has a slight fade, usually due to sun exposure, definitely don’t write it off too quickly.

Make sure to use these tips to check your finds before leaving it behind on the rack.

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