Antique, Vintage and Used: Knowing the Differences for Informed Purchases

In our work, we often find ourselves using terms like "antique", "vintage" and "used" not always in the right sense, as they are often used as synonyms when in fact they refer to very different things! Words are important, Moretti said, slapping the woman he was speaking to, and it is true, because every word carries a different perception. Let me give you an example right away:

"I found a vintage bag of my grandmother's in the closet"

"I found an old bag of my grandmother's in the closet"

I bet that somehow you would have thought of a treasure in the first case and in the second, certainly an emotional memory, but surely one of little value. 

In this article, we will explore the differences between antique, vintage and used, helping you distinguish between these categories and discover what you can find on VivoVintage.com.

 1. Antique: Over 100 Years of History

The definition of "antique" (or "antiques") refers to garments or objects that are more than 100 years old. These are extremely rare pieces that belong to well-defined historical periods, such as the Victorian era or the early 20th century. Antique garments are not just clothes or accessories, but true historical treasures, appreciated for their craftsmanship, the quality of the materials, and their ability to represent a now-disappeared style.

Buying an antique garment means owning a piece of history, an object that has passed through generations and eras. 

2. Vintage: Between 20 and 100 Years of Charm

The term "vintage" refers to garments that are between 20 and 100 years old. Some people also say 15 years, but let's say that the definition of vintage is not established solely by the year of production, but above all by the value of the object itself! When we started years ago at flea markets and were passionate about leather, we dealt with bags from the 70s, 80s and 90s, wonderful and of excellent craftsmanship, but without any brand, not designed by artistic directors who made fashion history. In that case, time did not define those objects as vintage. Vintage is not simply “old”, but must represent a significant style for the era in which it was created. For example, 70s dresses with their psychedelic prints or 80s leather jackets are considered true vintage pieces.

Unlike antiques, vintage is not only historical, but often also reflects trends that have come back into fashion. Wearing vintage is a way to celebrate the fashion of the past, but with a contemporary touch. On VivoVintage.com you can find a wide range of vintage bags and accessories, carefully selected for their authenticity and uniqueness.

3. Used: Second Hand Fashion

“Second hand”, or used, is a garment that has been owned and worn by someone else, which may have a very high value and a lofty demand, but does not have any particular historical value. It does not need to be old to be considered used; even a garment from last season can fall into this category.

Used fashion has become particularly popular in recent years thanks to growing environmental awareness and the desire to reduce waste in fashion. Buying second hand means giving a garment a second life and, at the same time, making a sustainable choice. On VivoVintage.com, we offer a selection of high-quality used garments that allow you to save without compromising on style.

4. Never Used but Past: A Treasure from Previous Seasons

Finally, there is another category that is often overlooked: “never used but past” garments. These are clothes and accessories that come from previous seasons, are new and never worn, perhaps bought at clearance sales or unwanted gifts, but are no longer part of the brands' current collections. This category is perfect for those who wish to buy luxury or designer pieces at discounted prices, without compromising on quality and exclusivity.

Can You Find Everything on VivoVintage.com? Let's say that except for antiques, with us you can take a deep dive into previous decades whenever you want, and you can also quickly monetize by clearing out your closets, making room for the new, the used, or vintage. Now you know the difference