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

In our work, we often find ourselves using, not always with the right meaning, terms like "ancient", "vintage" and "used" that are often used as synonyms when in reality they speak of very different things! Words are important, Moretti said, slapping the interlocutor and it's true, because each word brings with it a different perception. I'll give you an example right away:

"I found a vintage bag from my grandmother in the closet"

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

I bet that in some way you thought of a treasure in the first case and in the second, of an emotional memory certainly, but certainly of little value.

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

1. Ancient: Over 100 Years of History

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

Buying an antique item means owning a piece of history, an object that has spanned generations and eras.

2. Vintage: Between 20 and 100 Years of Charm

The term "vintage" refers to items that are between 20 and 100 years old. Some even talk about 15 years, but let's say that the definition of vintage is not only established by the year of production, but above all by the value of the object itself! When we started years ago in the markets and we were passionate about leather, we dealt with bags from the 70s, 80s and 90s, wonderful and well made, but without any brand, not designed by artistic directors who made the history of fashion. 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, clothes from the 70s with their psychedelic prints or leather jackets from the 80s are considered true vintage pieces.

Unlike antique, vintage is not only historical, but often reflects trends that have come back into fashion . Wearing vintage is a way to celebrate the fashion of the past, but with a contemporary twist. At 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 an item that has been owned and worn by someone else, that may have a very high value and a high-sounding demand, but that does not have a particular historical value. It does not have to be old to be considered used; even a dress from last season can fall into this category.

Second hand 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. At VivoVintage.com, we offer a selection of high-quality second hand garments, allowing you to save money without sacrificing style.

4. Never Used But Gone: A Treasure Trove of Past Seasons

Finally, there is another category that is often overlooked: "never used but gone" items. These are clothes and accessories that come from previous seasons, are new and never worn, perhaps purchased at a clearance sale or as unwanted gifts, but are no longer part of the current collections of the brands. This category is perfect for those who want to buy luxury or designer pieces at discounted prices, without sacrificing quality and exclusivity.

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