claireshaeffer
VFG Member
Can you use the fiber content label as a guide for dating garments?
Claire
Claire
labels for fiber
- Thread starter claireshaeffer
- Start date
MyVintageCocktail
VFG Member
I use them a lot in dating items.... As well as comparing to what kinds of labels were used when, I can sometimes narrow down the dating based on the fiber content. Though sometimes I stumble across an older piece, and am surprised when I see a fiber content label. Then I tend to get thrown off....
With your knowledge of fabrics, Claire, I'm betting you can nail a date pretty well via the fiber content!!!!
With your knowledge of fabrics, Claire, I'm betting you can nail a date pretty well via the fiber content!!!!
claireshaeffer
VFG Member
Anne,
I didn't ask the right question. When did content labels become mandatory on garments? C
I didn't ask the right question. When did content labels become mandatory on garments? C
Circa Vintage Clothing
Alumni
I think it was the mid to late '60s. I've found them earlier than that - probably back to the '20s but it's not until the '60s that they appear to be standard and required.
Nicole
Nicole
Fiber content labels were required in 1960 in the US.
From our "Quick Tip Section" on dating vintage:
The USA Textile Products Identifications Act, 1960 mandated the use of fabric content labels
International care symbols were developed 1971.
I have seen them earlier, as well - and of course we have all seen garments that no longer have all or any of their labels.
Linn
From our "Quick Tip Section" on dating vintage:
The USA Textile Products Identifications Act, 1960 mandated the use of fabric content labels
International care symbols were developed 1971.
I have seen them earlier, as well - and of course we have all seen garments that no longer have all or any of their labels.
Linn
MyVintageCocktail
VFG Member
Oh, sorry, Claire, wasn't sure exactly what you meant. Knowing that content labels weren't mandated until the 60s (I didn't know what the exact date was; thanks, Linn, for posting that--doesn't seem like it was that long ago; how time flies, and how old that makes me feel....) is what throws me off when I see an older piece pre-mandate that has a content label.
I have a coat that I would swear was 50s, but it has a fiber content label that makes me think it's newer. So, in that case, it confuses me rather than helps!
I have a coat that I would swear was 50s, but it has a fiber content label that makes me think it's newer. So, in that case, it confuses me rather than helps!
Anne-
This '40's Tailorbrooke gabardine suit has a fiber content label that says 100% wool.
The suit also has a National Recovery Act Fair Practice label.
There were also "some" care labels - like washable or "drip dry" in garments before the mandated labels.
Linn
This '40's Tailorbrooke gabardine suit has a fiber content label that says 100% wool.
The suit also has a National Recovery Act Fair Practice label.
There were also "some" care labels - like washable or "drip dry" in garments before the mandated labels.
Linn
MyVintageCocktail
VFG Member
That label's pretty straightforward; wouldn't be confusing if I saw it in a pre-1960's garment. The coat I mentioned above (I should shoot it and post the label here) has a label that says something like "made in USA of imported fabric." I don't recall seeing that type of label in pre-label-mandate items, yet this coat seems older.
I've found that most, or at least most of the stuff I have, maker's-labeled lingerie has fiber-content labels as well, even back into the 30s. And often care labels. Love it when I see a "wash in soap flakes" instruction, e.g.
I've found that most, or at least most of the stuff I have, maker's-labeled lingerie has fiber-content labels as well, even back into the 30s. And often care labels. Love it when I see a "wash in soap flakes" instruction, e.g.
