Vintage vs. Retro: What’s the Difference?
When shopping for second-hand designer fashion, you’ve likely come across the terms vintage and retro—but what do they actually mean? Many people use them interchangeably, but they refer to different things. Whether buying or selling on Designer Outlet, Ireland’s premier designer resale site, understanding the distinction can empower you with knowledge and help you make informed choices and maximise the value of your preloved items.
What is Vintage Fashion?
Vintage clothing refers to pieces that are at least 20 years old but still hold cultural and fashion significance. Typically, vintage fashion includes designer pieces from the 1990s and earlier, with sought-after labels like Chanel, Dior, Versace, and Prada.
To be considered genuine vintage, an item should:
✔ Be at least 20 years old
✔ Reflect the era it was made in (e.g., 80s power suits, 70s bohemian dresses)
✔ Maintain its original design and construction
✔ Often be made with high-quality craftsmanship and materials
Some highly collectable vintage fashion pieces include:
A 90s Fendi Baguette Bag
A 70s Yves Saint Laurent safari jacket
A classic 80s Burberry trench coat
Why Vintage is Valuable
Vintage designer pieces often retain or even increase in value due to limited production, superior craftsmanship, and their timeless appeal. Collectors and fashion lovers seek vintage Chanel bags, Gucci loafers, and Hermès scarves for their exclusivity and history, feeling a strong connection to both the past and the present.
What is Retro Fashion?
Unlike vintage, retro clothing is not old—it’s new but inspired by past styles. Designers and brands often release collections that mimic the look of previous decades, incorporating 70s silhouettes, 80s bold prints, or 90s minimalism into modern designs.
A retro piece can be:
✔ A recent garment made to look like it’s from a different era
✔ A re-release of a past collection (e.g., Nike’s reissued 90s sneakers)
✔ A new design with a vintage-inspired twist
Examples of Retro Fashion:
A brand-new dress made in a 60s-style shift silhouette
A modern leather jacket inspired by 80s rockstar fashion
A 2020s re-release of a 90s Prada handbag
Vintage vs. Retro: How to Tell the Difference
Should You Sell Vintage or Retro on Designer Outlet?
If you have authentic vintage designer pieces, they can be highly sought after by collectors and fashion enthusiasts. Luxury handbags, dresses, and accessories from the 70s, 80s, or 90s tend to sell well.
Retro pieces, while stylish, may not have the same resale value unless they are limited edition re-releases or high-end designer replicas of past styles.
Where to Buy & Sell Vintage Designer Fashion in Ireland
At Designer Outlet, we specialize in preloved designer fashion, including authentic vintage and high-quality second-hand luxury pieces. Unlike platforms like Vestiaire Collective or Depop, you keep 100% of your sale price with no commission—just a small one-off listing fee.
If you have a vintage designer handbag, retro-inspired dress, or timeless accessories, now is the perfect time to list them. Visit www.designeroutlet.ie and start selling today!
