Antique, Vintage, Retro, or Collectable─What the Difference?

As you start to explore items with a past─such as furniture, linens, clothing, jewelry, hats, and fabric, you’ll hear multiple terms used to describe them. Are they collectables, antiques, retro pieces, or vintage gems? And indeed, what do these terms really mean? You should know, as prices are often predicated on how these beautifully time-worn items are categorized. Generally speaking, an antique is an object of notable age, usually 100 years of age or more, valued for its beauty as well as its historical significance.

Vintage is a term that has long applied to wine, referring to the year or the place in which wine was produced. The term was also adapted to apply to second-hand goods in numerous categories. While there is some flexibility in the definition, clothing, furnishings, jewelry and other items from the 1920s to the 1990s could be considered vintage. Most vintage clothing─whether commercially produced or handmade─has been previously worn, but you can occasionally find well-preserved, “like new” vintage apparel, accessories, shoes and more.

Where does the term “retro” fit in? This word is defined as involving, relating to, or being reminiscent of things past; retrospective. Retro or "vintage style" usually refers to clothing that imitates the style of a previous era. Much of modern or contemporary fashion borrows heavily from styles of past eras, especially timeless silhouettes like cardigan sets, pencil skirts, classic pumps, and Jackie O sheath dresses, among countless other examples.

The word collectible is another frequently used descriptor with a rather broad application. It usually refers to objects with a real or perceived value that are less than a hundred years old. This distinguishes collectibles from antiques, which again, would generally be categorized as being over a hundred years old. The term collectable can apply to items of varying quality and craftsmanship, so it’s important to develop a discerning eye, which you'll find happens naturally if you continue questing.

While opinions may vary on these definitions, they provide a working foundation to better understand your options if you appreciate treasures with a past, or that evoke feelings of a by-gone era. Acquiring a working knowledge of these terms can help you organize future purchases based on your budget and personal interest. Makes sense, does it not? Bonne chasse!