How to Tell if Vintage Jacket Is Real

When you’re holding a vintage jacket, a garment made at least 20 years ago with original construction and materials. Also known as authentic vintage, it’s not just old—it’s built to last through Irish winters, rain, and decades of wear. Too many people buy jackets labeled ‘vintage’ only to find they’re new reproductions with fake distressing. In Ireland, where second-hand shops and flea markets are full of hidden gems, knowing how to spot the real thing saves money and respects craftsmanship.

Start with the label, the printed or sewn tag inside the jacket that reveals brand, origin, and sometimes the year. Real vintage jackets often have labels from brands like Barbour, Burberry, or Levi’s that either no longer exist or changed their logo style. Look for handwritten font, mismatched stitching, or tags that say ‘Made in England’ or ‘Made in Ireland’—not ‘Made in China’ or ‘Made in Vietnam.’ Labels that look too clean or too perfect? That’s a red flag. Next, check the fabric, the material used to make the jacket, which should feel heavier and more textured than modern synthetics. Real vintage jackets use wool, cotton twill, or leather that has aged naturally—not shiny, plastic-like polyester. Run your fingers along the seams. If the stitching is uneven, slightly crooked, or uses thick thread, that’s a sign of hand-made or older machine work. Modern jackets use uniform, machine-perfect stitches that look too clean to be real. Look at the zippers, the fastening hardware that often reveals the jacket’s age. Vintage jackets from the 1950s to 1980s commonly used metal zippers with branded pull tabs—YKK, Talon, or Riri. Plastic zippers? That’s almost always a modern replacement or fake.

Wear patterns matter too. A real vintage jacket won’t look like it was worn once and stored. Look for subtle fading around the collar, elbows, or pockets—natural signs of use. Check the inside lining for stains, repairs, or patches. Old jackets often have small darns or re-sewn seams, not because they were broken, but because they were cared for. If the jacket looks brand new inside and out, it’s likely not vintage—it’s just a new jacket pretending to be one.

And don’t forget the smell. Real vintage often carries a faint, earthy scent—like old wool, leather, or mothballs. A strong chemical or new fabric smell? That’s a clue it’s been recently made or treated to hide its age.

Knowing how to tell if a vintage jacket is real isn’t about being a collector. It’s about making smart, lasting choices in a country where weather demands durable gear and culture values things that outlast trends. Below, you’ll find real stories from Irish buyers who’ve found authentic jackets in second-hand shops, at markets in Galway, and even in their granddad’s closet. They’ll show you exactly what to look for—and what to walk away from.