Sears
American retail giant founded by Richard Sears in 1886. 'Sears Roebuck' on serif tags marks the 1950s; house-brand lines like 'Perma-Prest', 'Towncraft', 'Big Mac', and 'Oakbrook Sportswear' are the specific era-dating tools across five decades of catalogue tags.
- Origin
- USA
- Founded
- 1886
- Category
- Designer & Casual
- Documented eras
- 6
How Sears labels evolved over time. Match the markers below against the tag in hand to place a garment in its era.
1950–1959
1950s vintage Sears tags
Tags often feature serif fonts with simple, clean designs Common descriptors include “Sears Roebuck and Co.
- Tags often feature serif fonts with simple, clean designs.
- Common descriptors include “Sears Roebuck and Co.
- Fabric content and care instructions are usually minimalistic.
- Some tags include bold lettering and iconic Sears logos.
How to spot it
Tags often feature serif fonts with simple, clean designs — confirms this label era.
Value signal
Rare; pre-1960 examples are collector-grade and seldom surface.
1960–1969
1960s vintage Sears tags
More detailed information on fabric content and care instructions Introduction of branded lines such as “Sears Fashion” and “Kings Road.
- More detailed information on fabric content and care instructions.
- Introduction of branded lines such as “Sears Fashion” and “Kings Road.
- Tags may include more color and intricate designs.
- Serif fonts are still prevalent but with varied styling.
How to spot it
More detailed information on fabric content and care instructions — confirms this label era.
Value signal
Strong collector demand; 1960s examples command premiums in good condition.
1970–1979
1970s vintage Sears tags
Tags often feature bold serif lettering and branded names like “Perma-Prest” and “The Men’s Store.” Introduction of additional brand lines like “Western Wear” and “At Home Wear.”.
- Tags often feature bold serif lettering and branded names like “Perma-Prest” and “The Men’s Store.”.
- Introduction of additional brand lines like “Western Wear” and “At Home Wear.”.
- Tags may be square or rectangular with vibrant colors and detailed stitching.
- Size indicators are commonly included on the tags.
How to spot it
Tags often feature bold serif lettering and branded names like “Perma-Prest” and “The Men’s Store.” — confirms this label era.
Value signal
Solid vintage interest; 1970s pieces in clean condition attract steady demand.
1980–1989
1980s vintage Sears tags
Tags prominently display brand names such as “Sears Sportswear” and “Oakbrook Sportswear More sophisticated designs with a combination of serif and sans-serif fonts.
- Tags prominently display brand names such as “Sears Sportswear” and “Oakbrook Sportswear.
- More sophisticated designs with a combination of serif and sans-serif fonts.
- Tags may include slogans or additional branding information.
- Greater emphasis on care instructions and fabric blends.
How to spot it
Tags prominently display brand names such as “Sears Sportswear” and “Oakbrook Sportswear — confirms this label era.
Value signal
Good vintage demand; 1980s label detail is a key value driver.
1990–1999
1990s vintage Sears tags
Modern look with increased use of sans-serif fonts Tags often feature detailed care instructions and fabric blends.
- Modern look with increased use of sans-serif fonts.
- Tags often feature detailed care instructions and fabric blends.
- Branding lines like “Sears Value” and “Sears Work Leisure” are common.
- Tags include more color variety and design elements.
How to spot it
Modern look with increased use of sans-serif fonts — confirms this label era.
Value signal
Moderate collector interest; condition and completeness determine value.
2000–2009
2000s vintage Sears tags
Contemporary designs with updated fonts and logos Tags often feature bold, modern layouts with detailed care instructions.
- Contemporary designs with updated fonts and logos.
- Tags often feature bold, modern layouts with detailed care instructions.
- Brand names and lines such as “The Men’s Store” continue to be used.
- Greater diversity in tag materials and styles.
How to spot it
Contemporary designs with updated fonts and logos — confirms this label era.
Value signal
Entry-level vintage; value driven by brand recognition and condition.