The Dating Tool

Identify a Garment

A label is a dense data packet. Work backwards from the markers you can see — the registration number, union mark, fibre, stitching, hardware, and seams — to an estimated era.

RN / WPL Number

The FTC registration number printed on the tag.

Union Label

Wording and design of any garment-workers' union label.

Care Label Style

How washing instructions are presented inside the garment.

Stitch Construction

The hem and sleeve stitching on a t-shirt or sweatshirt.

Zipper Type

The maker and material of any zipper.

Fibre Content

The most era-defining fibre listed on the content label.

Country of Origin

The 'Made in' statement on the label.

Seam Finish

How the interior raw edges are finished.

0 of 8 markers set

Result

Set the markers you can see

Fill in any fields you can confirm from the garment in hand, then estimate the era. Each marker casts a vote toward a decade — the more you provide, the higher the confidence. Nothing is required.