How Old Does Something Have to Be to Be Vintage?

How old does something have to be to be vintage?
It’s a question that collectors, fashion enthusiasts, and designers ask often — and the answer goes beyond a simple number. “Vintage” reflects age, craftsmanship, and cultural value — not just a number. Understanding how old something has to be to be vintage requires looking at time, quality, and historical context together.

How Old Does Something Have to Be to Be Vintage

Generally, an item is considered vintage if it’s 20 to 99 years old. Anything older than 100 years typically falls under antique.
However, not everything that’s 20 years old qualifies — craftsmanship, condition, and cultural relevance also matter.

What Makes an Item Truly Vintage

• Age and Authenticity: A genuine vintage item reflects the craftsmanship and design standards of its era.

• Cultural Value: Many pieces become vintage because they represent a defining moment in fashion history.

• Condition and Rarity: Preservation and scarcity influence how vintage items are perceived and valued.

• Verification: Provenance and authentication are essential when buying vintage luxury items. 

The concept of vintage is often examined through expert perspectives and real-world examples. In the video below, a Vogue editor visits a vintage shop to explore how age, condition, and craftsmanship are evaluated in practice.

Why Vintage Matters in Modern Luxury

Buying vintage is not just about owning fashion history — it’s about sustainability and conscious luxury.
Maison Vivienne’s curated selection of authenticated vintage handbags, jewellery, and accessories promotes circular fashion, allowing buyers to enjoy verified designer pieces responsibly.

Conclusion: How Old Does Something Have to Be to Be Vintage?

How old does something have to be to be vintage is not defined by age alone. While 20 years is often used as a guideline, craftsmanship, condition, and cultural significance ultimately determine whether an item is truly vintage.

For buyers, understanding how old something has to be to be vintage is also about trust — knowing that age, provenance, and authenticity have been properly assessed. Learn more about how Maison Vivienne approaches authentication and verification on our Authenticity Guarantee page.