Fashion trends come and go, but true craftsmanship never fades. In recent years, vintage clothing has gone from quirky hobby to serious collector’s market, with certain labels commanding jaw-dropping prices online. Whether it’s a perfectly tailored jacket or a silk dress with a story, collectors are chasing pieces that capture the artistry of fashion’s golden decades.
If you’ve got a few old garments tucked away—or love hunting through thrift stores—you might want to start checking those tags more carefully. Here are seven vintage clothing labels that collectors are paying top dollar for right now.
Dior
Christian Dior’s New Look defined postwar elegance, and original pieces from the 1940s through the 1970s are now worth thousands. Collectors especially prize dresses, coats, and suits featuring that signature cinched waist and full skirt silhouette. Even accessories like scarves and belts with early Dior branding can fetch impressive sums.
The key is authenticity: look for original labels and high-quality materials. Many Dior pieces were made by hand or in small runs, making them rare finds today. If you happen upon one of these timeless garments, it’s worth consulting an expert—what looks like an old dress could be a serious investment.
Yves Saint Laurent
Before fast fashion, Yves Saint Laurent built his reputation on impeccable tailoring and daring design. Vintage YSL pieces from the 1960s through the 1980s are especially coveted for their structure and sophistication. Iconic safari jackets, tuxedo blazers, and silk blouses in jewel tones remain collector favorites.
Labels reading “Saint Laurent Rive Gauche” tend to attract the most attention—they marked the designer’s ready-to-wear revolution. These garments represent both history and high fashion, bridging couture and modern street style. Even well-worn pieces hold value, thanks to their enduring influence on contemporary design.
Halston
No one captured the effortless glamour of the 1970s quite like Halston. His minimalist silhouettes, flowing jersey gowns, and disco-era shimmer have become icons of vintage fashion. Original Halston pieces—especially those made before the brand’s mass licensing—are now fiercely collected by fashion historians and retro lovers alike.
Garments labeled simply “Halston” or “Halston Limited” tend to be the most valuable. Their clean lines and impeccable draping make them timeless wardrobe staples. As interest in ’70s fashion continues to soar, Halston’s designs have transformed from Studio 54 nostalgia into investment-worthy style statements.
Ossie Clark
Few designers embodied the bohemian spirit of the late 1960s like Ossie Clark. Known for his romantic silhouettes, flowing fabrics, and bold prints designed by his wife, Celia Birtwell, Clark’s pieces are now treasured by collectors and celebrities alike. His garments perfectly balance free-spirited artistry with exquisite tailoring.
Original Ossie Clark dresses can sell for thousands, particularly if they feature recognizable Birtwell patterns or are in excellent condition. Look for the signature “Ossie Clark for Radley” label, which often denotes the most desirable designs. These are true pieces of wearable art that capture the energy and rebellion of a cultural era.
Levi’s
It’s not just high fashion that’s making money—heritage workwear is booming, too. Vintage Levi’s jeans, especially those made before the 1980s, are commanding record prices. Collectors prize early “Big E” denim, identifiable by the capital “E” on the red tab, as well as selvedge edges and single-stitch detailing.
Condition matters, but even faded, well-worn pairs can bring in hundreds or more. The older the jeans, the higher the potential value—especially if they’re from the 1940s or earlier. It’s proof that durable, authentic craftsmanship never goes out of style, and that old jeans in Grandma’s closet might just be gold.
Emilio Pucci
Vibrant, swirling prints. Luxurious silk jersey. Emilio Pucci defined the jet-set aesthetic of the 1960s and ’70s with designs that exude energy and optimism. Original Pucci dresses, scarves, and blouses are now fetching big money from collectors who appreciate their artistry and quality.
Pucci labels from Florence or Capri are particularly valuable, indicating early production before mass licensing. Condition is key—bright, unfaded colors and intact labels make a big difference. Even smaller accessories like headscarves can command high prices, proving that Pucci’s playful sophistication remains as irresistible as ever.
Chanel
No list of valuable vintage fashion labels would be complete without Chanel. Pieces from the 1950s through the 1990s—especially jackets, handbags, and jewelry—consistently rise in value year after year. The timeless tweed suit or quilted handbag remains a symbol of elegance and status that collectors can’t resist.
Original labels, gold-tone hardware, and double “C” logos all increase worth. Early costume jewelry and handbags from Karl Lagerfeld’s early years are also gaining attention. Whether it’s tucked in a closet or found at an estate sale, Chanel is one of the safest and most rewarding names in vintage fashion investing.
Vintage fashion isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about craftsmanship, history, and identity. The right label can turn an old garment into a valuable heirloom or a collector’s prize. So next time you’re sorting through old clothes, check those tags carefully. Fashion’s past is still paying dividends in the present.