Category grading
A pill on a cashmere sweater and a pill on a fleece are not the same finding, and a scuff means something different on a boot than on a blazer. These articles cover what to look at first in each garment category.
Vintage Knit Snags and Pulls: When to Grade Good, Fair, and When It's Not Worth Listing
One snag doesn't sink a sweater's grade. Here's the test-based standard for grading pulled yarn on vintage knits — and when it's not worth listing at all.
How to Grade Vintage Jeans Hemmed Condition for Resale: Cuffed, Let-Out, and Patched Hems
A hemmed or let-out inseam doesn't automatically lower a jeans grade. Here's how to assess cuffed, let-out, and patched hems fairly and disclose them correctly.
The Seam Allowance Test: How to Grade Hidden Seam Stress on Vintage Dress Pants
A pressed, unbroken outer seam can hide fraying allowance and elongated stitch holes. Here's the seam allowance test that catches structural stress before you list.
Shedding, Matting, or Loose Attachment: How to Grade Fur Trim and Feather Condition on Vintage Coats
Shedding, matting, and loose attachment fail differently on fur and feather trim. Here's the test-based standard for grading each correctly.
Vintage Outerwear Waterproofing Loss: How to Grade DWR Coating Breakdown Before You List
A shell that stopped beading water isn't cosmetically worn — it's functionally degraded. Here's the bead test that grades DWR breakdown correctly.
How to Grade Suit Pants Crotch Seam Wear: Tension, Stress, and Wearability Standards
A pressed, unstretched crotch seam can still be one wear from blowing out. Here's the stress-point test for grading suit pants correctly.
How to Grade Vintage Shoe Interior Condition: Lining Tears, Insole Wear, and Footbed Condition
A clean upper doesn't mean a clean grade. Here's how to inspect lining tears, insole wear, and footbed condition on vintage shoes before you list.
Vintage Leather Creasing and Cracking: When Normal Break-In Becomes Structural Failure
Surface creasing sells vintage leather. Cracking at the crease line sinks it. Here's the bend test that tells you which one you're looking at.
Grade Faded Spandex Blend Clothing: Spandex Degradation vs. Color Loss on Lycra Blends
A washed-out leggings color and a dead waistband look similar. Here's how to grade faded spandex blends without confusing cosmetic fade for elastic failure.
How to Grade Vintage Leather Patina: When Darkening Is Character and When It's Damage
Even oxidized darkening is Cosmetic Appearance, not a defect. Here's the test-based standard for grading vintage leather patina versus real damage.
How to Grade Vintage Shoe Sole Condition: Cushioning, Tread Wear, and Structural Integrity
Compressed midsoles, worn tread, and separating soles fail differently. Here's the standard for grading vintage shoe sole condition and wearability correctly.
Vintage Band Tee Grading: Crack Detection, Print Longevity, and the Single-Wash Standard
A soft vintage tee with a cracking print isn't Excellent by default. Here's the single-wash standard for grading vintage band tee condition correctly.
Lining Degradation: How to Grade Jacket Lining Damage for Resale
A shattered silk lining and a stained one aren't the same defect. Here's how to grade jacket lining damage for resale without over- or under-calling it.
Vintage Corduroy and Velvet: How to Grade Pile Flattening and Fabric Nap Loss
Shiny wale tops and bald velvet seats aren't fading or damage — they're pile wear. Here's the grading standard that calls it correctly.
Vintage Denim Crotch Blowout: When to Grade Fair, When to Pass, and When to Disclose a Repair
A crotch blowout doesn't automatically mean Poor. Here's the fabric-loss threshold that separates Fair, Poor, and pass — and how to disclose a repair.
Vintage Jeans Waistband Wear: How to Grade Stretch, Fraying, and Structural Failure
A stretched waistband and a frayed one fail differently. Here's the grading threshold that separates Very Good from Fair on vintage denim.
Vintage Activewear Grading: Elastic Recovery, Mesh Integrity, and the Sweat-Stain Standard
Elastic recovery, mesh damage, and sweat staining sink more activewear listings than holes ever do. Here's the grading standard that catches them first.
Vintage Knitwear Grading: Stretched Shoulders, Bagging, and the Shape-Hold Standard
A spotless cashmere crewneck can still come back as a return. Here's how to grade shoulder stretch and bagging in vintage knits with a repeatable shape-hold test.
Collar and Cuff Condition: Why a Worn Neckline Costs More Than Visible Stains
A pristine body can't save a frayed collar. Learn why neckline and cuff wear costs more than a stain, and how to grade it before a buyer finds it first.
Vintage Suit Alterations: How to Grade an Altered Vintage Suit for Resale
A clean, professional alteration doesn't lower a vintage suit's grade — sloppy execution does. Here's how to grade the difference and price it right.