Fan of vintage? Then you were probably also shocked by Kassa's investigation. It showed that many vintage items on Vinted are not old at all, but come straight from fast-fashion factories. So new stuff, often of low quality, sometimes even bought at SHEIN or TEMU and then resold as something special. A scam, in other words. And anything but sustainable. Fortunately, with a few simple checks, you can avoid falling for it.
Fake vintage on Vinted: a scam!
That fake vintage slips through platforms like Vinted so easily is really no surprise. The platform has grown enormously and runs on millions of users who upload, describe and photograph stuff themselves. There is no active monitoring of what is truly vintage and enforcement happens mainly after the fact, when someone makes a report. Dropshippers cleverly exploit this. They buy ultra-cheap clothes, jewellery and accessories from Chinese platforms, put them online with slick photos and clever words like ‘vintage dressing’ or ‘retro style’ and play on our good feelings about second-hand shopping. Because accounts are created quickly and disappear just as quickly, the mopping up continues. And that is not only annoying because you get ripped off, but also worrying: these items are often of low quality and sometimes made with fabrics or dyes that do not meet European safety requirements. You think you are being sustainable, but meanwhile contribute to the very system you wanted to avoid.
Note: fake vintage is sometimes just unhealthy too
The problem with fake vintage goes beyond scams. Many clothes and jewellery sold through dropshippers come from the fast-fashion chain and may contain substances you would rather not wear on your skin. Think plasticisers, dyes and other chemicals that are strictly regulated in Europe, but not always outside. Studies, including from Pointer Checkt, show that some fastfashion items far exceed safe standards. You think you are buying second-hand and conscious, but in reality get brand new, low-quality clothes, sometimes with health risks. You can read more about toxic substances in fast fashion clothing here!
Vintage is not protected
What makes it extra confusing is that the term vintage is not protected anywhere. In practice, by vintage we mean clothes and accessories that are roughly 20 to 25 years old, but not yet antiques. They are often pieces from a recognisable period, with their own style and usually a better quality than what is now mass-produced. On platforms like Vinted and Etsy, anyone may use that label, even if an item only has a ‘vintage look’. Terms like ‘vintage style’, ‘retro’ or ‘vintage dressing’ sound innocent, but say nothing about age or origin. And it is precisely in this grey area that dropshippers thrive. Not because you are not paying attention, but because the system is set up that way.
Spotting fake vintage on Vinted: tips!
We get it, though. Vintage shopping is fun. And Vinted is and remains a wonderful, easy place to score great finds. It really doesn't have to be different all of a sudden. But now that fake vintage has taken off, it is smart to look a bit more critically. Luckily, you don't have to be an expert to do so. With a few simple checks, you increase your chances of buying real vintage and not falling for a quick scam. And good to know: you can apply these tips to other apps just as well or when browsing at a flea market.
- Use Google Lens. Take a screenshot of the item and check if it also shows up on fastfashion websites. Do you see it there too? Then you know enough.
- Check the photos critically, but don't jump to conclusions. Too perfect images with the same background or styling all the time can indicate dropshipping. At the same time: AI is getting better and there are also reliable sellers who use AI to make their photos look better. See this as a signal to check extra carefully, not as rock-solid proof.
- Pay attention to labels. No label, a label cut out or a vague mark? Red flag. True vintage often has clear, eye-catching labels.
- Ask around and ask for additional photos. A real seller, especially with vintage, makes an effort and is happy to send detail photos. A dropshipper mainly wants to sell quickly.
- Take a close look at the account. How long has the seller been active? Do style, photos, reviews and description match? Many different styles, a messy profile or an account that hasn't been around that long often don't feel right. Trust that gut feeling.
- Is it designer? Buy only with authenticity verification or if provenance is really easy to check. Tip: this list of the best online designer shops you can trust.
- Too good to be true? Then it usually is.
Vintage shopping on Vinted
Above all, don't let this discourage you. Vintage shopping remains fun. The real gems are often of amazing quality and a lot more durable than buying new. So don't give up this hobby because of a few rotten apples. Hopefully these tips will help you to keep looking with more confidence. Do things go wrong and your purchase turns out to be fake vintage? Then you can usually return the item via Vinted, but that is not always ideal. In practice, it often means extra transport and hassle, and it is not always possible to prove that a seller is wrong. So always report it to the platform and leave a review, that way you'll help others too. And perhaps the most important tip: are you in too much doubt? Leave it! Another great find always comes along. Vintage is not a rush job and that is exactly what makes it so much fun.
Do you have another good tip or did something happen to you on Vinted that you would like to share to alert others? Please let us know. We are happy to help spread tips and experiences within our community.
You might also find this interesting!
- Also see: This is how you will find more Vinted items from Dutch sellers.
- Also see: That's how you sell like crazy on Vinted.
- Also see: This is how to recognise illegal textile containers.
Sources: Box office, When Sara Smiles.
