The VFG believes that informed selling and buying communities are good for the vintage-fashion industry as a whole, and all visitors to the website have access to the VFG resources. These are continually updated and constantly evolving, thanks to a dedicated volunteer staff.
Our blog features our picks of the freshest vintage items, member news and articles. We have also created a growing series of articles on some classic designers.
The Vintage Fashion Guild™ (VFG) is an international organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of vintage fashion.
The Vintage Fashion Guild™ (VFG) is an international community of people with expertise in vintage fashion. VFG members enjoy a wealth of resources, avenues for promoting their shops and specialties, and camaraderie with others who share a common interest and passion.
Union Made Vintage Fashion Celebrated by the Vintage Fashion Guild
Founded on June 3, 1900, the International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union (ILGWU) played a vital role in protecting the rights of garment industry workers—particularly in women’s clothing manufacturing. As one of the largest labor unions in the U.S., the ILGWU is an essential part of fashion history and the labor movement.
The broader labor movement brought lasting reforms still felt today: an end to child labor, the eight-hour workday, weekends, and improved safety regulations—all of which benefited workers, union and non-union alike.
The ILGWU was more than just a labor organization. It fostered a strong sense of community through basketball teams, bowling leagues, choruses, ESL classes, and college-level courses. Union chapters also organized fundraisers for members in need. Women played key leadership roles, often on the front lines of picket lines demanding fair pay and safe working conditions.
The families of union garment workers were proud of the high quality and ethical standards behind their clothing production—values that resonate with today’s vintage fashion lovers.
Want to identify authentic union-made vintage clothing? Visit the Vintage Fashion Guild’s Union Labels entry in the Label Resource to learn how to date union labels and recognize garments made with union pride. You’ll also find information on other labor unions involved in clothing and accessory manufacturing.
Celebrating the ILGWU Anniversary with Union-Made Vintage
In celebration of the ILGWU’s June 3 anniversary, the Vintage Fashion Guild proudly presents a Vintage Fashion Parade of union-made garments. Explore member items that carry the ILGWU label and others—proof that style and social justice can walk hand in hand.
Look for the union label. It’s more than a tag—it’s a legacy.
For more, visit the VFG Forums and search for union-made vintage treasures.