Education

New to vintage? Here's a quick guide to the terms you'll see in our listings and what they mean. We add to it as we go, so check back often. Have a question we didn't cover? Email us at info@alleyoopvintage.com.

Condition & Age

Vintage

Clothing and gear that is at least 20 years old. Everything we sell is authentic to its era, not a modern reproduction.

NOS (New Old Stock)

Items that still have their original tags and have never been worn. They may have sat in storage for years or even decades, but they were never used.

DS (Deadstock)

Items in new condition. Deadstock pieces were never sold or worn, so they look like they just came off the shelf.

NWT / NWOT

NWT means "new with tags." NWOT means "new without tags," so the piece is unworn but the original tags are gone.

Construction & Details

Single Stitch

A single row of stitching on the sleeve hems and bottom hem of a t-shirt. Most tees made before the mid-1990s were sewn this way, while modern tees use a double row. Collectors look for single stitch as a sign of an older shirt.

Reverse Weave

A heavyweight fleece construction made famous by Champion, where the fabric is cut and sewn sideways so the sweatshirt resists shrinking in length. You can spot it by the ribbed side panels and the "Reverse Weave" label.

Rework

A vintage piece that has been redesigned or customized into something new. Reworks can be cropped, re-sewn, patched, or combined with other pieces. Each one is one of a kind.

AOP (All Over Print)

A shirt with graphics printed across the whole front and often the back, not just a single chest design.

Spellout

A design where the team, school or brand name is spelled out in large letters across the garment.

Reading Our Listings

VTG

Short for vintage.

Measurements

Vintage sizing can run very differently from modern sizing, so every listing includes measurements. Measurements are listed as width x length, in inches. We recommend comparing them to a favorite piece you already own.

Condition Notes

Vintage pieces have a history. We document flaws like stains, small holes, fading or wear in the description and photos, so you know exactly what you're getting.