Lecture Notes: Vintage T-Shirts

Introduction

• Presenter: Ryan Roots
• Topic: Vintage and high-end vintage t-shirts
• Purpose: Educate on identifying and valuing high-end vintage t-shirts for thrifting or estate sales.
• Disclaimer: Ryan is not an absolute expert but has significant experience in the field.

Key Points

Identifying Vintage T-Shirts

• Tags: Check the tag for authenticity (e.g., Hanes Ultra Weight).
• Stitching: Look for single-stitching on sleeves and hems.
• Date Stamps: Check for date stamps that indicate the era of the t-shirt.

Case Study: High-Value Sale

• Example: 1994 "The Mask" t-shirt sold for $1,250.
• Comparison: Previous high sale was an Aeon Flux t-shirt for $1,125.
• Buying Strategy: Often higher-end t-shirts are sourced from collections rather than thrift stores.

Transparency in Sales

• Reality Check: Most high-value t-shirts are not thrifted at low prices but purchased at higher costs.
• Example: "The Mask" t-shirt was bought for $1,000 and sold for $1,250.

Unboxing & Identification

• Source: A vintage wholesale box from Mexico costing $1,650.
• Contents: Approximately 17-18 pieces mostly composed of vintage wrestling and some rare music and movie t-shirts.

Examples from the Box

• Wrestling T-Shirts: Stone Cold Steve Austin, Goldberg, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.
• Music & Movie T-Shirts: Pink Floyd, Betty Boop, an Eminem shirt from "8 Mile", Tupac Memorial t-shirt.
• Highlights: The Tupac t-shirt is identified as the most valuable.

Factors Determining T-shirt Value

1. Nostalgia: Personal attachment to the piece.
2. Hype and Influence: Influence from celebrities or popular figures.
3. Condition: Overall condition matters, although small flaws may not.
4. Collectibility: How collectible or rare the item is.
5. Size: XL is highly sought after.
6. Tag: Some collectors prefer specific tags.
7. Age: 20 years or older typically defines "true vintage."
8. Reprints: Originals are more valuable post reprints.
9. Market: Where and how the items are sold affects value.
10. Color: Preference for certain colors or specific fades.

Pricing Strategies

• Experience: Past sales and knowledge guide pricing.
• Credibility: Influence and reputation can justify higher prices.
• Sold Comps: Research past sales on platforms like eBay, Depop, etc.
• Seek Help: Reach out to experts or respected figures for advice.
• Auction Strategy: Use auctions to let the market decide the price.

Conclusion

• Final Thoughts: Experience, proper identification, and understanding market dynamics are crucial in valuing vintage t-shirts.
• Further Learning: Encourages watching more expert videos linked in the description for deeper understanding.

Additional Content

• Post-Session Content: Examples of higher-end vintage t-shirts and their details.

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