Where to Find Vintage Denim For Kids
Looking for vintage denim for your kids? You’re not alone. There’s been a global movement (the Japanese have been on it since the 90’s) towards women’s vintage denim in recent years and now demand seems to be increasing for kids too. When it comes to denim, it seems like old has become cool.
This is a very good thing because the environmental toll of non-organic denim is serious. Not only does denim use massive amounts of water, they also use harmful chemicals both in the cultivation and the finishing process. That distressed look we all covet is often achieved through a controversial technique called sandblasting, that poses significant health risks to workers. While ethical denim production is beginning to rise, nothing beats secondhand.
The beauty of kid’s denim is that it doesn’t see the trends of the adult market. Low rise, high rise, bootcut, skinny, wide leg, Mom jeans, the list goes on and on. The kids market mostly favors a classic straight leg cut pair of jeans and denim jacket.
It doesn’t get more classic than Levi’s. Prior to the 1990’s, Levi’s were still made in the USA. The American brand was founded in 1853 by German Levi Strauss, after he immigrated from Bavaria to San Francisco. He joined forces with Latvian taylor Jacob Davis and the first pair of Levi’s was made in the 1890’s. The last US Levi’s factory closed in 2003, after the high-end denim market started to gain in popularity.
Besides Levi’s red tab jeans and jackets, there’s been demand for other classic styles like the instantly recognized hickory stripe from OshKosh and the iconic bib overall from Carhartt. Even other OG’s of American denim, Wrangler and Lee are being sought after for their vintage pieces.
Before OshKosh was bought by Carter’s in 2005, it was manufactured in Oshkosh, Wisconsin for over 100 years, from 1895 through 1997. They started by making their overalls for railroad and agricultural workers before their children’s styles became popular in the 60’s as a way to match Dad. Vintage OshKosh has real brass buttons and fastenings and is stamped “Union Made Sanforized”.
Likewise, Carhartt began making overalls for railroad workers in 1889 in a small Detroit loft. Although they started to move production oversees in 1997, they’ve continued to produce in the US and still operate 4 factories in Kentucky and Tennessee. Known for their durability, the workwear pants, jackets and overalls are all made in stiff 12-ounce cotton canvas.
Patience is key when it comes to getting your hands on quality vintage denim and you often have to sign up or follow to get notifications for when new styles are coming. Here’s our roundup of the best places to source your vintage denim.
Kai Blue
In addition to vintage finds from Levi’s, OshKosh, Wrangler and Lee, this Los Angeles based company also creates one off pieces made with vintage and upcycled denim. They start at baby sizes and go through tweens for sought after items like cutoffs, jeans, overalls and jackets with prices between $50 - $72. Their releases are good and tend to sell out quickly, so follow @shopkaiblue to keep in the loop.
Reborn Vintage
Based in Sweden, this shop offers up a ton of vintage goodies, with an impressive assortment from Levi’s, Carhartt and OshKosh. They also has a vintage section for women and home. Prices range from $25 - $60 USD and are listed in Swedish Krona on their site. Follow her at @reborn__vintage to find out about the latest drops.
Worn Threads
You can either buy or rent vintage finds from Levi’s, OshKosh and Carhartt, among many others, from this Denmark based vintage shop. Rentals are available for 4 - 12 months depending on the size, with free returns in Denmark. They also offer a buy back program. Prices range from $30 - $130 USD to purchase and $9 - $15 USD a month to rent, all prices listed in Danish Krone on their site. They regularly update inventory online, but you can follow @wornthreadsscph to keep up with latest.
Copito
An excellent source for quality preloved and vintage treasures. They have weekly denim drops of vintage Levi’s and you can sometimes find vintage Lee or OshKosh. They also offer a cool selection of vintage for women and home. They recently added some plant dyed accessories and botanical crayons, handmade at their studio in Spain. Prices range from $50 - $120 USD and can be browsed in multi currencies. Follow @shopcopito for latest drops or sign up for their newsletter.
Phii
Based in the Netherlands, this vintage shop sources an excellent mix of pieces Made in the USA. The denim collection not only includes Levi’s jeans and jackets, but hard to find skirts. There’s also vintage overalls from OshKosh and Carhartt. Prices range from $50 - $100 USD on average and the site is in Euros. Follow @phii.co if you want to know the latest.
Vintaje
These special vintage pieces are only available through following @_vintaje. The US account posts new drops in stories and they always sell out. The selection of Carhartt overalls is hard to beat and sometimes you’ll find gems in cool naturally dyed hues. Theres also well sourced denim from Wrangler, Guess and others. Prices range depending on condition but are fair.
Ryde & Roam
This US vintage shop is sourced from around the world and little flaws are fixed before they’re listed. There are tons of vintage knits and treasures here, especially for girls. For denim you’ll find mostly Levi’s and OshKosh jeans, jackets and overalls. Prices range from $20 - $30 on average. Follow along @rydeandroam for latest.
Little Trouble Vintage
Based in Los Angeles, this shop focuses on mostly vintage denim, especially overalls. You’ll find OshKosh, Carhartt, Levis and others. There’s also some one-of-a-kind patchwork and hand embroidered A-Z on denim. Prices range from $27 - $57. They donate 1% of annual profits to 1% for the Planet. Follow along @littletroublevintage for latest.
Oh My Osh
As the name suggests, this US shop stocks mostly vintage OshKosh. They not only have denim but tons of classic cotton overalls, with prices ranging from $30 - $45 USD, with free shipping in the US. There’s sometimes small quantities from Levi’s, Guess and others, but it is really an OshKosh destination. You can follow along @oh_my_osh for unique items.
Sunny and Cheer
Based in SoCal, this brand repurposes vintage tees and other goods to make booties, bloomers and culottes for babies and kids, along with an extensive home range. They also have a vintage section that regularly features denim from Levi’s, OshKosh and Wrangler. Prices are the lowest we’ve found, ranging from $18 - $30 on average for vintage finds. Follow along with @sunnyandcheer for the latest happenings.
Be Diddy
This vintage shop is based in the UK and you can find tons of goodies in great condition. Besides Levi’s, Carhartt and OshKosh there’s also vintage Ralph Lauren. To bring it even more full circle, there’s a buy back program for when your minis outgrow their vintage denim. Prices range from $20 - $45 USD on average and the site is in Pounds sterling. Follow @bediddy_ for the latest.
Wild + Rae
This is your spot for vintage Levi’s jean jackets you can get customized. From baby to Mama, you can add embroidered names and hand sewn silk appliqués. Prices are $100 and take 2-3 weeks to complete. This company also makes their own line of made to order pieces in California. Follow along @wildandrae.
This Australian shop has a large assortment of vintage sportswear for kids and adults, featuring a lot of Nike and Disney. Their denim assortment includes Carhartt, Levi’s, Guess and Wrangler, from $30 - $60 in mostly toddler to tween sizes. They restock on the regular but you can follow @restated.vintage for mostly adult vintage inspo.
Jean Pool
Based in Australia, you can find vintage, preloved and new denim from a pretty broad range of brands for baby to teens, women and men. The preloved section is the largest and they have an easy rating system as a condition guide. They also sell iron on patches to customize or for patching up holes to extend life. You can follow along @jeanpoolstore.
RECYCLED THREDS KIDS
Recycled Threds Kids
This online vintage shop is actually based near the original Oshkosh in Wisconsin. You’ll find OshKosh, Levi’s and Guess for newborn to big kid. She specializes in harder to find fun prints from OshKosh. Prices range from $35 - $50 on average and some of the more unique can go up to $75. Follow her @recycled_threds_vintage for latest.
WORN BY LITTLES
Worn by Littles
At this UK shop you’ll find a small assortment of vintage denim jeans, overalls, jackets and shorts from Levi’s, Lees and OshKosh. There’s also some vintage tops and accessories. The site is really easy to shop and special care is spent on describing the size and fit. Prices range from $32 - $40 USD on average and the site is in Pounds sterling. Follow @wornbylittles for new drops.
RESOURCES TO AUTHENTICATE YOUR VINTAGE
Imitating An Icon: Are My Levi’s Real or Fake?
How to Tell If Oskkosh is Vintage
Age Guide, Info to Tell If Your Carhartt is Authentic
more
