Tag: defect-taxonomy
Vintage Knit Snags and Pulls: When to Grade Good, Fair, and When It's Not Worth Listing
One snag doesn't sink a sweater's grade. Here's the test-based standard for grading pulled yarn on vintage knits — and when it's not worth listing at all.
The Collar and Cuff Oxidation Standard: Grading Darkening on White and Cream Vintage Shirts
A yellowed collar isn't the same defect as a stain. Here's how to grade collar and cuff oxidation on vintage white and cream shirts correctly.
The Seam Allowance Test: How to Grade Hidden Seam Stress on Vintage Dress Pants
A pressed, unbroken outer seam can hide fraying allowance and elongated stitch holes. Here's the seam allowance test that catches structural stress before you list.
Vintage Silk Charmeuse Cracking: When Fiber Brittleness Becomes a Grade Killer
Brittle silk charmeuse cracks along folds, not just fades. Here's the fold test that separates real fiber damage from normal aging before you list.
Shedding, Matting, or Loose Attachment: How to Grade Fur Trim and Feather Condition on Vintage Coats
Shedding, matting, and loose attachment fail differently on fur and feather trim. Here's the test-based standard for grading each correctly.
The Heat-Set Crease Standard: Grading Permanent Creases That Won't Press Out of Vintage Pants
A crease that won't press out isn't a styling detail — it's fiber-level damage. Here's the fold test that separates a wrinkle from a heat-set crease.
Vintage Outerwear Waterproofing Loss: How to Grade DWR Coating Breakdown Before You List
A shell that stopped beading water isn't cosmetically worn — it's functionally degraded. Here's the bead test that grades DWR breakdown correctly.
How to Grade Suit Pants Crotch Seam Wear: Tension, Stress, and Wearability Standards
A pressed, unstretched crotch seam can still be one wear from blowing out. Here's the stress-point test for grading suit pants correctly.
How to Grade Vintage Shoe Interior Condition: Lining Tears, Insole Wear, and Footbed Condition
A clean upper doesn't mean a clean grade. Here's how to inspect lining tears, insole wear, and footbed condition on vintage shoes before you list.
Vintage Elastic Band Degradation: How to Grade Waistbands, Hems, and Cuffs That Have Lost Recovery
Dead elastic caps a grade even on spotless fabric. Here's the stretch-and-recovery test that separates Good, Fair, and Poor on waistbands, hems, and cuffs.
Vintage Leather Creasing and Cracking: When Normal Break-In Becomes Structural Failure
Surface creasing sells vintage leather. Cracking at the crease line sinks it. Here's the bend test that tells you which one you're looking at.
Vintage Suit Jacket Shoulder Seam Slippage: Detecting Hidden Structural Failure Before You List
Seam slippage hides under a pressed shoulder line and shows up after shipping. Here's the pull test that catches it before you grade or list.
Vintage Dress Zipper Tracks and Slider Teeth: When to Grade Functional, Fair, or Pass
Missing teeth, spread sliders, and separated tracks fail differently. Here's how to grade damaged zipper teeth on vintage dresses correctly.
Fabric Puckering and Gathering: The Difference Between Shrinkage and Structural Failure
A puckered seam can mean shrinkage, bad thread tension, or a failing seam allowance — and each grades differently. Here's the test that tells them apart.
How to Grade Vintage Leather Patina: When Darkening Is Character and When It's Damage
Even oxidized darkening is Cosmetic Appearance, not a defect. Here's the test-based standard for grading vintage leather patina versus real damage.
Color Fastness and Bleeding Risk: How to Grade Dyed Vintage Garments That Might Stain Other Clothes
Fugitive dye doesn't show up in photos. Here's the wet-rub test that catches bleeding risk before it becomes a not-as-described dispute.
How to Grade Vintage Shoe Sole Condition: Cushioning, Tread Wear, and Structural Integrity
Compressed midsoles, worn tread, and separating soles fail differently. Here's the standard for grading vintage shoe sole condition and wearability correctly.
How to Grade Brittle Lace on Vintage Clothing (Before It Tears in Shipping)
Yellowing is cosmetic. Brittleness is structural. Here's how to grade fragile vintage lace before it tears in a buyer's hands.
The Label Fade Test: Why Woven Tags, Care Instructions, and Brand Markers Grade Differently
A faded brand label and an illegible care tag aren't the same defect. Here's how to grade each correctly under the five-factor standard.
Lining Degradation: How to Grade Jacket Lining Damage for Resale
A shattered silk lining and a stained one aren't the same defect. Here's how to grade jacket lining damage for resale without over- or under-calling it.