Cosmetic Appearance grading factor
Weighted 20% of the overall grade
Cosmetic Appearance accounts for 20% of the overall grade. It captures the garment's visual presentation — how clean, crisp, and well-kept it looks at a glance, beyond the fabric and construction. A garment is judged against its as-made condition, so age-appropriate patina and expected wear for its era are not penalized, and quality, value-preserving repairs are distinguished from damage.
What graders look for
- Surface marks, scuffs, or visible blemishes
- Wrinkling, misshaping, or poor drape
- Print, graphic, or embellishment condition
- Overall 'shelf appeal' and presentation
Examples
- A graphic tee judged on whether the print is cracked or vibrant.
- A handbag assessed for corner scuffs and surface sheen.
- A vintage jacket whose age-appropriate patina and clean professional reweave are read as character, not cosmetic flaws.
See the full picture in the condition grading guide, or how the score is produced in how it works.
Cosmetic Appearance — frequently asked
- What is cosmetic appearance in a condition grade?
- Cosmetic Appearance captures how clean, crisp, and well-kept a garment looks at a glance — surface marks, wrinkling, and print condition. It is 20% of the overall grade.
- Does patina or a vintage repair lower the cosmetic grade?
- No. Cosmetic Appearance is judged against a garment's as-made condition, so age-appropriate patina and expected wear for its era are not penalized. Quality, value-preserving repairs — professional reweaving or sympathetic darning — are treated as care, not damage; only crude or unstable repairs and incidental flaws layered on top count against the grade.
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