Retro, vintage, antique...what do they mean?

I’ve been waving around the term retro-inspired 1970s vintage clothing but what does retro mean?

I credit Melody of Tangerine Boutique (the author of The Little Guide to Vintage Shopping) for my own knowledge of the word: “I always call clothing that borrows its style from the past, Retro.”

Merriam-Webster’s definition is

relating to, reviving, or being the styles and especially the fashions of the past : fashionably nostalgic or old-fashioned [retro look]

Origin of RETRO
French rétro, short for rétrospectif retrospective
First known use: 1974

That makes retro also vintage in some cases. Retro is a little tricky, but I can definitely say that early 1970s nostalgic look is absolutely retro.

Vintage, in the clothing world, is considered to be 20 years old or older.

Antique is considered to be at least 100 years old.

Is this how you use these terms? I know I have some pet peeves about the misuse of the words...do you?



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