Clothing has only been mass manufactured outside of the U.S. in recent decades, due to a combination of economic and policy factors. In the mid-to-late 80s, clothing was made in Korea, Hong Kong or the Philippines.

The goods did not have to be permanently marked. A paper label was and still is acceptable. In the broadest interpretation, “Made in Hong Kong” means only that the item was made some time after 1891. Of course, Hong Kong still derived many benefits from being under British administration.

Look at where the clothes were manufactured and remember: Clothing imports only came primarily from Hong Kong and Korea from the 1950s until the early 1980s. Look at how the labels were made and the quality of the label.

Manufacturing in Hong Kong consists of mainly light and labour-intensive industries. Manufacturing started in the 19th century after the Taiping Rebellion and continues today, although it has largely been replaced by service industries, particularly those involving finance and real estate.

Firstly, a Copyright clothing label is the most obvious give away. Using this date you can age the piece as the year noted on the tag or a few years later. It’s important to note that the copyright date isn’t always the year the garment was produced, but rather the date the brand was copyrighted.

Economy of Hong Kong

The mid-1970s saw the emergence of large textile mills and factories in China and other developing countries in Asia and Latin America. These operations offered incredibly cheap labor and raw materials, as well as the capacity to quickly manufacture huge orders.

How to Tell if Something is True Vintage

1. Look at the logo on the tag. If you don’t recognize the brand name, it might be vintage.
2. Flip the label over to see where the garment was made.
3. Check the fabric composition tag.
4. Look for unique construction details and/or handmade sew jobs.
5. Check for a metal zipper.

One such brand is Craftsman Clothing, which is the latest addition to The Rake Atelier. Founded in 2015 in Hong Kong by two young men who came together through a shared passion for menswear via an online forum, Craftsman Clothing specialises in leather-based sartorial outerwear.

Made in Hong Kong and inspired by nature, each piece is unique. We can’t get enough of the delicate pendant necklaces, along with these dainty gold rings which are perfect for stacking.

Harrison Wong. Hong Kong born and bred, Harrison Wong is all about designing modern and wearable looks for men. The collections are known for having simple, structured lines, yet dramatic overall looks, blurring the line between hipster streetwear and uptown tailoring.

Each jacket is constructed in a small workshop in Hong Kong that’s filled with craftspeople, many of which have over 30 years experience in creating outerwear. ‘The King of Cool’, aka Steve McQueen, forms the basis for the McQueen A-2 thanks to his part in The Great Escape (1963).