Condition Grading Policy

Effective Date: 5/24/2025

At Curating Americana, every piece tells a story—but not every story is pristine. Vintage clothing comes with age, character, and the occasional imperfection. That’s part of the charm. Still, we believe in absolute honesty when describing what you’re buying. Below is our condition grading scale, so you know exactly what to expect.

Our Promise

We inspect and document every garment with a curator’s eye and a restorer’s hand. If we miss something critical, that’s on us—and we’ll make it right. Every item in our store includes detailed photos, measurements, and notes on condition. We’d rather under-promise and over-deliver than the other way around.

Grading Scale

⭐ Mint / Deadstock

  • Condition: Appears unworn. No signs of wear, fading, or flaws.

  • Use Case: Often includes original tags or packaging. Fabric feels crisp, color vibrant.

  • Rarity: Exceptionally rare for vintage. Museum-grade pieces or untouched deadstock.

⭐ Excellent

  • Condition: Lightly worn, well cared for. No visible flaws or repairs.

  • Use Case: Fabric and structure are strong. No stains, holes, or fading. Clean and ready to wear.

  • Note: May show subtle signs of handling upon very close inspection.

⭐ Very Good

  • Condition: Gently worn with minor signs of use.

  • Use Case: May include a small, well-repaired area, light wear at edges or cuffs, or faint discoloration only noticeable under certain light.

  • Note: Still highly presentable and fully wearable.

⭐ Good / Worn-In

  • Condition: Noticeable signs of wear, such as fraying, fading, or visible repairs.

  • Use Case: Perfect for those who appreciate the lived-in look. May include minor flaws like pinholes, patching, or worn lining.

  • Note: Priced accordingly, with all wear documented.

⭐ Salvage / Study / Repair

  • Condition: Not ready-to-wear. Significant wear, damage, or deterioration.

  • Use Case: Ideal for collectors, repurposers, or restorers. May be used for pattern reference, fabric salvage, or display.

  • Note: Flaws will be detailed extensively. Sold as-is.

Restoration Notes

If we’ve cleaned, repaired, steamed, pressed, or patched an item, we’ll disclose it clearly in the listing. We believe restoration adds value, not confusion—and we’ll never disguise a repair as “original.”

Disclosures & Transparency

We photograph all garments in natural light and describe any flaw that would matter to us as buyers—no matter how small. Every listing includes:

  • Front, back, and detail photos

  • Measurements taken flat

  • Close-ups of flaws, repairs, or irregularities

  • Fabric type and origin (if known)

Got Questions?

If you're ever unsure about the condition of an item or how to interpret our grading, email us at doug@curatingamericana.com. We're happy to provide extra details or photos.