{"id":408994121,"date":"2012-07-27T10:31:26","date_gmt":"2012-07-27T14:31:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/?p=408994121"},"modified":"2020-03-24T06:53:39","modified_gmt":"2020-03-24T11:53:39","slug":"union-labels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/vintage-style\/union-labels\/","title":{"rendered":"How Union Labels Help to Date Your Vintage Clothing"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-408994183\" title=\"Union Labels\" src=\"http:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/07\/Main-image-union.jpg\" alt=\"an ilgwu union label\" width=\"540\" height=\"360\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/07\/Main-image-union.jpg 540w, https:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/07\/Main-image-union-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Understanding how to <a href=\"http:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/vintage-style\/dating-vintage-clothing-construction\/\">date vintage clothin<\/a>g is like putting together the pieces of a giant (but gorgeous!) puzzle. This article will help you understand how a union label&#8217;s design speaks to the authentic age of your vintage garment or accessory.<\/p>\n<p>Most vintage lovers would recognize the International Ladies&#8217; Garment Workers&#8217; Union (ILGWU) label, found in women&#8217;s vintage clothing from as early as the 1920s. But\u00a0there are more union labels to be found in vintage clothing than just that of the ILGWU.<\/p>\n<p>There are labels for millinery (hat) unions, men&#8217;s clothing unions and other unions which made women&#8217;s clothing and suiting during the 20th century. These were the unions that helped to not only influence the history of American fashion, but the legalization of fair working conditions for the hundreds of thousands of individuals who worked these factory jobs.<\/p>\n<p>Keep reading after the jump to learn more about seven American unions and how to use their label design to help date your vintage garment!<\/p>\n<p><!--more-->This is not a complete guide to every single union label known to clothing and textile production &#8212; but it does cover the largest unions and therefore, the labels you&#8217;re most likely to see when examining the interior of your vintage garments.<\/p>\n<p>Visit my article for 13 tips on dating <a href=\"http:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/vintage-style\/vintage-clothing-label-tags\/\">vintage clothing labels<\/a>!<\/p>\n<p>Do you have a vintage union label that you need help identifying? I&#8217;d love to see it and figure out its origin and era!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em><strong>Send me an email or leave a comment below the post for help dating your vintage clothing, or\u00a0by\u00a0saying hello on\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/sammydavis22\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sammydavisvintage\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/web.stagram.com\/n\/sammydavisvintage\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Instagram<\/a>\u00a0or by\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/sammydvintage.us1.list-manage.com\/subscribe?u=a4d107cb2b26f4eca64bf0f1e&amp;id=6e5439991d\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">subscribing to my newsletter<\/a>!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em><strong>xx, SD<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"UNION_LABELS_FOR_HATS\"><\/span>UNION LABELS FOR HATS<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_50 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\" role=\"button\"><label for=\"item-649115c59fe99\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span style=\"display: flex;align-items: center;width: 35px;height: 30px;justify-content: center;direction:ltr;\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><input  type=\"checkbox\" id=\"item-649115c59fe99\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-visibility-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/vintage-style\/union-labels\/#UNION_LABELS_FOR_HATS\" title=\"UNION LABELS FOR HATS\">UNION LABELS FOR HATS<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/vintage-style\/union-labels\/#UNION_LABELS_NRA_BLUE_EAGLE\" title=\"UNION LABELS NRA BLUE EAGLE\">UNION LABELS NRA BLUE EAGLE<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/vintage-style\/union-labels\/#UNION_LABELS_CONSUMER%E2%80%99S_PROTECTION_LABEL_on_HATS\" title=\"UNION LABELS CONSUMER&#8217;S PROTECTION LABEL on HATS\">UNION LABELS CONSUMER&#8217;S PROTECTION LABEL on HATS<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/vintage-style\/union-labels\/#UNION_LABELS_NATIONAL_RECOVERY_BOARD_for_COATS_SUITS\" title=\"UNION LABELS NATIONAL RECOVERY BOARD for COATS &amp; SUITS\">UNION LABELS NATIONAL RECOVERY BOARD for COATS &amp; SUITS<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/vintage-style\/union-labels\/#UNION_LABELS_NEW_YORK_CREATION_DRESS_INSTITUTE\" title=\"UNION LABELS NEW YORK CREATION DRESS INSTITUTE\">UNION LABELS NEW YORK CREATION DRESS INSTITUTE<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/vintage-style\/union-labels\/#UNION_LABELS_AMALGAMATED_WORKERS_OF_AMERICA\" title=\"UNION LABELS AMALGAMATED WORKERS OF AMERICA\">UNION LABELS AMALGAMATED WORKERS OF AMERICA<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/vintage-style\/union-labels\/#_UNION_LABELS_ILGWU\" title=\"\u00a0UNION LABELS ILGWU\">\u00a0UNION LABELS ILGWU<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/vintage-style\/union-labels\/#MORE_ON_UNION_LABELS_DATING_VINTAGE\" title=\"MORE ON UNION LABELS &amp; DATING VINTAGE\">MORE ON UNION LABELS &amp; DATING VINTAGE<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/vintage-style\/union-labels\/#VINTAGE_FASHION_BOOKS_I_RECOMMEND\" title=\"VINTAGE FASHION BOOKS I RECOMMEND\">VINTAGE FASHION BOOKS I RECOMMEND<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/vintage-style\/union-labels\/#ONLINE_RESOURCES\" title=\"ONLINE RESOURCES\">ONLINE RESOURCES<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-408994170\" title=\"united hatters of north america union label\" src=\"http:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/07\/united-hatters-of-north-america-union-label.jpg\" alt=\"united hatters of north america union label\" width=\"540\" height=\"288\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/07\/united-hatters-of-north-america-union-label.jpg 540w, https:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/07\/united-hatters-of-north-america-union-label-300x160.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Source: (left) <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ebay.co.uk\/itm\/ws\/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&amp;_trksid=p4340.l2557&amp;item=260918392209&amp;nma=true&amp;rt=nc&amp;si=7g4a3Z4jZ9KDzEUVkNFg%252BOSfyio%253D&amp;orig_cvip=true&amp;rt=nc#ht_2978wt_905\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">4u2own21<\/a> on Ebay (right) <a href=\"http:\/\/new-york-wanderer.blogspot.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">New York Wanderer<\/a>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>WHEN USED:<\/strong> 1885 to 1934<\/p>\n<p><strong>LOOK FOR &#8230;\u00a0<\/strong>a union label by <a href=\"http:\/\/www.mcpheetersantiquemilitaria.com\/01_identified_items\/01_item_001.htm\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">The United Hatters of North America<\/a> (UHNA). The label <a href=\"http:\/\/www.trademarkia.com\/the-united-hatters-of-north-america-71088525.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">was trademarked<\/a> in 1915 but was first used in 1885.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"United Hatters Cap and Millinery Workers International Union label\" src=\"http:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/07\/milliner-tag.jpg\" alt=\"the label of a hat by united hatters cap and millinery workers international union\" width=\"540\" height=\"227\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>WHEN USED:<\/strong> 1934-1983<\/p>\n<p><strong>LOOK FOR &#8230;<\/strong> &#8220;United Hatters Cap &amp; Millinery Wrks&#8221; on top of a globe and handshake design with &#8220;Int Union&#8221; below.<\/p>\n<p>The key difference between this label and older versions is a production number (&#8220;785641&#8221;) and IN U.S.A. with a small &#8220;6&#8221; next to what looks like a squished globe.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"UNION_LABELS_NRA_BLUE_EAGLE\"><\/span>UNION LABELS NRA BLUE EAGLE<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-408994169\" title=\"NRA Blue Eagle Label\" src=\"http:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/07\/NRA-blue-eagle-label.jpg\" alt=\"fingers holding a 1930s nra blue eagle label\" width=\"540\" height=\"405\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/07\/NRA-blue-eagle-label.jpg 540w, https:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/07\/NRA-blue-eagle-label-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Source: <a href=\"http:\/\/jeanjeanvintage.blogspot.com\/2011\/01\/we-do-our-part.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jean JeanVintage<\/a> and on <a href=\"http:\/\/www.etsy.com\/shop\/jeanjeanvintage?ref=em\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Etsy<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>WHEN USED:<\/strong> 1933 to 1935<\/p>\n<p><strong>LOOK FOR &#8230;<\/strong>\u00a0The National Recovery\u00a0Administration\u00a0(NRA) symbol of a navy blue eagle anywhere on your union label. The label&#8217;s overall design differed based on whether it was a <a href=\"http:\/\/www.etsy.com\/listing\/65894305\/black-velvet-jacket-label-dates-to-1933?ref=sr_gallery_5&amp;ga_search_query=NRA+label&amp;ga_view_type=gallery&amp;ga_ship_to=ZZ&amp;ga_min=0&amp;ga_max=0&amp;ga_search_type=all\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">jacket<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.etsy.com\/listing\/83893792\/1930s-vintage-black-straw-hat-with?ref=sr_gallery_1&amp;ga_search_query=nra+blue+eagle+label&amp;ga_ref=no-search-results&amp;ga_search_type=vintage&amp;ga_view_type=gallery\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> hat<\/a>, handbag (shown above) or <a href=\"http:\/\/www.etsy.com\/listing\/78731403\/vintage-1933-1935-nra-blue-eagle-label\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">piece of lingerie.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>BACKGROUND:<\/strong> A garment with a blue eagle on its union label means it was produced under the safe and fair working conditions of Franklin D. Roosevelt&#8217;s National Recovery Administration, developed during the Great Depression to create more jobs by forming unions.<\/p>\n<p>Here&#8217;s a <a href=\"http:\/\/archive.org\/details\/National1933\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">promotional video<\/a> from 1933 about the NRA, thanks to Jean Jean Vintage.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"UNION_LABELS_CONSUMER%E2%80%99S_PROTECTION_LABEL_on_HATS\"><\/span>UNION LABELS CONSUMER&#8217;S PROTECTION LABEL on HATS<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"Fair Labor Standards Consumer Protection Label\" src=\"http:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/07\/IMGP2756_540.jpg\" alt=\"fair labor standards consumer protection label\" width=\"540\" height=\"360\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>WHEN USED:<\/strong> 1938 \u00a0to 1950s<\/p>\n<p><strong>LOOK FOR &#8230;<\/strong> a blue &amp; white label with the words &#8220;Fair Labor Standards&#8221; and &#8220;Consumers&#8217; Protection Label&#8221; on a vintage hat.<\/p>\n<p><strong>BACKGROUND:<\/strong> After US Congress declared FDR&#8217;s NRA law\u00a0unconstitutional\u00a0as part of his New Deal program in 1935, labeling changed to reflect rebranding after the Fair Labor Standards Act was passed in 1938.<\/p>\n<p>The name changed, but the idea renamed the same: All pieces with the Consumer&#8217;s Protection Label were made under fair working conditions (workers paid at least minimum wage, time and half for overtime and no employment of minors in oppressive work environments).<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"UNION_LABELS_NATIONAL_RECOVERY_BOARD_for_COATS_SUITS\"><\/span>UNION LABELS NATIONAL RECOVERY BOARD for COATS &amp; SUITS<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"National Coat and Suit Industry Recovery Board\" src=\"http:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/07\/IMGP2739_540.jpg\" alt=\"national coat and suit industry recovery board \" width=\"540\" height=\"360\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>WHEN USED:<\/strong> \u00a01938 to 1964<\/p>\n<p><strong>LOOK FOR &#8230;<\/strong>\u00a0a scalloped circle which says &#8220;COAT AND SUIT INDUSTRY&#8221; with &#8220;NATIONAL RECOVERY BOARD&#8221; encircled around.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-408994107\" title=\"Consumer Protection Label\" src=\"http:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/07\/IMGP2740_540.jpg\" alt=\"a union label with consumer protection label and manfactured under labor standards \" width=\"540\" height=\"360\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/07\/IMGP2740_540.jpg 540w, https:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/07\/IMGP2740_540-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Flip the label over (shown above), and you&#8217;ll find the words &#8220;Consumers&#8217; Protection Label.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Hint: I found this specific label on a 1940s coat along the bottom side seam.<\/p>\n<p><strong>BACKGROUND:<\/strong> The National Labor Relation&#8217;s Act encouraged growth in stateside unions to create more jobs during the economic crisis of the &#8217;30s.<\/p>\n<p>The Coat &amp; Suit Industry union was born out of FDR&#8217;s New Deal Coalition.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"UNION_LABELS_NEW_YORK_CREATION_DRESS_INSTITUTE\"><\/span>UNION LABELS NEW YORK CREATION DRESS INSTITUTE<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-408994164\" title=\"NYC Creations Union Label 1940s\" src=\"http:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/07\/ny-creatons-union.jpg\" alt=\"NYC Creations Union Labels 1940s\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/07\/ny-creatons-union.jpg 400w, https:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/07\/ny-creatons-union-200x200.jpg 200w, https:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/07\/ny-creatons-union-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Source: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.etsy.com\/shop\/nowandthenstyle?ref=seller_info\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">nowandthenstyle<\/a> on Etsy<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>WHEN USED:<\/strong> 1940 to 1955<\/p>\n<p><strong>LOOK FOR &#8230;<\/strong>\u00a0an illustrated NYC skyline with the words &#8220;NEW YORK CREATION&#8221; and &#8220;N.Y. Dress Institute.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The union was operated under the standards of the ILGWU, but clothing with ILGWU union labels didn&#8217;t have a New York Creation label as well, and vice versa. Therefore, I consider N.Y. Institute union a separate entity from the ILGWU.<\/p>\n<p><strong>BACKGROUND:<\/strong> The city of New York and the ILGWU developed the &#8220;N.Y. Dress Institute&#8221; as a marketing label to promote the Big Apple as a hub of fashion production.<\/p>\n<p>Consumers were encouraged to buy clothing with this label because they knew it was made by the stylish eyes of garment workers in the Big City. This is the group that began Mercedes Benz Fashion Week as we know it today!<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"UNION_LABELS_AMALGAMATED_WORKERS_OF_AMERICA\"><\/span>UNION LABELS AMALGAMATED WORKERS OF AMERICA<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America Men's Suit Label\" src=\"http:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/07\/IMGP2749_5402.jpg\" alt=\"the label of a men's suit by amalgamated clothing workers of america \" width=\"540\" height=\"360\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>WHEN USED:<\/strong> 1934 to 1976 (above, from a 1949-1962 garment)<\/p>\n<p><strong>LOOK FOR &#8230;<\/strong>\u00a0a rectangular label with a sewing machine illustration and within the label&#8217;s design, the words &#8220;AMALGAMATED WORKERS OF AMERICAN&#8221; and &#8220;UNION MADE.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The garment is always identified on the label. Either &#8220;suit,&#8221; &#8220;workwear&#8221; or generic &#8220;garment&#8221; will be listed.<\/p>\n<p>There are five different Amalgamated Workers of America (ACWA) union labels. For a full description of how to identify them from 1934-1936, 1936 -1939, 1939-1949, 1949-1962 and 1962-1976, visit the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.steelzipper.com\/ACWA.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Steel Zipper&#8217;s guide.<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>BACKGROUND:<\/strong> The ACWA was founded in the early 1900s as a men&#8217;s suiting and workwear union, which it remained the primary producer of through 1976 when it merged with the Textile Workers of America.<\/p>\n<p>The ACWA was the largest manufacturer of men&#8217;s clothing from the 1920s through the early &#8217;70s, which is why these labels are useful when identifying the era of men&#8217;s vintage clothing.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_UNION_LABELS_ILGWU\"><\/span>\u00a0UNION LABELS ILGWU<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-408993119\" title=\"Union Clothing Label\" src=\"http:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/IMGP9604_540.jpg\" alt=\"union clothing label on piece of vintage clothing\" width=\"540\" height=\"360\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/IMGP9604_540.jpg 540w, https:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/IMGP9604_540-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Read my guide on\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/vintage-style\/union-labels-ilgwu\/\">International Ladies&#8217; Garment Worker&#8217;s union labels<\/a> to learn how their identification helps when dating the era of your women&#8217;s vintage clothing.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Thank you to the\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.familyjewelsnyc.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Family Vintage Jewels<\/a>\u00a0for loaning vintage clothing for creation of this article.<\/em><\/p>\n<h4><\/h4>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"MORE_ON_UNION_LABELS_DATING_VINTAGE\"><\/span>MORE ON UNION LABELS &amp; DATING VINTAGE<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><strong>QUICK TIPS:<\/strong>\u00a0How to Know Your\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/vintage-style\/how-to-date-clothing-vintage\/\">Clothing is Vintage<\/a><br \/>\n<strong>CLUES:<\/strong>\u00a0How to\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/vintage-style\/dating-vintage-clothing-construction\/\">Date Vintage Clothing<\/a>\u00a0by Construction<br \/>\n<strong>THRIFT:\u00a0<\/strong>3 Ways to Identify\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/thrifting\/vintage-clothing-labels-tips\/\">Vintage Clothing Labels\u00a0<\/a><br \/>\n<strong>ILGWU LABELS:<\/strong> A Breakdown of the <a href=\"http:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/vintage-style\/union-labels-ilgwu\/\">ILGWU Label Designs<\/a> by Era<br \/>\n<strong>PLUS:<\/strong>\u00a011 Ways to Know It&#8217;s\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/vintage-style\/vintage-fashion-shopping\/\">Vintage by Labels &amp; Tags<\/a><br \/>\n<strong>UPDATE:<\/strong> 13 Tips for Dating <a href=\"http:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/vintage-style\/vintage-clothing-label-tags\/\">Vintage Clothing Labels\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"VINTAGE_FASHION_BOOKS_I_RECOMMEND\"><\/span>VINTAGE FASHION BOOKS I RECOMMEND<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Vintage Fashion:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Vintage-Fashion-Collecting-Designer-1900-1990\/dp\/0062120867\/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Collecting &amp; Wearing Designer Classics<\/a><br \/>\nThe Little Guide to\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.barnesandnoble.com\/w\/the-little-guide-to-vintage-shopping-melody-fortier\/1111616804?ean=9781594744044&amp;itm=1&amp;USRI=the+little+guide+to+vintage+shopping&amp;cm_mmc=AFFILIATES-_-Linkshare-_-je6NUbpObpQ-_-10%3a1&amp;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vintage Fashion Shopping<\/a><br \/>\nNew York Fashion:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.barnesandnoble.com\/w\/new-york-fashion-caroline-rennolds-milbank\/1001964900?ean=9780810926479&amp;itm=1&amp;USRI=new+york+fashion%3a+the+evolution+of+american+style&amp;cm_mmc=AFFILIATES-_-Linkshare-_-je6NUbpObpQ-_-10%3a1&amp;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Evolution of American Style<\/a><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"ONLINE_RESOURCES\"><\/span>ONLINE RESOURCES<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>The Vintage Fashion Guild&#8217;s \u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/vintagefashionguild.org\/label-resource\/nra-national-recovery-act\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NRA Union Label<\/a> Guide<br \/>\nThe Vintage Fashion Guild&#8217;s\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/vintagefashionguild.org\/label-resource\/new-york-creation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">N.Y. Institute Label Guide<\/a><br \/>\nThe Vintage Fashion Guild&#8217;s\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/vintagefashionguild.org\/label-resource\/national-recovery-board\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Recovery Board Label<\/a>\u00a0Guide<br \/>\nThe Steel Zipper <a href=\"http:\/\/steelzipper.com\/ACWA.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ACWA Union Label Guide<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The ILGWU, United Hatters of North America, NRA Blue Eagle, Consumers&#8217; Protection Label, N.Y. Dress Institute and Amalgamated Workers of American union labels will help identify the era of your vintage clothing. This article illustrates how a union label&#8217;s design speaks to the authentic age of a vintage garment with visual examples, as well as explain how clothing unions influenced the history of American fashion! <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":408994163,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":""},"categories":[1207],"tags":[3250,3245,3251,3193],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/408994121"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=408994121"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/408994121\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/408994163"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=408994121"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=408994121"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sammydvintage.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=408994121"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}