Here are just a few quick easy-to-remember tips. These facts don't necessarily place a garment in a year, but they will help narrow it down.

Watch pockets can be found on the waistline or waistband of dresses 1840’s-1880’s and elsewhere on the dress bodice from the 1880’s.

Cartridge pleating of the skirt at its waist is seen 1840’s-1860’s, fading out by the 1870’s.

Tiny piped armhole seams date a garment to the 1870’s or before and is rare after that.

Armholes were cut high and fitted in the 1970’s, and also 1950’s.

Three-quarter and seven-eighth sleeves were popular late 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s.

Diamond gussets in the armhole indicate 1950’s.

In 1942, men’s double-breasted suits in the USA lost their vests and became 2-piece due to the war effort.