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.

SEW AND SEW

• The first practical sewing machine was invented in 1845. Not in general use immediately. If it has machine sewing, it’s post 1845.
  
  
• Machine chain stitch came first, followed by lockstitch. Lockstitch seams are rarely found prior to 1870.
  
  
• Hand-sewn construction (rather than hand finishing) and machine-sewn construction coexisted for years - until the 1880s, if not later.
  
  
• The zigzag machine was patented in 1873 and many were in use on a commercial basis by the 1890's.  1947 was the first year for use on a domestic basis for home sewing.
  
  
• The serger has been in use since the 1920’s for seam finishing. This is the overlock or serger thread finish we still use today on cut fabric edegs inside the garment.
  
  
• Hanging loops at the neck of jackets, blouses and so on, are usually of European manufacture.
  
  
• Hemming tapes generally denote North American manufacture. German manufacturers never used them.
  
  
• Circle stitching inside the cups of a bra is a good indicator that it’s from the 1950’s.