How ThreadDate Works
A step-by-step guide to contributing and using the database
The Core Process
Submit
Upload photos of vintage clothing tags, buttons, zippers, or other identifiers
Verify
Community votes on accuracy using catalogs, copyright dates, and evidence
Reference
Use the database to date your vintage finds and authenticate pieces
Submitting an Identifier
1. Upload Clear Photos
Take high-resolution photos of your identifier. Make sure the text is readable and the image is well-lit. We'll crop it to a square aspect ratio.
- Use natural lighting or a bright lamp
- Avoid shadows and glare
- Get close enough to read small text
- Include the entire tag/identifier in frame
2. Classify the Identifier
Tell us what brand it's from and what type of identifier it is.
3. Add Dating Details
Provide as much dating information as you know:
- Era: Broad decade (1970s, 1980s, etc.)
- Year Range: Specific years if known (1985-1989)
- Stitch Type: Single, double, chain stitch
- Origin: Country of manufacture
4. Provide Evidence (Optional but Recommended)
Upload supporting evidence to strengthen your submission:
- Copyright dates: Text on the tag itself
- Care tags: Dating codes and RN numbers
- Catalog scans: Historical brand catalogs
- Comparison photos: Multiple examples of the same tag
The Verification System
How Voting Works
Every submission starts as "Pending." Community members vote on accuracy:
"This dating looks accurate based on my knowledge or evidence"
"This dating appears incorrect or needs more evidence"
Verification Score: Net upvotes minus downvotes
Verified Status: Granted when score reaches a threshold
Rejected Status: Applied if score drops too low
Reputation System
Earn reputation by contributing accurate identifiers and casting informed votes. Higher reputation = more credibility in the community.
- Earn points when your submissions get verified
- Earn points when your votes align with the consensus
- Unlock moderator privileges at high reputation levels
Best Practices
✓ DO
- • Upload clear, high-quality photos
- • Provide evidence when possible
- • Be honest about uncertainty
- • Vote based on evidence, not gut feeling
- • Add notes explaining your dating logic
✗ DON'T
- • Submit blurry or dark photos
- • Guess wildly on dates
- • Vote on things you don't know
- • Upload copyrighted catalog pages
- • Submit modern reproductions