Something is considered vintage primarily based on its age, historical significance, style, and quality. Here are the key factors that make something vintage:

• Age: Vintage items are generally between 20 and 99 years old. Items older than 100 years are classified as antiques, while items less than 20 years old are typically not vintage

• Historical significance and era representation: Vintage items represent the style, design, or cultural trends of a particular past era, such as the 1930s through the 1970s. They often evoke nostalgia and reflect the craftsmanship or aesthetics of their time

• Quality and craftsmanship: Vintage items are often seen as having higher quality or unique craftsmanship compared to modern mass-produced goods. For example, vintage furniture or jewelry may showcase distinctive materials and design elements characteristic of their period

• Collectibility and rarity: Vintage items are often collectible due to their limited production, iconic status, or association with a particular era or event. This can increase their value compared to modern or retro items

• Difference from retro: Unlike retro items, which are new products made to look old, vintage items are genuinely old and authentically from the past

In summary, something is vintage if it is authentically old (20–99 years), represents the style and quality of its era, and holds some collectible or nostalgic value. It is distinct from antiques (100+ years old) and retro (new items made in an old style)