Grade & Condition Guide

How we grade the condition of our products…

We have several new items for sale; however, most of the items we sell have been previously loved.

Standards of condition are handled as objectively as possible, given the fact that every item has had different treatment before it reaches us. We take great care to examine items as we receive them and grade them from New, being the best condition possible, to Poor, which may make a great display piece or be remade into something different, but is unsuitable to wear in its current condition. We grade primarily on the exterior condition of the item (what is seen when worn). New or New with Flaws graded items includes antique and vintage items that have never been worn (sometimes referred to as New Old Stock, NOS, or Deadstock).

Beyond the grades and conditions listed below, we list specific condition imperfections as accurately as possible on individual product listings. We err on the conservative side for any imperfection we consider particularly subjective or hard to describe. We wish you to be pleasantly surprised about the extent of any condition on the item.

Rareness or uniqueness of the item does not factor into the grading or condition of the item. We consider these to be separate parameters.

Please review our guide below to better understand how we grade the conditions of our items.

Grade

Condition
New Never been worn. No stains, marks, discoloration, fading, repairs, or other imperfections. May still retain shitsuke ito (temporary basting stitches).
New.with.Flaws Never been worn, but has flaws. [See secondary grade for condition.]
Like.New Likely never been worn or worn rarely. No visible stains, marks, discoloration, fading, or other imperfections.
Excellent Likely worn only a few times or stored very well. May have very small or faint stains, marks, discoloration, fading, or minor imperfections that should not be noticeable when worn.
Great Has been worn. May have a few stains, marks, discoloration, or minor imperfections that may be noticeable when worn, but are insignificant and still wearable overall.
Good Has been worn and shows moderate signs of use. May have several visible stains, marks, discoloration, or minor imperfections that may be noticeable when worn, but it is still wearable overall.
Fair Has been worn and shows heavy visible wear. May have numerous stains, marks, discoloration, or imperfections that will be noticeable when worn. Suitable as a style reference, for display, or to be remade into something else.
Poor Has been worn and shows significant wear or damage. May have extensive stains, marks, discoloration, or imperfections that make it unsuitable for wearing. Suitable as a style reference, for display, or to be remade into something else.