American Rag's foundation in vintage fashion was laid by founder Mark Werts, whose journey through the fashion capitals of Europe in the 1970s and '80s shaped our distinctive approach to vintage curation. Living in France and operating the successful Salty Dog stores throughout the Netherlands and France, Mark witnessed firsthand how vintage American clothing captured the imagination of European fashion houses and creatives. This experience taught him an invaluable lesson: true style transcends borders and eras.

Mark's expertise was honed through years of handling thousands of garments daily, developing an almost intuitive ability to assess quality through touch alone. His deep understanding of fabric, construction, and craftsmanship continues to guide American Rag's vintage collection today. This knowledge was gained not just through passion, but through survival—learning to distinguish exceptional pieces that would stand the test of time from those destined for obsolescence.

At American Rag, we embrace what founder Mark Werts calls "classidelic"—classical style with a psychedelic twist. This philosophy represents our commitment to timeless pieces that carry an element of creative expression. We believe in conscious capitalism, where profit meets purpose, and where every vintage piece represents both value and values.

La Brea Flagship

What began as a 100% vintage clothing store on La Brea Avenue has evolved into an internationally recognized fashion destination. Today, our flagship store continues to expand its vintage offerings, growing from 9-12% to 30% of our total inventory, with projections reaching up to 60%—a testament to the growing appreciation for sustainable, quality vintage fashion.

World of Vintage

Our second location, originally conceived as a "bric-a-brac" store inspired by French "brocante" culture, has evolved into a curated vintage destination for a younger generation. Under the guidance of our passionate young staff, this location offers a perfect blend of museum-quality pieces and contemporary vintage trends, catering to the evolving tastes of our diverse clientele.

The Legendary Warehouse

Behind our retail operations lies a legendary warehouse—a testament to Mark's decades-long commitment to preserving exceptional vintage pieces. This vast archive houses countless carefully preserved garments, some dating back to the early 1990s, waiting for their moment to re-emerge. This unique resource allows us to maintain an ever-rotating selection of pristine vintage pieces, each with its own story to tell.

Every piece in our vintage retail collection tells a story of superior craftsmanship. We specialize in identifying and preserving garments from an era when clothing was made to last—when skilled American craftspeople created garments worthy of being cherished for generations.

Our expert team evaluates each piece following Mark's exacting standards:

• Premium materials: 100% wool, fine cottons, silk, and rayon gabardine
• Superior construction techniques and stitching
• Timeless design elements
• Historical significance
• Unique character

When necessary, our skilled team repairs and restores pieces, understanding that a small imperfection shouldn't condemn a quality garment to waste. This commitment to preservation and restoration is part of our larger mission to promote sustainable fashion.

Our vintage collection is more than just old clothing—it's a carefully orchestrated symphony of style, where each piece has been selected for its ability to transcend trends and maintain relevance in today's fashion landscape. We call it "classidelic"—classical style with a contemporary twist that speaks to the creative spirit of Los Angeles.

When you shop vintage at American Rag, you're not just browsing—you're exploring decades of fashion history, expertly curated and prepared for your wardrobe. Each piece undergoes meticulous inspection, professional cleaning, and any necessary repairs, ensuring it's ready to wear the moment you find it.

At American Rag, we've elevated vintage retail shopping to an art form. While others might offer random assortments of secondhand clothing, we provide:

• Carefully curated collections organized for easy shopping
• Expert authentication of premium vintage pieces
• Professional cleaning and preparation
• Knowledgeable staff to guide your vintage journey
• A selection that ranges from everyday classics to museum-quality pieces

EXPERT AUTHENTICATION:

In a market where authenticity matters, we take pride in our expertise. Whether you're searching for authentic vintage band tees or classic American workwear, our team ensures transparent labeling and pricing, allowing you to make informed decisions about your vintage investments. For collectible pieces like band tees, we clearly distinguish between authentic concert merchandise and period-appropriate reproductions, ensuring you know exactly what you're investing in.