Orders
When will my order ship?
Orders are processed within 1–3 business days, Monday through Friday. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information as soon as your order leaves our facility.
Can I change or cancel my order?
We begin fulfillment quickly. If you need to modify or cancel an order, contact us immediately at support@firstgenerationco.com. We cannot guarantee changes once fulfillment has begun, but we will make every effort to assist.
Shipping
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on your location and selected carrier. Standard shipping is fulfilled through USPS. Expedited shipping via FedEx is available at checkout.
Do you ship internationally?
FIRST GEN CO. currently ships within the United States. International shipping will be introduced in a future expansion.
Will I receive tracking information?
Yes. Every order ships with tracking. Your confirmation email will include a link to monitor your shipment in real time.
Where do orders ship from?
All orders are packed and shipped from Seattle, Washington.
Returns
What is the return policy for vintage items?
All Vintage Archive purchases are final sale.
Vintage garments are individually sourced, one-of-one pieces. Their condition, character, and history are documented through detailed product photography and written descriptions, which together form the complete item description at the time of purchase.
Returns are accepted only in the following circumstances:
- The item received differs materially from what was described and photographed
- The item arrives damaged as a result of shipment
We do not accept returns based on fit, personal preference, or characteristics that are inherent to authentic vintage — including fading, wear, minor repairs, or other age-related details that may have been visible in the product photography.
My order arrived damaged in transit. What do I do?
Contact us within 48 hours of delivery at support@firstgenerationco.com. Include clear photographs of both the packaging and the garment. We will work with you to resolve the issue promptly.
Authenticity
Are your vintage items authentic?
Yes. Every garment in the Vintage Archive is individually sourced and authenticated through physical inspection. We do not list items we cannot verify.
How do you source your pieces?
Our inventory is built through a deliberate sourcing process — estate collections, private sellers, archive pulls, and carefully vetted wholesale channels. Each garment is evaluated on the basis of authenticity, condition, and cultural relevance before it is considered for the archive.
What should I know about vintage authenticity?
Authentic vintage garments were manufactured under standards, materials, and techniques that differ from contemporary production. Features such as single-stitch construction, chain-stitched seams, paper tags, and country-of-origin labels are consistent with the era and add to a piece's historical value, not detract from it.
Condition
What condition are your vintage items in?
Each item is individually inspected, cleaned, and sanitized before listing. Condition is assessed honestly and communicated through written descriptions and detailed product photography.
We grade and describe every garment to the best of our ability. However, vintage clothing has a history that precedes us. Characteristics inherent to authentic vintage — including but not limited to:
- Natural fading and wash distress
- Minor fabric wear or pilling
- Print cracking or graphic softening
- Repaired areas, loose stitching, or needle marks
- Discoloration, spotting, or oxidation at seams and collars
- Shrinkage consistent with the era of manufacture
— are expected, documented where visible, and are not considered defects. They are evidence of a garment's authenticity and life.
Despite thorough inspection, minor characteristics may occasionally go unnoticed. We represent every piece as accurately as possible and stand behind the integrity of our descriptions.
Are imperfections always disclosed?
We disclose every significant imperfection we identify during inspection. Given the nature of authentic vintage, minor characteristics consistent with age and wear are considered inherent to the garment and may not be individually catalogued — but will be visible in the product photography.
If you have specific questions about a piece before purchasing, contact us at support@firstgenerationco.com.
Photography
Are your product photos edited?
Minimal post-processing is applied to ensure consistent presentation. This may include background replacement, exposure correction, white balance adjustment, centering, and removal of surface dust or lint captured during photography.
We do not digitally alter the garment itself. Logos, graphics, labels, embroidery, stitching, distressing, wash effects, fading, repairs, and overall condition are photographed as-is and are never digitally modified.
Will I receive the exact item shown?
Yes. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, every product photograph depicts the exact garment you will receive. The photography is part of the item's description.
Vintage Collection
What makes the Vintage Archive different?
We do not buy in bulk and list without review. Every piece in the archive has been individually sourced, evaluated, cleaned, and approved before it reaches the site. Our standard is curatorial — not transactional.
Do you restock vintage items?
No. Every garment in the Vintage Archive is one-of-one. Once a piece sells, it does not return. If something resonates with you, act on it.
How should I determine my size?
Vintage sizing does not follow contemporary standards. A garment tagged Large from the 1990s may fit closer to a modern Medium. We recommend consulting the measurements provided in each product listing rather than relying on the tagged size.
Measurements are listed flat, in inches, unless otherwise noted.
Product Care
How do I care for a vintage garment?
Authentic vintage requires more careful handling than contemporary apparel. General guidance:
- Cold wash only, inside out, on a delicate cycle
- Use a gentle, fragrance-free detergent
- Avoid bleach and fabric softeners
- Air dry flat or hang dry — never machine dry vintage graphics, prints, or knits
- Steam rather than iron directly on graphics or raised embroidery
- Dry clean is recommended for tailored or structured vintage pieces
Improper care can accelerate deterioration of graphics, fabric integrity, and construction. When in doubt, hand wash cold and air dry.