Coast, a renowned name in the world of fashion, has long been associated with modern elegance and sophisticated designs, particularly for women’s clothing. Established in 1996, Coast quickly carved out a niche for itself with its minimalist aesthetic and timeless pieces that have remained a staple in women’s wardrobes. The brand’s commitment to creating beautiful, high-quality garments that exude understated luxury has ensured its longevity in an ever-changing industry. Over the years, Coast has become synonymous with occasion wear, offering a range of outfits perfect for everything from weddings to cocktail parties, making it a go-to choice for many.

However, the journey of Coast as a brand has been far from straightforward. Originally owned by Aurora Fashions, alongside other popular brands like Warehouse and Oasis, Coast was part of a retail group that faced significant challenges in the mid-2010s. Despite the brand’s strong identity and loyal customer base, the financial difficulties of its parent company eventually led to Coast being placed into administration in October 2018. This was a significant turning point for the brand, as it marked the end of its presence as a physical retailer. With the acquisition of key parts of the Coast brand by Karen Millen, Coast transitioned to an online-only model, closing all its stand-alone stores and concession stands.

Today, Coast continues to thrive as an online retailer, adapting to the digital age while maintaining its signature style. Despite the challenges it has faced, the brand has managed to retain its identity, continuing to offer modern, elegant designs that appeal to a wide audience. The history of Coast is a testament to its resilience and ability to evolve with the times, making it a fascinating case study in the world of fashion retail. As a result, vintage Coast pieces have become even more sought after, with collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike keen to get their hands on items that represent the brand’s rich heritage.

How to tell if Coast is vintage from the logo

Coast is a fashion brand known for its modern and elegant designs, particularly in women’s clothing. The brand has maintained a consistent and minimalist logo design throughout its history, making the logo a reliable tool for determining the age of a Coast item. Below is an overview of the Coast logo used since 1996.

1996 to now Coast logo

• The Coast logo introduced in 1996 and still in use today features a simple, lowercase sans-serif font.
• The letters are evenly spaced and have a rounded, smooth appearance, contributing to the modern aesthetic of the brand.
• There are no additional symbols or embellishments; the logo relies solely on the clean typography to convey the brand’s identity.
• This minimalist approach aligns with the brand’s focus on timeless, understated fashion.

1996 to now Coast logo

How to tell if Coast is vintage from the tags

The evolution of Coast tags provides a window into the brand’s journey through different fashion eras. Starting from a minimalist aesthetic, Coast has maintained a consistent yet evolving brand identity. While the general layout of the tags has remained clean and simple, subtle changes in material, font, and additional elements like size tags reflect shifts in production and brand positioning over time.

Can’t identify those vintage tags or labels? Upload a picture on our vintage tag identification page, and we’ll help you out!

2000s vintage Coast tags

• Typically featured a minimalist design with the brand name “coast” in lowercase letters.
• Tags were often made from satin-like material, adding a sheen that was popular in the early 2000s.
• Font remained clean and modern, usually in white or off-white against a dark background.
• Size information was commonly included on a separate, small tag beneath the main label.

2000s Coast tags

2010s vintage Coast tags

• The 2010s saw a continuation of the minimalist aesthetic but with subtle updates.
• Tags often used a more modern, sans-serif font, with “coast” in lowercase still being the standard.
• Materials varied, including both matte and satin finishes, with some tags incorporating contrasting color stitching or borders.
• Some tags introduced additional design elements, such as a “London” descriptor, reflecting the brand’s roots and appeal.

2010s Coast tags