Dressbarn has a rich history that spans over six decades, evolving from a small retail store into a significant player in the world of women’s fashion. The brand was founded in 1962 by Roslyn Jaffe, who saw an opportunity to cater to the growing number of women entering the workforce by offering affordable, wear-to-work clothing. Located in Stamford, Connecticut, the first store quickly gained a reputation for providing stylish yet practical options for working women. Over the years, Dressbarn expanded, becoming a go-to destination for women looking for casual dresses, workwear, and accessories. Its growth was rapid, and by the 1980s, it was a publicly traded company on NASDAQ, marking a milestone in its commercial journey.

However, like many brick-and-mortar retailers, Dressbarn faced challenges adapting to the fast-paced changes of the retail landscape. By the late 2010s, the rise of e-commerce and shifting consumer habits led to a significant restructuring. In 2019, the company announced the closure of all 650 of its physical stores. Yet, this wasn’t the end of Dressbarn. In a strategic move, Retail Ecommerce Ventures (REV) acquired the brand, transforming it into a digital-first company. This pivot proved to be a timely decision as the pandemic accelerated the shift to online shopping. The Dressbarn brand was reborn, now focused on reaching a broader, more tech-savvy audience while still appealing to its loyal customer base.

Under REV’s leadership, Dressbarn has not only survived but thrived in the competitive world of e-commerce. The brand embraced modern digital strategies, social media outreach, and live shows to engage both new and legacy customers. While the original physical stores may be gone, Dressbarn has successfully adapted to the evolving fashion industry, continuing to provide affordable and stylish options for women of all ages. The transition from a traditional retailer to an online powerhouse is a testament to the brand’s resilience and ability to stay relevant in a changing market.

1991 Dressbarn TV Commercial

How to tell if Dressbarn is vintage from the logo

The Dressbarn logo has undergone various transformations throughout the decades, reflecting changes in branding trends and the company’s evolution. By examining the design elements of the logo, such as font style, color, and emblem, you can determine which era a Dressbarn item is from. Below is a breakdown of the Dressbarn logos by era, based on the provided images.

1960s to 1990s Dressbarn logo

• The logo from this period features bold, capitalized letters.
• The font has a unique, rounded block style that reflects the design aesthetics of the time.
• There is no emblem or decorative element in this early version, emphasizing the store’s name.
• This logo represents the foundational years of Dressbarn, establishing it as a staple in women’s retail.

1990s to 2001 Dressbarn logo

• This era introduced a more modernized font with a heavier, thicker appearance.
• The text is still capitalized, but the letters have become bolder, creating a stronger visual presence.
• The design remains minimalistic, with no emblem or additional graphical elements introduced.

2001 to 2014 Dressbarn logo

• During this period, the logo became sleeker, reflecting a shift towards a more contemporary and fashion-forward identity.
• An emblem was introduced, with a stylized “D” in a square, adding a visual element to the text-based logo.
• The font is now lowercase and less blocky, aligning with more modern design trends of simplicity and elegance.
• This logo was used widely during the brand’s more expansive years.

2014 to 2019 Dressbarn logo

• The logo during this era took on a more refined and minimalistic approach.
• The font is sans-serif, with thinner strokes compared to earlier logos, reflecting a more professional and streamlined identity.
• The emblem and decorative elements have been further minimized, with the name “Dressbarn” taking center stage in lowercase letters.

2019 to now Dressbarn logo

• The latest version of the Dressbarn logo embraces a bold, simple design.
• The font is clean and minimalistic, with a modern sans-serif style that aligns with current branding trends.
• The lowercase letters and lack of any emblem signify a shift towards a more contemporary, digital-first approach to branding.

How to tell if Dressbarn is vintage from the tags

Dressbarn, originally founded in 1962, has undergone several changes in branding and design, which are reflected in its tags over the years. The tags from different eras offer a glimpse into the company’s evolution, showcasing changes in font styles, logo designs, and materials used. Here’s a guide to identifying vintage Dressbarn pieces based on tags from the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s.

Having difficulty identifying vintage tags or labels? Submit a picture on our vintage tag identification page, and we’ll assist you!

1980s vintage Dressbarn tags

• Features a bold “DRESS BARN” logo, often in uppercase letters.
• The font used is thick and sans-serif, typically in white or neutral tones.
• Some tags include additional information like “WOMAN” or “PETITE” beneath the main logo.

1990s vintage Dressbarn tags

• Still retains the “dressbarn” branding but now in lowercase letters, reflecting a shift to a more modern and approachable look.
• Some tags include decorative flourishes, such as intricate floral patterns, reflecting a more sophisticated design approach.
• Tags typically feature a cleaner, minimalist aesthetic with thin lettering.

2000s vintage Dressbarn tags

• Branded with a sleeker, refined “dressbarn” logo, typically in lowercase.
• Several designs include the “Collection” sub-brand, indicating specific product lines.
• Tags are often darker in color, such as black with white script or font.