It varies by category, which is the genuinely useful answer here. Sweaters and tops run slightly generous — if you are between sizes, size down. Pants and skirts run closer to true size but tend to be narrow in the waist relative to the hip, so check measurements rather than relying on the size label. The brand does not size consistently across its full range, so pulling measurements from listings is worth doing even if you know your usual Vince size in one category.

At retail, Vince cashmere is competitive but not exceptional. Secondhand, it represents genuinely good value. The fiber quality is better than most brands at the same retail price point, and pieces from before 2015 in particular used heavier gauge yarn that wears and washes better. The main quality variable is pilling — check the underarm, cuffs, and any high-friction areas in listing photos before buying a used Vince cashmere piece.

Vince does not make era-dating straightforward from labels alone, but a few things help. Older pieces (pre-2015 roughly) tend to have a slightly different label layout and sometimes reference California in the brand text. Fabric weight is the more reliable tell — older Vince knitwear is noticeably heavier and has more body than later pieces. If you are buying in person, the hand and weight of the fabric will tell you more than the label.

On lambskin motos, check the elbow area and the collar edge for cracking — these are the highest-stress points and where deterioration shows first. Also check the lining at the hem and cuffs, which can fray. On suede pieces, look for water staining and fading around the shoulders and upper back, which is common on suede that has been worn in rain. Hardware should operate smoothly; a stiff or corroded zipper on a Vince leather is a flag, since the zippers on these pieces are generally good quality and should not be sticky on a well-maintained jacket.