What is RN Number?

An RN number stands for Registered Identification Number. It’s a unique identifier assigned by the Federal Trade Commission to textile manufacturers and importers in the United States. These numbers appear on clothing labels and serve as a way to identify the company that produced or imported the garment.

RN numbers were first introduced in 1952 to replace the older WPL system. They help consumers and regulators track the origin of textile products. For vintage clothing enthusiasts, RN numbers are incredibly valuable because they can help date garments.

The RN system has gone through different phases. From 1952 to 1959, numbers ranged from 00101 to 04086. In 1959, the system was reorganized, and numbers started fresh at 13670. This makes it possible to estimate when a garment was registered based on its RN number.

RN Number Formula

The RN number formula helps estimate the year a garment was registered. This calculation is based on the average number of RN registrations issued per year since the system was reorganized in 1959.

The number 13670 represents the first RN issued in 1959 when the new system began. The divisor 2635 is the average number of RN numbers issued each year. This gives us a reasonable estimate of when the number was registered.

Keep in mind this formula provides an approximate registration year. The actual manufacturing date could be the same year or slightly later, as companies may have used their RN number for several years after registration.

How to Calculate RN Number?

Calculating the estimated year for an RN number is straightforward once you understand the system. Here’s a detailed guide on how to perform the calculation manually.

Step-by-Step Calculation Process:

• Identify the RN Number: Look at the garment’s label and find the RN number. It’s usually printed as “RN” followed by a series of digits.
• Determine the Era: If the number is between 00101 and 04086, it’s pre-1959. If it’s 13670 or higher, it’s post-1959.
• Apply the Formula: For post-1959 numbers, subtract 13670 from your RN number.
• Divide by Average: Take the result and divide it by 2635, which is the average annual issuance rate.
• Add to Base Year: Add your result to 1959 to get the estimated registration year.
• Round the Result: Round to the nearest whole number to get the approximate year.

For pre-1959 numbers, the calculation is simpler. These numbers were only issued between 1952 and 1959, so you can estimate based on the range. Lower numbers suggest earlier years in that period.

Example Problem

Let’s work through a real example to see how the RN number calculator works in practice. This will help you understand the process better.

Example 1: Standard Post-1959 RN Number

Suppose you find a vintage jacket with RN number 76256 on the label. Here’s how you would calculate the estimated year:

• Step 1: Subtract the base number: 76256 – 13670 = 62586
• Step 2: Divide by annual average: 62586 ÷ 2635 = 23.75
• Step 3: Add to base year: 1959 + 23.75 = 1982.75
• Step 4: Round the result: Approximately 1983

This means the RN number 76256 was likely registered around 1983. The garment could have been manufactured in 1983 or shortly after.

Example 2: Pre-1959 RN Number

If you find a garment with RN number 02500, this falls in the pre-1959 range. Since these numbers were only issued between 1952 and 1959, you know the garment is from that era. The specific year is harder to pinpoint, but you can estimate it’s from the mid-1950s based on its position in the range.

How to Use RN Number Calculator

Our RN Number Calculator makes the dating process quick and effortless. You don’t need to remember formulas or do manual calculations. Here’s how to use it effectively.

Using the Calculator:

• Enter the RN Number: Type the RN number from your garment’s label into the input field. Make sure to enter just the numeric digits without the “RN” prefix.
• Select Conversion Type: Choose “Standard (Post-1959)” for numbers 13670 and above. Select “Pre-1959” for numbers between 00101 and 04086.
• Click Calculate: Press the “Calculate Year” button to get your result instantly.
• View Results: The calculator will display the estimated registration year along with helpful context about the garment’s age.
• Reset When Needed: Use the “Reset” button to clear all fields and start a new calculation.

The calculator automatically validates your input to ensure accuracy. If you enter an invalid number or select the wrong conversion type, it will provide helpful error messages to guide you.

Remember that the calculated year represents when the RN number was registered, not necessarily when the garment was manufactured. However, these dates are usually very close, making this a reliable method for dating vintage clothing.

For the most accurate dating, combine RN number analysis with other clues like fabric content labels, union labels, care instruction symbols, and style characteristics. This comprehensive approach gives you the best estimate of your garment’s true age.

Tips for Accurate Results:

• Double-check the RN number on the label to ensure you’ve entered it correctly.
• Look for other dating clues on the garment like care labels, fabric content, and construction methods.
• Remember that companies could use their RN number for many years after registration.
• Very high RN numbers (over 100,000) indicate more recent garments from the 1990s onward.
• Consider the garment’s style and materials alongside the RN number for best accuracy.

Whether you’re a vintage clothing dealer, collector, or simply curious about a garment’s history, the RN Number Calculator provides quick and reliable estimates. It’s an essential tool for anyone working with vintage fashion and textiles.

Understanding RN Number Limitations:

While RN numbers are helpful for dating, they have some limitations. A company receives one RN number and uses it on all products they manufacture or import. This means a company that registered in 1975 could still be using that same number today.

The estimated year tells you when the company registered, not necessarily when your specific garment was made. However, for truly vintage pieces, this distinction becomes less important since companies from the 1950s-1980s typically aren’t still in business.

Some manufacturers also change their RN numbers over time as companies merge, are acquired, or restructure. If you’re researching a specific brand, you might find they used multiple RN numbers throughout their history.