How the doll’s head is attached to the torso can help when trying to figure out the age of your doll. Note: neck strings can be replaced with a different string or a zip tie, so use other traits in conjunction with information on this page.
1986-early 1990s
The earliest white body dolls from the 80s had flat neck strings. These strings can also be found on transitional tan body dolls from ~90-91.
Pictured is the neck strings on a transitional Samantha. This doll has a round string as opposed to earlier flat strings.
1991-1999
Here are examples of neck strings from later 90s dolls:
*Note: some dolls from the mid-90s arrived new with zip ties. The doll hospital also may have used zip ties for a short time in the 90s.
2000-2004
Here are some examples of early 2000s dolls with neck strings:
Note: There was a brief period in the early 2000s where the doll hospital used zip ties. Below is an example of a Girl of Today 3 with a zip tie who was from the late 90s, but had her head replaced in the early 2000s.
2005-2015
In 2005, a gusset was added below the area the neck string is tied. This makes it easier to tighten the neck string around a doll’s neck to ensure the head is secure.
2011-2015
The gusset was removed sometime in 2011. Dolls with two short tags from 2011 have a gusset, but dolls with long 2011 tags do not have a gusset.
2016 – Present
Starting in 2016, dolls were given zip ties instead of neck string. The zip tie is sewn under the torso fabric.
In the above picture of Evette, you can see the end of the zip tie just to the right of the stitched up hole.
Return to How Old is My American Girl Doll page.
*I am not an expert, but I just want to share my knowledge about dating American Girl dolls. Please leave a comment if you think there are any errors and I will look into it. I hope these articles help you!