STYLE SPOTLIGHT: A COMMENTARY ON VINTAGE
As far I can remember, I have always been intrigued by anything vintage. Everything from clothes, to cars, to music, was always a looking glass into how people used to live their day to day life. What helped with my intrigue was both my parents who taught me what to look for when looking for vintage, and what marks the differences from a carefully curated collection, to a heap of junk. My mother has always been into vintage military clothing, and used to always mix it with her outfits in a very chic way.
Fast forward to current times, where the clothes I grew up wearing is now considered vintage (much to my distain). I have been scouring the internet as well as local spots such as the incredibly curated store Meat Market Vintage (@meatmarketvintage) to find the perfect additions to my wardrobe.
Past articled my conversations with Jason Jules (@garmsville) and Andrew Cho (@andreaseoul_cho), have reignited the love I have for vintage. The sustainability, fit, stylings, and the once revered quality of garments from prior decades are somethings that in my opinion both timeless and priceless. From all of the types of garments that I recommend for people who are getting into vintage are military garments.
Vintage military garments (mainly from the 40’s to 60’s), have very sartorial elements that show the fit and style of the decade (for both people in active service as well as civilians). Due to rationing during war periods, garments that were made for the military were not only stylish, but are borderline indestructible.
Items such as military shirts, and jackets not only showcase the craftsmanship of the eras, but gives a since of patriotism by breathing new life into these garments. Aside from military wear, workwear is something that should be invested in.
Workwear in periods from the 1920’s to 1950’s is something that is increasingly hard to find. For vintage workwear, the jackets and trousers and denim that was made for the working class man was meant to be toiled in, but also to be presentable. The cuts of this these clothing is very forgiving, and since it is made for people who are more active, which in this more casual period, it somehow becomes a somewhat buttoned up style but relaxed by today’s standards.
Recently I have been met with comments about vintage that in my opinion are preconceived notions
1. Vintage clothing cannot be worn a lot.
2. The material and fabric is old and has been already worn off.
3. There is current clothing that has vintage stylings in certain brands.
Addressing issue number one - clothes made during the periods I spoke about earlier were meant to be worn and passed down. Like a fine cigar, they get better with age if taken care of. The natural breaking down of fabric over the the span of almost a century creates one of a kind patinas and character with more and more wear.
The second issue that the material and fabric is old and has been worn off.
Like with anything, you get what you pay for. Beat to the ground, tattered vintage clothing is going to fetch a more economical price, and things in better condition naturally are going to be more expensive. Depending on the article of clothing itself, some garments and accessories look better worn in and beat up (vintage selvedge denim, leather jackets, flannels), and somethings in my opinion look terrible distressed such as white t shirts and shirts.
Lastly, there are current clothing that has vintage stylings in certain brands.
They do not make things how they used to, and that is the honest truth. The craftsmanship in these modern times pale in comparison of even the lesser quality garments 50 years ago. With that being said, you truly cannot beat the original. If you were to get something with vintage craftsmanship today, the price would be astronomical (especially since most garments in the past were made in the their home countries).
For a more sustainable planet, as well as wardrobe, give vintage clothing a try. Whether you are digging through bins for hidden vintage treasures, or buying from reputable carefully curated resellers, there's no wrong way to do vintage.
Make it a part of your consistent Style journey.
