I’m often disappointed by the lack of focus on men’s fashion within the vintage community. I most recently wrote an article on my favourite vintage YouTubers and not one of them was male, as I am yet to come across a dedicated vintage channel run by a bloke! Again, if you know of any, please leave a suggestion down in the comments as I would love to check out their channel. So, in an attempt to try and entice more men into the world of vintage, I have written the following article to make starting out in vintage fashion a little more accessible for all of the men (whether trans or not) out there who want to get started, but don’t quite know where to begin. As I stated in my article on vintage fashion staples for women, it is best to start small with some simple, neutral colours. Not many people (including myself) could afford to go out and splurge on a new wardrobe full of clothing, so focus on acquiring quality pieces which will last you a long time. If you’re wanting to save money, then a good old charity shop (or thrift store for my American friends) is the place to start.
Without further ado, here’s my lost of top ten vintage fashion staples for men:
1. Braces.
No, I don’t mean those awful metal mouthpieces seemingly designed for torture, I mean the vintage alternative to a belt! Braces, also known as suspenders, were not only a practical staple of the bygone wardrobe, but they were also considered to be rather stylish. They were designed to hold up your pants around the bellybutton area (no, not down on the hips like it’s done today). They serve as a stylish accessory for a summer outfit when worn over a shirt.
Image of an unknown man in braces.
2. Blazers.
Tweed blazers are often seen as the pinnacle of a man’s vintage look. They come in a variety of colours, so they can match with any outfit you have planned. Not only do blazers (whether tweed or not) look stylish, but they also have the added benefit of being an additional warm layer underneath a coat in winter, or a lighter top layer in summer. Pair them with some tailored trousers and you’re onto a winner.
Garry Cooper wearing a blazer.
3. Scarves.
It’s not often I see a man wearing a scarf nowadays, not even in the winter! This accessory can be an excellent finishing touch to a vintage outfit, for both women and men. If it’s summer, then opt for a colourful silk scarf; if you’re in the depths of winter, then get yourself a luscious wool scarf to keep you warm. Whatever you do, make sure that it’s not all crinkly, give it a quick iron or press first (taking care not to burn the fabric of course) and don’t leave it scrunched up in the bottom of your bag. If you want to learn more about men’s scarves, check out this amazing article: https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/scarf-guide/.
Scarf advertisement from New York magazine, 1934.
4. Ties and bowties.
Whilst I wouldn’t go for a bowtie for an everyday look, if you wear normal ties on a daily basis, then a bowtie can make for an appealing change if you have an occasion or a party to go to. It’s true that modern fashion is generally more relaxed and less formal than it was even forty years ago. A simple tie is an easy way to look smarter, even if you’re in a short-sleeved shirt or not wearing full office wear. If you don’t know how to tie a bowtie then there are plenty of tutorials on YouTube, or just buy a pre-tied one!
Unknown 1950s man.
5. Waistcoats.
Waistcoats have unfortunately been relegated to formal wear in this day and age. However, they serve as a great way to change up your style. Available in all colours and fabrics, you can pick and choose a waistcoat depending upon how formal you wish to appear, from a simple tweed for an everyday look, to a silk number for your evening wear. Waistcoats are fantastic as they’re not quite as restrictive as a jacket, but still serve as an extra layer. They’ve been popular throughout the twentieth century, so you can wear one no matter which decade you prefer to emulate.
1950s – 1952 Bonnes Soirees ‘Alain’ waistcoat advertisement.
6. Shirts.
It may not be a surprise, but t-shirts weren’t an especially popular look in decades past. The shirt, however, ruled the day. Plaid shirts were especially popular, since they went with everything and could be worn as an everyday piece or trimmed up for an evening out. In my humble opinion, as long as you have a collar on your shirt, it shouldn’t matter whether it has short or long sleeves; it’s most important to be comfortable in the climate you live in. Pair the shirt of your choice with your suspenders, a tie (or bowtie) and some tailored trousers and you’ll have a great vintage outfit.
Some Like It Holy reproduction image.
7. Statement coats.
As I stated in my article on women’s fashion staples, a statement coat is essential to any vintage outfit. If you live in a cold climate (such as Yorkshire, where I live), your coat is most likely the only piece of clothing people will see. I would suggest two staple styles of coat to get you started. First, the pea coat; this coat is usually long, thick, and features double breasted buttons, it was particularly popular on sea voyages. Second, a trench coat; these coats are usually very long, generally showerproof and can be as thick or thin as you wish. If you pick a neutral colour for your coat, such as black or brown, it will usually go with whatever you’re wearing underneath.
1940s men’s clothing advertisement (pea coat).
1952 trench coat advertisement.
8. Jumpers and cardigans.
As with women’s fashion, jumpers (or sweaters for my American readers) and cardigans were especially popular through the twentieth century. They came in all different shapes, colours, patterns and thicknesses. If you’re going for a summer look, then a sleeveless knitted vest can be just what you need to spruce up your look. Alternatively, if it’s cold then a thick, long-sleeved jumper can be used to add an extra stylish layer (which will look far more presentable than a baggy hoody). If you can, try to find an original vintage piece, they really don’t make them like they used to! Alternatively, jump onto Etsy and get something handmade, that way you’re supporting a small business and the slow fashion movement at the same time.
1950s Knitting Herringbone man’s jumper.
9. Statement hats.
I always lament over the passing of hats into fashion history; they just finish an outfit off! However, hats such as a flat cap (I’m from Yorkshire, they’re part of my heritage) or a fedora can still serve a function to keep your head warm, dry and shielded from the sun. Adding a hat to your outfit serves to ‘class up’ your look and will keep any unruly hair underneath in check.
1950s men’s hats advertisement.
10. Tailored trousers.
Jeans, which are what most men regularly wear today, weren’t really popular as menswear until the latter half of the twentieth century. If you’re going for a true vintage look (especially 40s or 50s), then you’re going to want to get your hands on some tailored trousers, which feature a crease down the midline of the leg. Such trousers were available in all colours and patterns, including plaid. They were worn at the navel (which is where your suspenders come in) and featured a wide leg with a seam or fold at the bottom.
1950s men’s tailored trousers advertisement.
An honourable mention here is to keep your hair and facial hair well groomed and tidy. A vintage look just wouldn’t be the same if you had a scruffy beard or uncombed hair! As I said at the beginning of this article, start small and add to your collection bit by bit. I hope that this article has helped you to get started in your vintage fashion journey, and make sure to shop using ethical sources.
Please comment, share with your fellow vintage enthusiasts and let me know if there’s anything specific you want me to write about. To share this article, use the share buttons below. You can also use the social media buttons at the top and bottom of this page to visit my pages. If you want to keep up to date with my listings and discounts, then make sure to sign up for my mailing list and follow my store (https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SwabyCollections) on Etsy.
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