Why Vintage Shirts Continue To Stand Out
Modern clothes usually have the same appearance, but vintage shirts add texture and charm. Old-fashioned collars, brazen prints, structured cuts, and quality fabrics immediately make an outfit look contrived. These shirts feel different from cottons; they are thicker, collars stand taller, and patterns look hand-drawn rather than computer-made. For guys who are into the minimal fashion sense, one vintage shirt can give life to a simple pair of jeans or trousers. For maximalists, the bright 70s prints and colorful 50s bowling tops are all dead-on statement pieces.
Popular Varieties of Vintage Shirts for Guys
Vintage Dress Shirts
Classic dress shirts are must-haves in the world of vintage shirts for guys. The best-known types are what we consider white-collar dress shirts, club collar shirts, and spearpoint dress shirts. The spearpoint collar, too long and sharp, instantly provides a 1930s-40s gentleman’s appearance. Club collars produce a softer and rounded style of the collar, as found in Edwardian fashion and men’s wear of the early 20th century. A perfect shirt for weddings, events, photoshoots, and vintage-themed parties!
Camp Collar & Bowling Shirts
Camp collar shirts are short-sleeved, loose-fitting, and have a flat open collar. These were very popular in the 1950s and were produced in very vivid colors such as teal, red, mustard, blue, and cream. Bowling shirts had the same style but generally had two-tone color blocking or vertical panels. These shirts have a rockabilly look and go nicely with jeans, chinos, loafers, and sunglasses.
Hawaiian Shirts
Hawaiian shirts took off in the 1940s and remained fashionable throughout the 50s and 60s. Today, they’re a major part of vintage shirts for guys because they’re easy to style and come in endless prints – tropical leaves, florals, waves, birds, and geometric shapes. Worn open with shorts or denim, they immediately give a relaxed retro vacation look.
Polo Shirts & Mod Knit Shirts
In the 1960s and 70s, knit polos with stripes, zipper collars, and geometrical patterns became must-have pieces. They were slim, but stretchy, sharp, but not formal. These mod knit shirts are among the most versatile vintage shirts for guys today, as they work for dates, dinners, and casual Fridays.
Retro T-Shirts
Vintage shirts for guys also feature traditional T-shirts with vintage graphics, band graphics, tie-dye graphics, ringer, and vintage fonts. Think 70s rock tees, 80s sports tees, or basic crewnecks in some soft-washed cotton. They look great with denim jackets and sneakers for the perfect vintage casual outfit.
Western Shirts
Western shirts are either pointed yokes, embroidered, with snaps, and a rugged cowboy look. These shirts were big in the 1950s, and they returned during the 70s. Today, they’re part of rockabilly fashion and country fashion, but still have their use in casual looks with just boots and jeans.
Flannel & Workwear Shirts
Heavy flannel shirts, two-pocket work shirts, denim shirts, and chore-style tops are an absolute must-have for guys looking for a rugged and vintage outdoors style. They match up perfectly with work boots, raw denim, and jackets. These shirts also have a longer lifespan because the fabric was made with durability in mind.
How to Select the Right Vintage Shirt
Fit First
Vintage shirts tend to run big, particularly in the shoulders. Look out for a neat fit that is not too low or too wide. Shorter vintage shirts especially look great with high-waisted trousers, which were common during previous decades.
Pick Your Favorite Era
Every decade comes with its own mood:
- 1920s-30s: sharp collars, long points
- 1940s: military impact, straightforward designs
- 1950s: camp collar, bowling shirts, Hawaiian prints
- 1960s: mod polos, bold stripes
- 1970s: disco prints, silky fabrics
- 1980s: giant tees & denim shirts
Choosing an era that you like will help you build a consistent look.
Check the Fabric
Cotton, rayon, wool blends, linen, and jersey for guys in vintage shirts were common. High-quality rayon provides a soft drape for Hawaiian shirts. Heavy cotton is excellent for oxfords and button-downs. Linen is perfect for summer.
Colors & Patterns
Muted tones are appropriate for a classic look. Bright colors are great for a retro and fun style for a weekend, though. Polka dots, geometrical sets, florals, and racing stripes all belong to the vintage world.
How to Style Guys – Vintage Shirts
- Dress shirts with suspenders, high-rise trousers, and shoes made of leather
- Wear denim collars and loafers while camping
- Put Hawaiian shirts over a white tee to use as outer layers
- Match up mod polos and pleated trousers
- Style Western shirts, boots, and a belt buckle
- Keep T-shirts simple with straight jeans
Vintage shirts for guys are quite easy to combine with modern clothes – this makes the garments practical and wearable on a daily basis.
Why Vintage Shirts Have Made a Comeback
Men desire something unique – something not everyone else is wearing. Vintage shirts provide personality without effort. They’re nostalgic, stylish, timeless, and flattering on all age groups and body types. You can create a retro-inspired wardrobe or simply add a single piece to up your look.