12 Vintage Pieces Men Can Rock With Confidence

Men are just as striking in vintage fashion as we ladies are. And there are so many gorgeous Union-label and handmade menswear suit-pieces and accessories just floating around out there, in thrift shops and antique stores. Decades go, men’s clothing was made with quality in mind, tailored to perfection to express masculinity and class.

1. Hats

Wide-brimmed fedoras, 8 panel ivy caps and homburgs were the hats of the times. Since the 1900’s, they may have lost a bit of their popularity, but they’ve never gone out of style. Try one on and notice how you feel you’ve been transported to another era?!

2. Vests

Don’t be afraid to mix the old with the new! Did you find a dashing Windowpane Button-Up Vest? Pair it with a simple dress shirt underneath, a satin tie to incorporate an alluring silky texture, and a casual pair of jeans. Balance your old-school threads with modern pieces for a unique look. Go for rich fabrics, like wool and tweed.

3. Pants

Feelin’ the 1930s? If you’re already tall, go for a pant with a high-waist and a wide leg. Your legs will resemble the tall and girthy columns holding the Roman Coliseum. Flatter yourself, you manly giant, you! Try a herringbone pattern!

If you want a classic look and you’re under 5’8”, not to worry. Through the 40s and 50s to today, trousers have gradually become narrower, thus accentuating length and musculature.

4. Suspenders

Nothing says vintage quite like a nifty set of suspenders! If you find a pair made of leather and they button on, you know they’re dated, and valuable for that reason. Today, they’re made to clasp or clip on– more functional for our progressive lives, eh?

5. Shoes

Ahh, back in the day, when shoes were made of leather… In the good ‘ol days, products were made to last. Durability and value in goods can seem inaccessible because of how costly such an investment is. So we spend our purchasing power at Wal-Marts and Targets, bothered by the knowing that those shoes we’re carrying to the check-out aisle are kind of rubbery, unattractive and will only look worse after the beating they’re about to take if they even last the next year. Though we can’t expect to find long-lasting footwear in companies who mass produce their goods with plastics, with a little searching and willingness to pony up the dough, you can slip your feet into a luxurious pair oxfords, cap-toe shoes or lace up boots.

I’m here to assure you, these items of style and quality are worth the investment. We can relate, Paolo Nutini, when you sing “HEY! I put some new shoes on and everythang is alright…”

6. Coats and Blazers

 

Dressed up or down, vintage outerwear is always classy and appealing. Materials like wool, lamb and sheep were used in coats to keep folks warm way back when. When you’re out browsing, keep your eyes peeled for cozy warm fabrics like those mentioned above, and you won’t have to wear your modern puffy jacket over those striking old-fashioned vibes you got goin’ on!

7. Cuff Links

Vintage cuff links add a little bling to your look, showcasing your effortless ability to be so well put-together. To complete a more-on-the-formal-side ensemble, go with cuff links over buttons to secure the cuffs of your dress shirt.

8. Watches

You know what I say? “A lady always knows when to leave, but a man? Well, he needs a watch.” Ha! Just teasing a bit. Vintage watches are gorgeous accessories given their timeless designs and their historical roots. You may even find one with all it’s original parts! Have it looked at and discover its fascinating story!

9. Vintage Rings

Antique rings are wonderful to collect if you happen to stumble upon pieces you can’t resist. There’s nothing wrong with a man who adorns his fingers in silver and gold. Precious metals are innately valuable, and you never know what kind of history they hold!

10. Leather Gloves

They’re just…so sexy. I don’t know what it is about them…maybe they make me feel like I’m about to get in a really fast car with a wild man who knows a things or two about adventure. He takes hold of the steering wheel, revs the engine and I can hear the leather encasing his strong hands gripping the wheel with fervor. Yea, you should get a pair. Not to mention, they will keep you from losing fingers to frostbite, should that be a concern of yours this holiday season.

11. Glasses

All men look Clark Kent-ish in old-fashioned glasses. It doesn’t matter who ya are! Thick-rimmed, trapezoidal frame– it works on most guys, regardless of your face shape. Snag an old pair of frames from your local thrift shop and replace the frames if they’re clouding your vision.

12. Handkerchiefs

Love the patterns and silkiness of hankies! They’re a fabulous accessory because they add a pop of color and you can actually use them when crystalline beads of sweat or a runny nose threatens to wreak havoc all over your well-tended image.

Hopefully, Guys, you’re feeling inspired to hit the resale shops in town in search of something to pique your vintage perspective. Let me know down in the comments below if you find a few fabulous pieces from the past! Happy Hunting, Friends!