I suspect if I were to survey a group of guys, most would say that their favorite shirt to wear to bed or to hang out is one that has been washed, faded, and worn to hell. There’s something comfortable that a new shirt off the rack just can’t replicate. With a worn-in feel and faded dye, an old shirt easily solidifies itself as an old favorite before too long.
Now, when it comes to menswear, the same logic usually applies. Old, worn-out, and faded will always add that little bit of je ne sais quoi and comfort that can’t easily be replaced by a new buy.
Why Buy Vintage?
Buying vintage tees is nothing new, but now the market seems to be booming. While the casual thrift store peruser may be able to discover a good fit, a lot of us are heading online to take the guesswork out of the process.
Buying vintage is a great way to add texture to your wardrobe. Because of the natural wear on the garment over time, it adds a little depth to your outfit without really trying. Grabbing a vintage tee and pairing it with a well-fitted pair of jeans or under a nice leather jacket is the perfect complement to the high-low approach to fashion that’s popular right now.
Further, vintage tees are a green way in which people can bring new life to old garments. The fashion industry accounts for a large portion of waste globally with recycling efforts at an industry low. Being the new owner of a beloved vintage tee keeps it out of the landfill and keeps you looking fresh.
The Best Places To Buy Vintage Shirts Online
While eBay, Etsy, and good ol’ Goodwill are all great options for finding a vintage tee or two, the below sites have curated their inventory a bit more, leaving you with pages upon pages of high-quality options without all the extra work.
Rag Stock Company
Boasting over a thousand vintage tees, there is, invariably, something for everyone here. Rag Stock’s inventory ranges from Mickey Mouse to college frat shirts all the way back to the 1970’s. It’s easy to get lost in their inventory (in the best way possible), and even easier to max out a credit card or two.
Rokit
UK-based Rokit has a great selection of inventory that hovers around 300 pieces. What’s especially nice about the inventory is that much of it is sourced in Britain, making for some rare finds for U.S. customers and beyond.
Old School Tees
If you’re not too worried about authenticity, per se, then Old School Tees is a respectable option. Using licensing agreements with a variety of IP-holders, Old School’s inventory ranges from vintage-inspired band tees, classic cartoons, and more.
H-D Authorized Vintage
The newly launched H-D Collections includes a few authentic vintage tees for fans of the brand. These vintage tees have been sources and authenticated by the Harley Davidson team and show how bad ass the brand has always been.
Black Shag Vintage
If you’re looking for some impressive concert finds, Black Shag Vintage has you covered – literally. As they put it, their stock ranges from “ABBA to ZZ Top” with over fifty pages of inventory to peruse. It’s a treasure trove for anyone who understands that music isn’t a hobby, but a veritable lifestyle.
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