Awesome 5 Point Guide to Finding The Best Vintage Menswear
Northern Grip team was asked to do an interview on the topic “Outfit Ideas for Men - What to Wear This Winter” for vintage clothing application GEM, where different vintage shops were asked to give their vintage menswear styling tips and what to wear this fall / winter. You can check their interview here: GEM. We decided to give you a 5 point guide from our three team members based on the Gem interview questions:
Beta (Founder) 
Henry (Marketing)
Raimonds (Copywriting)
What are the first steps to start wearing vintage?
Beta
I would suggest starting small so you can gradually acquire knowledge about which styles, materials, decades and shapes suit you better. It is worth it because vintage can bring your wardrobe to next level with some rare, authentic pieces and you can get way better quality garments within a reasonable budget. For example, instead of acrylic sweaters you buy at high street shops, search for vintage alternatives made of cashmere or wool. It will look better, more expensive, will last you much longer and keep you warmer.
Henry
It is just as simple as wearing new era fashion clothing. Pick a style you love and feel comfortable with and own it like any other garment.Raimonds
Vintage clothes, especially iconic clothes from different decades are quite noticeable. So if you like that retro vintage vibe, the best place to start is your local thrift shop. Or more specifically search it online and find already pre-photographed garments to see how it would fit.
Your 2020 shopping tips: what are some fun, cool, trendy items to shop and wear this fall/winter?
Beta
Definitely - sheepskin coats. There are a wide variety of styles available from aviator jackets to 70s long coats, faux fur or real, suede or leather, from more fitted 70s pieces to baggy 90s coats.
Other things that we love this season are padded plaid shirts, denim jackets, aztec - suede jackets, wool sweaters and Levi's jeans. These are also top selling categories in our shop.
Henry
As we all know- The Winter is Coming. So right now you should look for all kinds of jackets and coats- wool, sheepskin or puffer jackets to be stylish, warm and just comfortable for your everyday.
Raimonds
I think the most trendy things this fall are trench coats. As they are both casual and protective against weather changes. The other thing is all kinds of knit funky pattern sweaters. Because you can never have enough of them. And all the iconic vintage sheepskin coats and jackets.
Can you also share some styling tips: how to wear these items?
Beta
If you want something eye-catching and rare I would suggest to pair it with a basic, minimalistic rest of the outfit so vintage garment can stand out and you do not look like a grandpa. Head-to-toe vintage outfits are risky but if you are familiar with vintage styles you can make it work as all of todays trends are a reflection of the past. Most of us at NorthernGrip wear head-to-toe vintage but you could never really tell.
Henry
Just like an Old School Vans shoes are immortal, all kinds of denim items are too, specially Levis products are never dying and will go together with anything at any time, just mix it in. Also you can not miss pure vintage leather in the cold seasons. Never mind what kind of, sheepskin, suede leather or classic leather, it is the bomb.
Raimonds
Do not go to extremes and mix too many things, or too many colors. Stay classy yet with your own flavour. Vintage garments themselves are “cherry on top” – so stick to your inner feel and wear things you see fit.
What are some classic, staple vintage items for men that never go out of style?
Beta
Raimonds
Definitely all kinds of blazers if you're on the casual side of the road. Or those never ending funky 80s jackets with different color patterns and abstract art - if you're more on the hippie / boho side of road. Also casual pants and different wool coats. With those you can never go wrong.
Other vintage shopping tips for men?
Beta
Buy vintage from trustworthy sellers. If you shop online, look for ones with good imagery, proper item descriptions and measurements - this means that the item has been carefully inspected so there should not be any flaws or signs of wear if that are not mentioned in description. Sometimes it is worth paying a little bit more to buy from vintage shops that wash, disinfect and steam clothing because during this process every piece of clothing is carefully checked for its quality, durability and it will come to you as-new. Another important aspect is the ability to return or exchange item if they do not fit. I personally think that it is extremely important with vintage clothing not only because you can not try it on before buying but also because vintage comes in various styles, shapes, fabrics etc. and if you have not tried on many vintage garments before you might need time to find what is right for you. (But once you do it - you will never go back!)
Raimonds
Listen to your inner feeling and look for things that speak to your aesthetic values. Don’t be afraid of trying something new.
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