Being vintage lovers we know full well that trends come and go. But what the kids are wearing these days feels like more than just a trend. If you’re old enough to have lived through the “Save water, shower with a friend” era, then you remember why Earth Day is a global event. Vintage clothing is a big part of that. Fast fashion is cheap and readily available, but it also is mass produced and is anything but individualized. To say nothing of the effect it has on the environment.
On the other hand, vintage clothing tends to be of better quality and offers the ability to wear something that no one else is wearing, creating a look that’s all your own. Putting aside the environmental aspect of fast fashion, the allure of wearing vintage band T-shirts are all the rage right now. Stop into any trendy clothing store and you can find knock off versions or licensed remakes of band shirts from the 1970s, 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. But how much cooler would one feel wearing the original? If only I had kept that 1977 Led Zeppelin tour shirt! Which by the way, is now the most iconic and reprinted band T-shirt ever.
Where there once were funky clothing shops–think Vivienne Westwood and her shop Sex, in London or Retail Slut in Hollywood–selling one of a kind clothing worn by Hollywood and rock & roll luminaries, there are now shops with rows of vintage black T-shirts sporting all manner of music icons, tours, venues, and the like. Stalwarts such as Harley Davidson T-shirts are thrown in for good measure, since a rare bike run, or long forgotten shop in a small town can be just the addition one’s looking for to complete a collection. Even basics such as Coca Cola or other popular brand logos bring high prices now. Even cigarette companies made T-shirts touting their mascots. Anyone remember Joe Camel?
A recent trend I’ve noticed with young folks is a move away from skinny jeans. The super wide leg jeans that were known as Skater Pants are back in style. Skater pants have a wide loose fit which makes it easier to maneuver in. One of the pioneers of the exaggerated wide leg look was JNCO Jeans. They opened for business in 1985 in Los Angeles and are still in business. The brand is flourishing again.
While hemlines may go up and down, pant legs vacillate from narrow to wide and color palettes change from bright neon to muted pastels, finding your own style is more popular than ever. Vintage clothing plays a huge part in that. What the kids are wearing tends to be more affordable, and gives the wearer the peace of mind knowing they are doing something positive for the planet. Now, that’s a trend I can get behind.
To find more popular vintage clothing, head to your nearest Flea Market, or check out the offerings on Depop, Poshmark, eBay, Etsy, or the many independent vintage clothing resellers online and in your neighborhood.
