There’s something really charming about the vintage t-shirt style. Maybe it’s the allure of a piece of clothing that’s been around for decades, or perhaps it’s just the coolness of the retro designs, but there’s no doubt that vintage T-shirts add character to any wardrobe.
If you have these old-school gems lying around but aren’t quite sure how to style them beyond the usual jeans-and-sneakers combo, this guide is for you! Read along for some tips on how to style vintage t-shirts.
The Allure of Vintage T-Shirts
Vintage t-shirts have been an essential part of fashion for decades. It’s not all about aesthetics, though. Vintage tees regained popularity because of their high-quality materials, rarity, and back story. You’ve heard it before; clothes just don’t hold up the same nowadays, and there’s truth to that statement. In most cases, a vintage tee will maintain its colour, print, shape, and softness far longer than a mass-produced tee will.
History and Cultural Significance
T-shirts were first used as undergarments and often layered beneath other clothing. They first became standalone clothing items in the 1920s (wild, right?). Surprisingly enough, it was actually the Great Depression that really popularised the use of the good ol’ t-shirt; the plain, sturdy tee was a farmer’s go-to when it came to ranch chores. Some other notable (and significant) mentions for incredible t-shirt moments include:
-
1950s: T-shirts became a symbol of teenage rebellion, popularised by figures such as Marlon Brando and James Dean (as if we needed more of a reason to swoon). This is when they achieved fashionable status.
-
1970s: T-shirts reached their peak popularity and became more than just a shirt; they became messaging platforms. Rock stars, actors, and athletes started wearing them as fashion items (and in some cases, as political statements). The intention was to shock people and challenge the status quo.
-
2000s: Vintage tees made their comeback! Stars like Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake started rocking them on the red carpet, and the rest of the world followed suit.
Now, fast forward to today, and vintage t-shirts are trending like never before. There are a few reasons for this:
-
Vintage tees go well with most streetwear. They’re typically considered a wardrobe staple.
-
Personal style is a form of expression, and we’re all storytellers in our own way. Wearing a vintage garment can tell a story about history, whether that’s showcasing the history and age of the garment itself, or simply highlighting how something can be carried on through generations—it’s up to you. You’re the artist here! You can choose what you want to say.
-
The simple and most common reason is literally because they’re cool. Yep. World-breaking news, isn’t it?
Unique Designs and Quality Materials
Unlike today’s mass-produced clothing, vintage tees often feature snazzy hand-drawn graphics, unique fonts, and colours that can be difficult to find in modern apparel.
Many vintage t-shirts were printed using discharge printing or screen printing, which extended the life of the print. It’s likely why the graphics you see on some vintage tees are still in better condition compared to the brand new tee you’ve only washed four times.
How to Style Vintage T-Shirts
So, you want to look as cool as your dad did back in the day and now that you’ve scored a funky vintage t-shirt, you know that you can—but you have no idea how. Never fear. We’ve got some knowledge on how to style a vintage t-shirt.
Pairing with Modern Denim
Ah, a classic. One of the most common ways of styling a vintage tee is simply by pairing it with a pair of loose-fit, baggy jeans. This gives you that effortless, “I just threw this on” kind of look. Don't worry, we know it actually took you a whole hour to put your fit together—we acknowledge your efforts.
You can carry the denim look over to warmer days, too; just swap your jeans out for a pair of baggy denim shorts instead. Or, if you want to lean into that punk-esque style, pairing your tee with ripped or faded denim works great and complments the worn-in look of a vintage tee.
If things are looking a little unbalanced, and you can’t pinpoint what it is, it might be the length of the tee. Do not underestimate the power of a slight crop. It can even everything out and really enhance that vintage feel. And the most important piece of advice for any fit: don’t forget to accessorise. We’ll explain more later. Keep reading.
Layering with Jackets and Blazers
When it comes to styling anything, layering can be your best friend. It can make or break an outfit. To keep the street style going, style a vintage t-shirt with an oversized jacket. On slightly warmer days, swap out that jacket and slip on a plain long-sleeve to go underneath instead. This adds dimension and character to your fit.
Okay, we hear you. You want to keep that bad boy aesthetic going. You know what works well here? A worn-out leather jacket. So simply, yet so sexy.
Don’t be afraid of bringing that vintage t-shirt style over to more classy fits, either. Blazers and t-shirts were actually besties in another life. Pairing them together is harmonious and instantly adds more definition and fun to an otherwise simple, traditional look.
Accessorising for a Complete Look
Accessorise! We cannot stress this enough. If the clothing is the foundation of the house, the accessories are the decor and furniture. This is where you can really showcase your personal style.
There’s no right or wrong way to style jewellery with a vintage tee, so it’s up to you to experiment. Adding a ring, necklace or bracelets can change the entire direction of an outfit. A hat and a bag are also both understated accessories that can really bring everything together. And voilà! You’re golden. You don’t need to worry about how to style a vintage t-shirt anymore.
Choosing the Right Vintage T-Shirt
There are so many different vintage t-shirt styles to choose from and choosing the right one really depends on your personal taste, but it also depends on the style you’re going for. If you’re aiming for a more fitted look, select a tee in your exact size. For a more oversized, baggy look, don’t be afraid to go a few sizes up.
Identifying Authentic Vintage Pieces
Here are some ways to identify authentic vintage pieces:
- The feel: The easiest way to identify authentic vintage clothing is from the feel. Fake vintage often has a scratchy cotton feel.
- Print quality: If the print feels sticky, it means it was recently printed. Clean prints are also red flags. Look for prints with a naturally faded or cracked appearance rather than something sticky or plasticky.
- Single-stiching: This is a key indicator of a vintage t-shirt. If you see one row of stitching below the hemline, that means it’s single-stitched.
- Check the tag: Vintage tees often have older brand labels or faded retro-style fonts. Here are some examples of fake vs. real vintage t-shirts.
It takes more than one factor to tell if something is genuine. So if you’re buying online where you can’t feel the t-shirt in person, only order from reputable sellers. Like us! We’re reputable!
Caring for Your Vintage T-Shirts
How do you wash your vintage t-shirts without damaging the fabric or prints? Here’s a few tips:
Washing and Storage Tips
-
Follow the instructions on the label (if there is one)
-
Use cold water to prevent fading and shrinkage.
-
Soak and dry or wash by hand instead of using the washing machine whenever possible.
-
If using a washing machine, use the gentle/delicate cycle.
-
If using detergent, use a gentle one.
-
Avoid dryers and high heat when drying.
-
Avoid direct sunlight—this can damage the prints.
-
When all is done, fold the clothes rather than hang them to prevent the shoulders and collars from stretching.
-
Store them in a cool, dry place to prevent mold from forming.
Style with Official Vintage
Looking for authentic vintage clothing in Australia? Check out our range of vintage T-shirts at Official Vintage or grab some vintage accessories to compliment your outfit.
For more guides on vintage clothing, check out our other articles.