When most men think of vintage, they think of old worn out clothes that smell of moth balls and grandmother's attic. Unfortunately, most men are utterly wrong. Vintage shopping can be an eye-opening experience into the history of a time and culture gone by. The Tweeds of English town and country hunters. The wide lapel pinstriped suits of American movie stars and gangsters. The rugged jeans, boots, and work wear of the Depression, the cigarette slim trousers and suits of the hipsters and on and on. These clothes were in fashion for the moment but they were stylish enough to transcend time. They were also built to last, which is why they are so valuable today.
DC is quickly becoming a hot bed for vintage shopping. The U Street corridor plays host to several of the finest and well-stocked vintage shops in the DC area. These aren't your regular thrift shops. The stuff you'll find here is authentic and timeless. I've been able to visit some personally while others are still on my list. Here are some of our picks and what you can expect from each.
1. Rock It Again - This shop is full of heavy overcoats, sport coats and vests in all manners of Tweeds and heavy fabrics. Large checks, thick stripes, scratchy wool, and the ultimate in Harris Tweed make this shop heaven for the man who loves a tailored but rough and ready look. Shoes and vests are on hand but the overwhelming stock of sport coats is what makes Rock It Again is a special place.
2. Dr. K Vintage - I've heard great tings about this place. I've even seen some of the stock which looks amazing. The problem is I've only seen stock from the display window. Every time I go to check this place out its closed. It doesn't have a website, the hours posted on the door are obviously out of date, and the owners voicemail is consistently full when I call. I've read about the stock of vintage Levi's from the early 20's and varsity jackets your grandpa wore., but we have yet to see the treasures up close and personal.
3. Junction - The most unimpressive of the bunch. Most of their shirts and jackets are made of polyester and other unnatural fibers. Understandably older clothing used more of these materials, but natural fibers have been around for a long time and I'm sure they could find better sources. The two best finds were a suede, Merlot two button, single vent Lanvin sport coat with top stitching and a burnished brown leather bomber with lots of zippers.
4. Good Wood - This is the clear favorite. I had been here several times in the past and at the time it was strictly a furniture shop. Lots of wood dressers, chests and other furnishings. I recently dropped in and to my surprise they've added vintage clothing and the offerings are pretty awesome. Woolrich plaid hunting jackets, Levi's denim jackets, old school Cole Haan boots, mannequins, shoe lasts, duck boots, great literature and more. The Woolrich jacket is currently 75% off and is a piece I'd love to add to the coat closet for next winter.
DC is quickly becoming a hot bed for vintage shopping. The U Street corridor plays host to several of the finest and well-stocked vintage shops in the DC area. These aren't your regular thrift shops. The stuff you'll find here is authentic and timeless. I've been able to visit some personally while others are still on my list. Here are some of our picks and what you can expect from each.
1. Rock It Again - This shop is full of heavy overcoats, sport coats and vests in all manners of Tweeds and heavy fabrics. Large checks, thick stripes, scratchy wool, and the ultimate in Harris Tweed make this shop heaven for the man who loves a tailored but rough and ready look. Shoes and vests are on hand but the overwhelming stock of sport coats is what makes Rock It Again is a special place.
2. Dr. K Vintage - I've heard great tings about this place. I've even seen some of the stock which looks amazing. The problem is I've only seen stock from the display window. Every time I go to check this place out its closed. It doesn't have a website, the hours posted on the door are obviously out of date, and the owners voicemail is consistently full when I call. I've read about the stock of vintage Levi's from the early 20's and varsity jackets your grandpa wore., but we have yet to see the treasures up close and personal.
3. Junction - The most unimpressive of the bunch. Most of their shirts and jackets are made of polyester and other unnatural fibers. Understandably older clothing used more of these materials, but natural fibers have been around for a long time and I'm sure they could find better sources. The two best finds were a suede, Merlot two button, single vent Lanvin sport coat with top stitching and a burnished brown leather bomber with lots of zippers.
4. Good Wood - This is the clear favorite. I had been here several times in the past and at the time it was strictly a furniture shop. Lots of wood dressers, chests and other furnishings. I recently dropped in and to my surprise they've added vintage clothing and the offerings are pretty awesome. Woolrich plaid hunting jackets, Levi's denim jackets, old school Cole Haan boots, mannequins, shoe lasts, duck boots, great literature and more. The Woolrich jacket is currently 75% off and is a piece I'd love to add to the coat closet for next winter.
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