Vintage, Retro Neckties – Designer, Thrift Store
70s, '80s Inspired Fashion, eBay, Where to Find Cheap, Unique Ties
Sep 8, 2009
A tie is normally the centerpiece of any gentleman's outfit – it rarely escapes notice due to the fact that many men no longer take the effort to accent their wardrobe with a necktie, especially in less-than-formal circumstances.
Where Can One Buy Vintage Neckties? What about Vintage Designer Ties?
It is actually quite common to find designer label vintage neckties in thrift stores in North America such as Frenchy's, Value Village, Riff's, Salvation Army (rebranded to Sally Anne's), Goodwill, and other regional operations. Neckties of any shape, size, colour, and construction can be had for a pittance, a few dollars at the very most, and in some instances these accessories may be bought in large quantities at a bulk discount.
It is more common to find North American designers rather than their European counterparts at a thrift store (for example, it would be much more likely to find a cheap Calvin Klein, DKNY, or Brooks Brothers tie at Goodwill rather than a Brioni or Ermenegildo Zegna).
Ebay, conversely, has a large selection of vintage neckties from all designers – usually offered in lots of three or greater (in some instances, whole boxes filled with hundreds of ties can be had for ~$50).
Why Wear Vintage Ties? To Present a Fashionable, Unique, Personality
- Vintage neckwear possesses a personality that is not commonly found in newer neckties. Vintage ties are generally more subdued and nuanced in their colouration – although this is not always the case (think neon 1980s fashion ties, or glitter encrusted 1970s pieces).
- Paisley is a very common patterning amongst vintage neckties, generally provided in burgundy, wine, chocolate, navy, and ivory. Paisley ties are excellent for wear with everything from denim jeans with a cotton blazer worn casually to a herringbone patterned wool blazer worn on a dinner date. It can be very difficult to purchase a quality paisley necktie amongst contemporary offerings and so vintage neckties offer an affordable and creative substitute.
- Vintage ties are inexpensive, easily obtained in large quantities, and enjoyable to shop for due to the large variety of patterns and fabrics ranging from silk to wool; when purchased in bulk the unwanted neckties can be recycled into pocketsquares, handbags, bandanas, and other neat accessories.
- Vintage ties also impart a degree of personality upon the wearer – they are somewhat significant or evocative of a free-spirited attitude, or perhaps simply a unique, urbane quality. Wearers of vintage men's fashion are generally bargain seekers or well-known characters who have a keen eye for one-of-a-kind ensembles that are aesthetically distinctive and individualized – tailored to the taste of the gentleman.
Other Articles Concerning Men's Fashion and Style
Bought a vintage necktie and need to learn how to tie a necktie? How about a discussion of paisley as a resurgent style in men's fashion? Lastly, those interested in some excellent looks for the winter season would do well to read on.
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