Love the vintage/alte look but don’t know where to start? I understand. The retro style is back and it’s classier than ever. Of course, trust us to add a bit of modern touch to it. Regardless, it’s a colourful way of dressing.
Pro tip: When looking for vintage pieces, your best stop is a thrift store.
That being said, here are a few of the best vintage styles for black men.
Of course, it’s not vintage without the good ol’ leather jacket, cowboy hats, stonewash baggy jeans, and some boots. This style is for those who are bold and love streetwear. You can choose to go with less jewellery if you don’t roll that way, but the neckpiece is a must to complete that edgy look.
One thing to note is the belt. For vintage or alte styles, a belt is more than something to keep your baggy pants up, it’s an accessory. Ensure you buy a couple of stylish belts like these for your baggy jeans.
For those who prefer less jewellery and a cleaner look, this fit is for you. Floral shirts are the staples of casual vintage wear. Coupled with those pleated baggy pants, a tote bag, and suede loafers, this outfit is perfect for casual dates and events. You should note his white vest showing it’s hot where he is, making this the perfect vintage fit for black men in summer.
Don’t forget your baseball hat.
Another summer style for men, this fit is a balance of casual and streetwear. Featuring a baseball cap, Akashi lightweight jacket, high-waist jeans and suede boots, we can see how the cowboy boots stand out while complimenting his skin tone.
Note that you don’t have to find the exact Akashi jacket, you’ll always find something similar in a good thrift market.
One of the most worn vintage pieces is the cropped shirt. It’s stylish, comfortable (if it’s linen) and easy to style. If you’ve been paying attention, you’ll notice it looks better when you skip the first two buttons at least – this way you get to layer those beautiful retro neckpieces.
One obviously vintage part of this fit is the baggy boot-cut pants. You can see the attention to detail on the side of his pants with the entwined ropes. If you’d like to try this fit, ensure you wear chunky boots or low Dr Martens loafers.
To wrap this up, he ties a durag and adds dark shades. You can always opt for a scarf instead of a durag.
You can still get comfy and cosy with your vintage clothes without having to wear jeans. This piece is as cosy as it gets for those chilly evenings or staying indoors, of course, without the chunky sneakers. If you’re on the shorter side, switch everything to black.
With this fit, you don’t get to go overboard with accessorizing, that’s why a cross bag and some good shades are just what you need to complete the fit.
Is there much to be said here? Notice how his jean pants sit perfectly on his ankles? This can give you a longer frame if you want to look taller wearing vintage clothes. Baseball caps with prints like this are more retro than ones with a simple New York print. Notice how his green cropped shirt compliments his hat and how his brown leather belt compliments his shoes. Little details like these make you stand out in a room.
It’s hard to miss with monochrome fits. To look more stylish, wear different textures and patterns like you see here. A silk scarf, knitted shirt, and cotton pants create a beautiful symmetry.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with various materials and colours when styling vintage clothes. You don’t have to pick everything from an outfit, you can pick bits of each other and mix them up to create your style.
This piece “Top 7 Vintage Style Inspo for Black Men In 2023” was written by Daniel Scribble.
