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Vintage Tee: Goodwill (Similar Splurge // Save); Jumpsuit: The JetSet Diaries via Rent the Runway; Clutch: Goodwill (Similar Splurge // Save); Shoes: Chinese Laundry; Earrings: H&M, old (Similar); Sunglasses: Kate Spade
Want to instantly feel and look like a cool kid? Throw on a vintage tee with ANYTHING for an instant outfit upgrade and conversation starter. I’ve seen quite a few Madeworn tees and this very popular “vintage” tee all over Instagram. Vintage tee resellers are all over Instagram, and the holy grail of vintage tee dealers, Patrick Matamoros, sells his tees from $200-$2000 a piece. (His clients include Kanye, Rihanna, Pharrell, and Kylie Jenner.) Vintage stores are stylized, curated, and a reflection of those sourcing inventory so there is a premium to pay when shopping at a curated vintage store.
While vintage tees are a street-style and celeb staple and can illicit a shocking price tag, you don’t have to (and shouldn’t) over pay for a vintage tee! Goodwill is stocked full of unique vintage tees for as little as $1.99 (Middle TN Goodwill pricing) if you’re willing to do a little digging. I paired this Goodwill vintage tee find over a JetSet Diaries jumpsuit for a whole new look! With a little patience and these 5 tips, you will have the hippest (and cheapest) vintage tee in town!
1. Shop All Sizes
It should not come as a surprise that you should shop all sizes for the perfect vintage tee at Goodwill. In addition to the endless DIY possibilities of a vintage tee, sizing has changed over time. I have a couple of size medium men’s vintage tees that fit like a women’s XS. Also look at sleeve length, if you are buying a larger size tee, you don’t want the sleeves to hit at your elbow. (Stay away from the shacker tee look.)
2. Shop All Colors
Like sizing, color isn’t permanent. See a black vintage tee that you love but looks a little dingy, just take some bleach or paint and make your own creation. Even a dingy white tee can be revived with a little bleach.
3. Check the Light
A paper thin tee is a sure sign of a well-worn and comfy vintage tee. If you prefer a semi sheer vintage tee, hold the tee up to the light. Be sure and check for piling on thin tees, especially around the underarm area. If there is any piling, you can easily fix this was a razor or fabric shaver.
4. Do a Little Research
If a vintage tee catches your eye and you have no clue what the business is or meaning behind the phrase, save yourself a little embarassment with a quick google search. I’ve seen tees advertising everything under the sun, even strip clubs.
5. Don’t Skip the Kid’s Section
Because vintage sizing can run small, sometimes employees take a quick glance at a t-shirt and stick it in the kid’s section without glancing at the tag. Plus, hayyyyy crop tops!
What is your best vintage tee find? Leave me a comment below!
