Best Vintage Streetwear Brands

Vintage streetwear has evolved from just a niche or uncommon interest into a defining force in today's fashion and streetwear. There's something special about rocking a perfectly worn-in Champion hoodie or finding that rare Tommy Hilfiger jacket from the '90s. Whether you're new to vintage streetwear or a seasoned collector, this is a guide to help you navigate the world of vintage streetwear and discover some of the most sought-after brands in the industry.

Jump To:

• Best Vintage Brands

• Where to Buy and Style

• Overview

How We Review

At Litfits every piece of clothing we recommended or rank has been thoroughly researched and looked upon. We aim to give you the best advice on what and how to wear each piece of clothing. We search through countless reviews of the product, looking for both the positives and negatives of each item, giving you all the details in it. We look for not only the clothing itself, but the deals, trends, and styles of each item. We make it our goal to help you strive to style your best by giving you all there is to know about each item we recommend to better help you.

Our Mission

We are a small team based in trying to redesign the way people view vintage clothing. Too many people today are looking for better alternatives for how to style their clothes. Our team wants to change that. Our goal is to bring people back creatively by exploring the world of vintage clothing. We have a diverse selection posts giving you the best idea of not only what is in style, but how to style it. Giving reviews of each product or quick styling tips is just how we do that. We cover both men and women streetwear, from a casual to a stand-out look. We make sure to keep up with what is popular today and possibly up and coming, so you can stay ahead. We hope to scale our dream in the future, thanks to people just like you!

What Makes Vintage Streetwear Special?

Vintage streetwear isn't just about old clothes as most people see it. In my opinion, t's about wearing pieces with history and character. Think bold graphics that have stood the test of time, classic logos that shaped street culture, and cuts that defined entire decades. The influence of '80s and '90s style is everywhere in today's fashion, but nothing beats the real thing. Plus, choosing vintage isn't just stylish, it's sustainable.

The Heavy Hitters: Top Vintage Streetwear Brands

Champion

Champion's journey from athletic wear to streetwear is drastic. Now Champion is focusing on more retro style clothing which should be something to look at. Their signature reverse weave hoodies and crewnecks are straight from the '80s and '90s. Your best bet for finding authentic pieces? Check out Depop or vintage sports stores, where prices typically range from $40-100 for even more classic items.

Carhartt WIP

Before it became a streetwear icon, Carhartt was making tough workwear for tough jobs. This seemed kind of odd to me at first until I did my research. Their vintage work jackets and cargo pants have become a streetwear staple, known for incredible durability and that perfect worn-in look. The Detroit Jacket and double-knee work pants are particularly coveted in the community.

Tommy Hilfiger

Tommy Hilfiger's golden age in the '90s hip-hop scene produced some of the most iconic streetwear pieces ever. Their color-block jackets, oversized logo tees, and sailing-inspired pieces are classics. When shopping for vintage Tommy, look for bold primary colors and that distinctive flag logo. One of my favorite shirts I had ever bought was from Tommy Hilfiger, and I can say it is top quality.

Fila

Fila's retro appeal lies in its perfect blend of sport and style. Their vintage tracksuits and sneakers, especially from the '90s, are the most popular. The Grant Hill sneaker line and classic tracksuits in bold colorways are particularly worth hunting down. Something also to check out are specialty vintage stores and authenticated resale sites. Some prices can range widely, but expect to pay $50-150 for quality pieces.

Nike and Adidas

These sportswear giants have produced countless streetwear grails. Vintage Nike windbreakers and early Air Jordan apparel are really the beginning of streetwear, while old-school Adidas tracksuits and trefoil logo pieces never go out of style. I also might add, authentication is crucial here, look for quality stitching, period-correct tags, and do your research on release dates. Getting the “drop” on some clothing items or it might be your only chance of getting that piece.

Where to Score Vintage Streetwear

The hunt is half the fun, but knowing where to look is key. Online marketplaces like Depop and Grailed are gold mines for vintage streetwear, often with seller ratings to help you avoid fakes. For in-person shopping, vintage stores in major cities usually have curated selections, though prices tend to be higher than thrift stores.

Styling Your Vintage Finds

The key to rocking vintage streetwear is balance. Mix eras and brands fearlessly. What I mean by this is search for more than 90’s clothing because I can promise you’ll find something else you may like. Try pairing a vintage Champion hoodie with modern jeans, or rock those old-school Adidas track pants with contemporary sneakers. It’s all interchangeable. Don't be afraid to mix high and low or even old and new. The best vintage streetwear looks feel effortless and personal. I wrote another post about this here

Why Choose Vintage?

Beyond the obvious style points, vintage streetwear offers quality you rarely find in modern fast fashion. Fashion today is dry and not as vibrant as it used to be. These pieces were built to last, and their survival proves it. Millions of people today are rocking vintage, essentially reviving the trend. Plus, choosing vintage means your style is truly unique. No one else will have exactly the same piece with the same wear patterns and character.

Ready to Start Your Vintage Journey?

The world of vintage streetwear is vast and exciting, full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Start with these iconic brands if your new or want to get into the culture, but don't be afraid to explore beyond them. Remember, the best vintage pieces are the ones that speak to your personal style.

Keep in mind that prices can vary wildly based on condition, rarity, and location. Always verify authenticity when possible, and don't be afraid to ask sellers for additional photos or details. As always Happy Hunting!

Comment

Help us and others hear about what you learned or have anymore information about this topic!

You May Also Like