Just like a worn-in pair of shoes, vintage t-shirts provide an enigmatic feeling of comfort and reassurance that a pristine shirt simply cannot provide. Initially designed as one of many, each is now a rare commodity, making them all the more charming. A vintage shirt can be many things to many people; a symbol of status, an ode to their favourite band, a nostalgic comfort or an encapsulation of the essence, that is their personality. To find a vintage tee is like striking gold- where through passionate perseverance or pure chance, you came across your the shirt– your shirt. Whatever your style of a vintage tee, or reason for wanting one, here are the best online vintage men’s t-shirt stores.
1. Etsy
As far as online shops go for vintage tees, Etsy isn’t the first place we would look. The e-commerce store is full of replica vintage shirt look-alikes where you would be hard-pressed to find a genuine second-hand tee. This being said, if you are looking for an affordable alternative to the pricey genuine shirts, Etsy is a reliable source.
2. Depop
The peer-to-peer clothes swap and sell site feels incredibly genuine and offers an extensive range of vintage tees for every budget. Even the lower-budget items provide a vintage look and feel, with prices starting as low as $10 and ranging to over $1,000. Depop is thrift shopping on a global scale, making finding the perfect vintage t-shirt to match your personal taste so much easier.
3. eBay
It’s a second-hand heaven for anyone looking for anything with a bit of pre-owned charm- a history if you will. Ebay is another ‘something for every budget’ e-store that has quite the selection of men’s vintage tees. For this reason, we recommend going in with an idea of what you’re looking for to save time and decision fatigue in picking a random shirt just for the hell of it.
4. Grailed
Grailed is where we start to get a little more niche. If you know your fashion a bit more than the average bear, Grailed may be your destination. The site offers a more curated selection of vintage wear that leans towards a more moody style. As for their tees- they offer a capsule collection of graphic vintage t-shirts, which feel exclusive and highly unique.
5. Official Vintage
Focused on 90’s pieces in particular, Official Vintage is an online and physical store that hand-picks all the best vintage pieces from around the world to sell in one place- no bullshit. Official Vintage is ideal for those looking for an easier find but still want authentic vintage pieces. Want it easier again? Purchase one of their Mystery Boxes in your size for three effortless editions to your wardrobe.
6. Lost Boys Vintage
From Toronto, Canada, Lost Boys Vintage offers a diverse collection of genuine vintage t-shirts beyond your classic sports team and university hoodies (although you will still find them). Their impressive range of brands certainly provides something for every taste, including old-collection designer brands, iconic Souvenir Tees, cartoon classics and band merch (of course).
7. Kissing Booth
For a clothing piece to be featured on this site, it must be more than just vintage. Kissing Booth is operated by a small team of friends who aim to create a curated, educational, vintage experience. They meticulously source their vintage pieces with an eye for contemporary, looking for references, basics, and oddities that can become a long-time treasure to their new owner.
8. OTC Vintage
The OTC Vintage feels like you’ve stepped into your dad’s closet- all original and from at least ten years ago. The vintage cord, party shirts and 90’s check button-ups are undeniably a highlight, alongside their healthy collection of vintage graphic tees. As far as trustworthy sources go, OTC Vintage is undoubtedly one of them.
9. Wyco Vintage
Home to the world’s largest selection of authentic vintage t-shirts, Wyco has sourced the best of the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and 2000s to create a truly remarkable collection. The website has excellent searchability, making it easy to find what you want. Their ‘The Perfect Fit’ feature also helps you buy correctly for your size instead of taking a stab in the dark like you would on most online vintage stores. Their assemblage of quality vintage shirts is profound and beyond impressive.
10. Black Market
Targeted to the culture-conscious customer, Black Market has been a Toronto fixture since the 80’s. Their up-cycled goods are curated for those who appreciate a one-of-a-kind piece, with only a small collection of men’s vintage tees available for purchase online. However, don’t let this stop you from keeping a regular eye on their page, as what you do find may be something truly special.