Vintage menswear has experienced a resurgence over the past few years, with many fashion enthusiasts turning to thrift stores, second-hand boutiques, and their grandfathers’ closets for stylish, one-of-a-kind pieces. Now, in 2025, the question remains: is this vintage trend still thriving, or has the tide of fashion shifted in another direction?
The Booming Second-Hand Fashion Market
The second-hand fashion market is still growing at an impressive rate, and there are no signs of it slowing down. In fact, global sales of pre-owned apparel increased by 18% last year, reaching $197 billion, with projections to hit $350 billion by 2028. This surge in resale reflects a broader shift away from traditional retail shopping. As the global second-hand apparel market continues to grow—by as much as seven times faster than traditional fashion retail—it is clear that vintage and second-hand clothing have firmly embedded themselves in mainstream fashion.
In 2025, more than half of global shoppers have bought at least one second-hand item in the past year, and that number jumps to 65% for younger generations like Gen Z and millennials. Vintage clothing is no longer just a niche market; it’s a major player in the world of menswear.
Why Is Vintage Menswear So Popular?
The enduring appeal of vintage menswear comes down to one simple reason: quality. Many older garments, especially those from the mid-20th century to the 1990s, were made to last. Think heavy-duty denim, high-quality blazers with proper linings, and shirts that still have all their buttons intact. This contrasts sharply with the fast fashion industry today, which often produces garments with flimsy materials and construction that don’t hold up after a few washes.
In fact, modern mass manufacturing sometimes sacrifices craftsmanship for speed and scale, resulting in lower-quality clothing that doesn’t have the durability of vintage pieces. Even luxury brands have been accused of compromising on quality as they rush to meet the demand for new collections. Vintage clothing, on the other hand, tells a story, and the timeless appeal of well-made, high-quality garments continues to draw men in.
Even high-end women’s fashion is taking notice. Celebrities and businesswomen are often seen wearing vintage or second-hand pieces, finding that a stylish man dressed in unique, well-crafted clothing has far more appeal than someone draped in the latest mass-market labels. As one London escort noted, “If it looks like a shop window, I’m already bored… But if I see a man wearing something with a story, he’s already caught my eye.”
The Celebrities Embracing Vintage Style
Vintage menswear has gained even more popularity thanks to influential celebrities embracing the style. Rapper A$AP Rocky, for example, has openly shared his love for vintage fashion and has even partnered with shopping platforms to encourage fans to buy second-hand. Similarly, pop star Harry Styles is known for regularly incorporating vintage and vintage-inspired clothing into his wardrobe, proving that these old garments can look fresh and stylish even on the red carpet.
Other stars like Pharrell Williams and Ryan Gosling have also embraced the vintage look. Gosling, for example, wore several retro-inspired outfits during his 2023 Barbie promo tour, and Pharrell’s vintage jewelry and streetwear collections have become iconic. When high-profile celebrities flaunt their second-hand finds, they encourage the everyday man to do the same, helping to legitimize vintage clothing as a stylish choice.
What’s Trending in 2025?
Vintage fashion isn’t a static trend—it’s always evolving. In 2025, the vintage market is seeing a blend of styles and eras, making it easy for men to experiment and find their own unique look. Some of the key trends include:
- 90s Revival & Y2K Nostalgia: Baggy light-wash jeans, vintage Levi’s 501s, and retro band tees are hugely popular right now. Searches for vintage Diesel jeans, for example, have increased by 600%. Brands like Nike, Adidas, and Tommy Hilfiger are still highly sought after.
- Vintage Luxury & “Old Money” Aesthetic: In contrast to grunge, many young men are embracing more polished, tailored vintage looks. Vintage suits with strong shoulders, classic ties, and luxury brands from the 90s, such as Donna Karan and Calvin Klein, are trending on resale sites.
- Western & Workwear Flair: Thanks to pop culture influences like Beyoncé’s cowboy-themed tour, vintage western pieces such as cowboy boots, leather jackets, and fringe jackets are making a comeback. Military-inspired workwear and rugged brands like Carhartt remain favorites for a streetwear aesthetic.
- Statement Vintage Accessories: Retro sunglasses, classic watches, and vintage designer bags are all the rage. Iconic items, such as a vintage Gucci monogram bag or a Prada nylon backpack, are considered “trophy pieces” and are highly coveted.
So, Is Vintage Menswear Still Popular in 2025?
Absolutely. In 2025, vintage menswear remains just as relevant as ever. It’s not just a passing trend—it’s become a key component of modern men’s fashion. From iconic vintage jeans to luxury, tailored pieces with an “old money” aesthetic, vintage clothing is still making a bold statement.
Whether driven by nostalgia, a desire for quality, or the push for sustainability, men’s vintage fashion has proven it’s not just a fleeting trend. As long as people crave unique, well-crafted clothing with character and history, vintage will continue to thrive in 2025 and beyond.
