Identifying Marks for Vintage Levis
Ever wonder what exactly makes a pair of Vintage Levi’s Jeans authentic? Here is a quick video that shows you some of the identifying marks on a pair of 1955 jeans.
Always be sure you do your research before investing in vintage clothes. There are a number of fakes out there that people use to prey on the uniformed. Of course it is not that important if you are buying them as a fashion statement, but collectors should take a more cautious approach.
Men’s Vintage Bell Bottom Jeans
As the vintage clothing craze continues to sweep the younger generation, men are becoming more immersed in some of these fashions. This includes bell bottom jeans, which have only recently spread over into the male genre.
The primary difference in men’s bell bottom jeans can be found in the contrast of the foot opening. Whereas women’s styles typically feature a much more defined bell bottom, the male version is not as forthcoming. This is due to a combination of factors. Women’s jeans in general are tighter fitting to the leg which defines the bell bottom more. Men’s pants are also wider and thicker, limiting the amount of coverage this novelty style can add to the design.
There are several ways that men are incorporating bell bottoms into their modern look. The first is with a full vintage ensemble that accurately matches appeal from the era. The second is through wearing tight fitting bell bottoms and matching them with a thin top. This “skinny look” is a popular trend for men who contrast the bulky athletic figure stereotyped in many fashion promotions.
The evolution of bell bottom jeans into male fashion has been much slower compared to female fashions. While many modern trends balance their permeation through both markets, bell bottoms are simply not for everyone. But for men who like to define the latest and most creative fashion motifs, there are very few options as noteworthy as vintage bell bottoms.
Getting Tight with Hip Huggers
One of the most popular categories of vintage jeans is the hip hugger styles of the late sixties and seventies. As modern fashion styles have to begun to sport variations of this classic style, more and more people are looking to old denim outlets for a more unique approach to this trend.
The primary differences between the hip huggers of the past and those currently produced can be found in the rise of the waistline and tightness of the leg fit. Modern hip huggers ride much lower on the waist region, typically well below the belly button. They are also much tighter around the knee and calves. This is a product of the boot cut style that was released soon after the millennium.
Vintage hip huggers offer a significantly different cut from their modern counterparts. The waistline is much closer to the naval cavity and the legs are generally much looser fitting. While this style may not appeal to everyone in today’s culture, shoppers who outfit themselves in a complete retro wardrobe enjoy the authenticity that only real vintage can provide.
It is safe to say that hip huggers will remain popular for the next few years. Their penchant for forming to the curves of the legs and bottom make them an easy way to define your body while still enjoying the comfort of jeans.
Cool Places to Find Old Jeans
If you have a passion for buying vintage jeans then you know that the thrill of the hunt is the best part of your obsession. Sure there are plenty of modern labels that are selling replicas of worn jeans, but the true connoisseurs are only satisfied with the real thing. This means you have to do some digging. Here are a few good places to begin your search.
Thrift Stores
If you can handle the musty odors and endless racks of junk to sort through, then thrift stores can be a goldmine for vintage clothes. While many of them have caught onto the value of collectibles such as jewelry and old books, they rarely separate the good clothes from the bad. This can provide you with an untapped source of hip clothing to choose from.
eBay
This auction marketplace is filled with great finds for anyone who is willing to browse the listings on a regular basis. Since most sellers are aware of the demand for vintage fashions, you may not find the cheapest prices, but the quality of the items tends to be high. Best of all, you can do all of your shopping from home.
Estate Sales
These liquation sales are used by relatives who are trying to quickly get rid of all the possessions of a loved one who is sick or has passed away. They typically include the entire contents of a home…including wardrobes. The best part for vintage buyers is the fact that these sales normally feature old or outdated items, making them the perfect place to find deals on clothes. If you are lucky, you can find entire collections of jeans for less than $20.
Online Stores
There are a handful of vintage clothing stores that offer an online inventory. This is an easy way to search for items that may interest you. Unfortunately however, it can be difficult to find particular styles and sizes since supply is limited. You may also notice that many of these specialty shops charge a premium for there products. Nonetheless, it is still worth browsing the net to see what you can come up with.
Feeding your vintage jeans fetish is not always easy. Since we are talking about products that are no longer made, it is not as simple as visiting your local retailer. However, those who put in the time and effort are usually rewarded with a one-of-a-kind fashion statement that can really turn the heads of your admirers.
