5 replies to this topic

[stephfriend]

Any recommendations for places to get vintage suits? H2B is looking for a 50's style suit for our Vegas wedding, to go with my VoH dress x

[Gav]

stephfriend, on 11 April 2011 - 10:07, said:

Any recommendations for places to get vintage suits? H2B is looking for a 50's style suit for our Vegas wedding, to go with my VoH dress x

That was spooky timing.

I just tried to get to a place called Old Hat Vintage in Fulham (66 Fulham High St
London SW6 3LQ, 020 7610 6558), but the District line was up the spout. Apparently it's really good for men's vintage formal wear and you can get some real designer bargains. I'll let you know if I ever manage to get there. In fact, I think I might create a website reviewing the vintage shops and fayres I've been to

My favourite place is Radio Days in Southwark (on Lower Marsh, behind Waterloo station); they have quite a lot of menswear, but it's a bit hit and miss as to whether you'll find something you like.

I'm determined to get to Old Hat this week as I need a shirt, collar, bow ties and a waistcoat so I'll let you know.

Which VofH dress btw?

Gav.
x

Edited by Gav, 11 April 2011 - 12:51.

[stephfriend]

Fab, thanks Gav! May have a trek over to Fulham this weekend.

This is my dress - http://www.vivienofh...print-dress/47/

[Gav]

Right then, I made it there today.

I'll try to be unbiased because a lot of the time when I'm browsing, the staff and the general 'ambiance' make a difference to me, but I know you're looking to buy something specific.

It's fairly crammed with gents vintage gear. I've never seen so much men's stuff. I came away empty handed because I only had a lunch break, but I'll be going back when I have more time.

They have suits, evening suits, hats, shoes, shirts, collars. Some vintage, some retro and all second-hand. Some are bespoke, some are designer. I saw some pretty big names on suits for about £100. The woman working there toady (not the owner apparently) wasn't much help.

I'd definitely recommend it, but best to do a bit of research so you at least know roughly what sort of thing you're looking for.

Hope that helps and let me know how he gets on.

Gav.
x

[stephfriend]

Amazing, thanks Gav! H2B found something he likes in Wow Retro in Covent Garden yesterday, until I pointed out it's exactly the same as his normal suit only a different colour so we're back to the drawing board x

[Gav]

The funny thing is, he's probably not far off. Up to the 40s, they did things big. Wide lapels, lots of button, baggy trousers, big hats; but come the 50s, mens fashions went all conservative and they went narrow and skinny, not that different from today really. Shirts tended to still have longer collars, but nowhere near the 40s ones. The one thing about the 50s is that no man was ever seen without a hat!
Frankly, you might be better going for a big 40s suit if you want him to look different to today's fashions. Big, double-breasted with a wide pin-stripe and wide lapels would be good, and spats on the shoes of course (black and white look).