Vintage vs. Retro: What’s The Difference?
Right now, men’s style is having a serious love affair with the past. Everywhere you turn, you see tailored suits and trousers, rugged workwear, bold 80s leather or the sharp Mod edge. The vintage (or retro?) look is everywhere.
But here’s the thing: the terms vintage and retro are thrown around freely, carelessly, as if they mean the same thing, when, actually, they’re pretty different, and not as synonymous as you’d think.
So, if you wonder which is which and why it matters when you’re building your wardrobe, Relco London is here to clarify the matter and help you shop and style with the right terms in mind.
Vintage vs Retro: Definition
What’s Vintage?
Vintage terms and items don’t really have a set date (while, for example, for a thing to be an antique, it has to be aged 100 years or more). Vintage simply means ‘of age’. So, it’s a bit difficult to define it in terms of dates and age requirements, but when we say that something is vintage, we do mean the real deal: garments that were actually made a while ago, usually, at least 20 years ago. All the 1950s jackets, 1960s mod suits, or 1980s leather bombers are vintage apparel.
That being said, it becomes quite apparent that the appeal of vintage clothing lies in its authenticity. You’re practically wearing history. Every piece tells a story (and has lived it!) through the fabric, construction, and details. A vintage garment is one you won’t often see in today’s fashion.
So, to summarise, vintage is aged, authentic, sustainable, and one-of-a-kind.
Sounds amazing, but there’s a flip side. Because it is ‘of age,’ a vintage piece of clothing can be fragile, and finding your size in perfect condition often feels more like a quest than a breezy shopping experience.
However, if you’re a man who values and wants to wear individuality and true craftsmanship, and you don’t mind putting in the effort to hunt down something truly unique, vintage may be just the thing for you.
What’s Retro?
Etymologically, retro comes from the French word retro, which means to move backwards. Retro goods are designed to mimic the styles and designs of the past. Think of brands today remaking 70s-style Paisley shirts, 90s-inspired sneakers, and denim jackets with a cut straight outta the 80s. But, they’re all produced recently.
Retro is what gives you the aesthetic of the past to feed your nostalgia without the age-related drawbacks. You get all of the vintage look but with modern fabrics, sizing, and durability.
So, retro is the remaking, the aesthetic, the new dressed as the old. It’s more accessible in wider size ranges, more affordable, and easier to find and wear day-to-day.
The drawbacks? There are some. It lacks the genuine history and character you get with true vintage, but if you want the vibe of the past eras combined with the convenience of something fresh from the rack, then choose retro for your threads.
The Key Difference Between Retro And Vintage Clothing
At this point, it’s probably easy enough to spot the nuances between the two, but let’s break it down clearly, so your shopping experience is never again confused:
Time
Vintage pieces are genuinely old. We’re talking at least 20 years old.
Retro pieces are new, made today, but inspired by their predecessors.
Authenticity vs Nostalgia
Vintage carries real history with it. The worn leather jacket from the 80s has been to concerts, nights out, and possibly road trips with the gang.
Retro, on the other hand, taps into nostalgia. It gives you the feeling of the past without the lived-in, authentic history.
Wearability
Retro is more durable and suited for everyday wear simply because it’s new. It won’t look out of place when you wear it on the streets, and if made well, it will last you a while, maybe even years.
Vintage will require more care, even tailoring, as sizing can be tricky. And some pieces are just too special for daily rotation.
Price Point
Vintage clothes can be all over the pricing map. You can come across a rare collector’s piece that costs a small fortune, but you can equally thrift a gem that can be just a few pounds.
Retro is, however, definitely more affordable and predictable, since you’re buying newly made clothing.
In short, both vintage and retro clothing have advantages, but we recommend choosing vintage for history and retro for homage. Each has its place in your wardrobe; you just need to decide what works best with your style and lifestyle.
But we can help with that too.
Retro vs Vintage Style Tips
Okay, you got the difference between retro and vintage clothing, but how do you actually wear it without looking like you’ve stepped straight out of a costume drama?
The trick is to mix the two for authentic outfits with a modern edge.
The easiest way to pull it off is to choose which one will take the centre stage and keep the rest for support. For example, match a vintage blazer with retro slim-fit trousers for sharp tailoring with a nod to the past, a nod that doesn’t feel dated at all. Or pair a vintage band tee with a retro Harrington jacket and jeans for that effortless “just threw this on” vibe. You’ll be dapper but still rooted in history.
When to Go Full Vintage
Yes, actually, there are times when going full vintage is the right move. Thank God for that! A '60s suit for a wedding, a full '80s bomber jacket, and washed denim for a themed party can make a serious statement.
When to Keep It Retro
For everyday wear, retro-inspired pieces are the safer bet, while you can still demonstrate your devotion to the older times. It will fit more seamlessly into your modern, daily wardrobe. Retro sneakers with chinos, or a 70s-style knit with modern denim, et voìla! You got the vintage edge and none of the upkeep of delicate fabrics.
Vintage vs Retro Fashion
The bottom line? One is craftsmanship and character you simply cannot replicate; the other delivers the vibe in a more practical, everyday package.
However, this is not a battle between what's best and what's worst. Both vintage and retro have a place in your wardrobe. A dash of vintage for individuality, a touch of retro for ease, and, before you know it, you have that timeless look that's forever fresh and dapper.
At the end of the day, the whole point is not choosing but mixing them right to create a unique style that'll make you stand out from the crowd, the way you know you should.