Vintage Band Tees - The Best Vintage Inspired Looks of Men
There is no doubt that you contribute to a more sustainable environment when you choose to use vintage clothes. In the last few years, celebs like Rihanna, Justin Bieber, and the Jenners have been spotted adorning vintage band tees as statement pieces. And while it is questionable if some of these celebs’ musical taste truly lies in death metal, the trend is here to stay. Vintage band fashion may include tees from thrash metal bands like Metallica and Guns N’ Roses with their trademark skulls and logos, offering a rebellious and edgy vibe. On the other hand, concert tees from classic rock bands like Aerosmith and Pink Floyd will give the wearer a more low-key but distinctive look.
Vintage clothing allows you to incorporate different styles together. You may choose to rock your vintage graphic tees of bands and artists with jeans, slim trousers, or even long skirts. Pair them with ankle boots or sneakers. There are no rules, and you are free to build your own aesthetic.
History of Band and Concert Tees
A brief look into the history of band merchandise will tell you that band tees were first commercialized because of rock producer Bill Graham. He took charge and founded his own band clothing manufacturing company, called Winterland Productions. He produced t-shirts for bands like The Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane to promote them among the local crowd. These often-had tour dates printed on the back, but the idea of band tees soon took off to include more elements. After that, New Kids on the Block exploded in the retail market. In those days, when you saw someone wearing a vintage band t-shirt, you would know they are a fan.
What is So Appealing about a Vintage Band Tee?
Call it the nostalgia of rich musical history or the honor associated with being one among the large fan following of the world's most famous bands. Vintage tees of popular bands are valuable and a collector’s piece. The evocation of our rock-n-roll past through streetwear fashion has been happening for decades. When you wear a band’s t-shirt, it tells the world that you identify with their music or their vibe. Or, at the very least, wearing these vintage band tees shows that you have a solid eclectic taste.
Choosing the right vintage band tee
So… which band tee should you go for? Buying one of your favorite bands is a no-brainer. If it so happens that your musical taste does not lie in rock-n-roll, we have a handy guide to help you zero in on a stylish band tee.
Gone are the days of only diehard fans buying band tees, but you would still want to at least have an idea of the band whose vintage tee you are wearing. You do not want to be caught smiling sheepishly when asked about your favorite song from the said band. The following is a list of a few rock and metal genres. Reading this might help you pick out the vibe you are going for.
Classic Rock: This was the era of legendary bands, like The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Aerosmith. The vintage merchandise of these bands would most likely be simple and minimalist. Nothing says ‘taste!’ like wearing a Billy Joel t-shirt.
Hard Rock: Heavy rock from the 70s was characterized by heavy vocals and guitars. Bands such as Queen, KISS, AC/DC, and Van Halen come under this category. Tees with obsolete graphic design and fonts may be worn ironically, but they still carry the ‘heavy rock’ vibe. Check out this vintage tee featuring the rock band KISS, for instance.
80s Pop, New Wave: Bands like The Police and Blondie are inspired by classic pop and punk rock but have a quirkier vibe to them. Their restrained music is a staple in many 80s teen and coming-of-age movies.
Heavy Metal: If a vintage band tee has one or multiple skulls on it, you can be sure that the band belongs to the heavy metal genre. The heavy metal genre is characterized by distorted, loud vocals, long guitar solos, and aggressive lyrics. Most T-shirts of vintage harley davidson shirts, and Slayer may initially seem like they have too much going in, but that is part of the appeal.
Glam Metal: Most glam rock bands, as the name suggests, had their members wearing glamorous outfits and outrageous hairstyles. Some bands of this heavy metal style include Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe, and vintage graphic tees. As expected, most tees of these bands would be rather wacky but colorful.
Death Metal: Death metal is the extreme version of heavy metal, with its death growls, distorted instruments, and super sober lyrics. Expect more macabre imagery in the vintage tees of bands like Cannibal Corpse and Possessed.
Nu Metal: Nu metal emerged in the 90s with its heavy metal and hip-hop inspired music. While this genre is maligned amongst most heavy metal purists, their band merchandise makes for some funky vintage pieces, such as vintage harley davidson shirts.
Vintage fashion is not going anywhere, and rightfully so. The revival of vintage band tees is a cultural revolution in itself.
Interested in iconic vintage clothing? At LA Vintage, we have a wide collection of vintage tees of bands and music artists awaiting you. Shop vintage graphic tees for vintage trends, clothing, and accessories at the best prices.
