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.
ll want to at least have an idea of the band whose vintage tees 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
How to Style Vintage Band Tees
Pair a vintage band tee with a blazer and dress shoes for a smart-casual look. Wear this for a night out or a casual date. It screams classy without being in-your-face!
For a casual look, wear them with your everyday sneakers and a pair of jeans. Skinny jeans work well if you’re rocking an oversized tee, but oversized jeans are all the rage these days. So whether you’re running errands or hanging out with your mates, a band tee works well.
Layer a vintage band tee under a denim jacket for a classic look. This look is perfect for cooler weather. If you’re wearing jeans, this a vintage band tee is perfect if you want to break that denim-on-denim effect.
Top off your vintage band tee look with a fedora or bucket hat. This will add a touch of sophistication to your outfit.
Where to Find Vintage Band Tees
If you're looking to add some vintage band tees to your wardrobe, there are plenty of places to find them. The first place to start is your local thrift store. Thrift stores are a goldmine for vintage clothing, and band tees are no exception. You never know what you might find, so be sure to check back frequently!
Check online! There are plenty of websites that specialize in vintage clothing, and band tees are a popular item. Some popular websites include Etsy, Depop, and eBay. If you're looking for something more specific, there are also websites that specialize in vintage band tees. Some popular options include Rockabilia, Old School Tees, and Vintage Concert Tees. These websites offer a wide variety of vintage band tees, so you're sure to find something that suits your style.
Why Vintage Band Tees are Sustainable
In addition to being stylish, vintage band tees are also sustainable. By buying vintage clothing, you're keeping clothes out of landfills and reducing the demand for new clothing production. This is important because the fashion industry is one of the largest polluters in the world. By choosing vintage clothing and other sustainable fashion options, you're doing your part to reduce your environmental impact.
Vintage clothing also has a unique character and history that can't be replicated in new clothing. Each vintage piece has its own story and adds a unique element to your wardrobe. Whether it's a vintage band tee or a pair of vintage jeans, these pieces have a timeless quality that can't be matched by new clothing.
Vintage band tees have stood the test of time and continue to be a popular fashion statement. These t-shirts not only represent a piece of music history but also showcase a unique style. They are a way to express your love for music and add a touch of individuality to your wardrobe. Vintage band tees have a certain charm that modern t-shirts lack. They are a reminder of the good old days when music was pure and raw.
