Just in time for Mad Men's stellar season 3 finale, Esquire has enlisted the help of the show's illustrious costume designer (who has since branched out into fashion design as well) for her tips on vintage shopping for men. Janie Bryant, the woman arguably behind the resurgence of 60s styles in fashion. Bryant offers tips from buying vintage suits to tie clips. Of suits, Bryant says, "it's all about the fit." So how to choose the right size? "Normally, guys buy suits too big, so when you're trying on vintage sizes, keep going smaller until it's too small. Then buy one size bigger," Bryant explains. (And get to know a good, local tailor.)
As for something to go underneath? Vintage shirts typically don't last as well as suits Bryant points out. So be careful which material you're sourcing: "some materials, like cotton oxford cloth, hold up better than more delicate ones, like silk." And, for shoppers looking for accessories: "flea markets are great for ... tie bars, collar bars, cuff links, studs." But, for ties themselves, you'll do just as well looking to your local vintage store, Bryant says. In the market for kicks? "Consider the classic wing-tip -- it's never gone out of style."


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