Take the stress out of your festival packing with our vintage festival clothing guide for men. Whether you’re attending Goodwood Revival, Salon Privé or another brilliant festival, no fine gentleman should sacrifice his style for comfort. You won’t find any waterproof ponchos or loungewear in this men’s vintage festival clothing guide. No good sir, every garment listed is an out and out investment piece straight out of the modern-day gentleman’s fashion textbook. Prepare to be amazed and inspired. The Hat
No self-respecting gentleman steps out the front door dressed for festival action without a trusty headpiece.
The ever-stylish trilby hat first appeared on the scene towards the end of the 19th century. However, it didn’t rise to prominence until the post-war period of the late 1940s and 1950s.
Commonly paired with a snappy suit, the trilby is the perfect item to crown your vintage festival outfit. The Jacket With the Great British Summer often leaving us dashing for our brollies one minute and a refreshing glass of Pimms the next, it’s never a bad idea to have a waterproof option up your sleeve. Before you start to panic, I’m not suggesting a cagoule or poncho. No, there are far more stylish options available to the vintage inclined gentleman in the form of the classic rain mac or heavier duty parka. The rain mac has been a mainstay of men and women’s fashion for over a century, having been first patented in 1823. Originally made from wool and rubber, the mac is one of the most versatile outerwear options to combat the weather. Pair with jeans, a suit, Sta-Prest trousers, or a pair of natty cords. If you’re looking for something a little harder wearing and with a thicker lining, there’s always the military-style parka. First adopted by the Mods of the late 50s and 60s to cover their sharp suits as they buzzed around on Vespas, the parka originated as an army issue overcoat for American G.I.s. Warm, waterproof, and one of the best vintage festival outfits when it’s cold. The Shirt No vintage festival outfit is complete without the inclusion of a 1940’s fashion staple. The collarless shirt dates back as far as the 1920s, remaining at the height of fashion throughout the Second World War. The collarless design makes it a casual yet practical fashion statement. You can button it up to the top or keep it loose, depending on your mood and the weather. For a slightly more modern yet vintage option, the classic button-down shirt is still widely available. The Oxford button-down shirt was adopted by Ivy-League students in the 1920s and 1930s, before becoming a feature in the rest of England in the 1950s and 1960s. The Shoes
Unless you’re going to muddy music festivals, you can leave the trainers and wellies behind. For your vintage festival attire, you should be looking for a durable, timeless classic. When looking for footwear to fit that particular bill, the Percy Stride Oxford shoe is the only logical option. Handmade in Northampton, England, these best-selling Oxfords truly are the best of British. With a full leather lining and sole, the Oxford will look after your feet. Just make sure you look after them with a touch of TLC and utilising full footwear re-craft services. For jazzy vintage festival outfits, invest in our black and white Oxfords. These eye-catching foot jewels pair particularly well with the Oxford Bag trousers previously mentioned. For harsher conditions, the men’s Chukka Boots from Percy Stride have you covered. As with the Oxfords, these hardy boots are 100% handmade in Northampton, England. Complete with a hardwearing natural crepe stitch-down sole, these are the perfect casual choice to pair with jeans. The Trousers For a truly vintage festival option, we’re going back to the 1920s. The Oxford Bag trousers aren’t for the faint-hearted with their wide legs and baggy fit. However, if you’re looking to make a statement at every stage, stand and stall, look no further. Originating in America, these quirky vintage festival clothing item was a staple among university students and gangsters in the 1920s and 1930s. The Oxford Bag trousers will leave you comfortable yet cool as you browse the stalls or take in the festival action. For a slimmer fit, the Sta-Prest trousers of the 60s are a smart choice. Narrow-legged and sharp as a tack, these trousers pair well with a button-down shirt and tasseled loafers. The Accessories
No vintage festival outfit is complete without the finishing touches. A pair of trousers without a belt is just an alien concept to a well-dressed man.
The good news is that Percy Stride has you covered. We have the highest quality handmade leather belts available made here in the UK. We can even add 5 inches to the belt size to make room for any extra festival snacks.
To apply the finishing touches, considering investing in one of our handmade leather wallets to keep all your beer money safe and sound.
Where to find festival outfits
Besides our online shop, there are plenty of places to source your perfect vintage festival outfit.
You can find any of the listed items in this blog on second-hand sites such as Etsy, eBay, or Depop.
There are specialist vintage sites such as Merc that offer new products with a vintage feel.
If you’re looking for a real bargain, head down to your local market and find second-hand stalls or charity shops. There’s always a deal to be had there, in what is known as goldmines to vintage clothing collectors.
Further vintage reading
I know, I know, once you’ve got the vintage bug it can be hard to let it go. It often seems that the best of fashion is a long way behind us, but there are a select few of us flying the flag for the well-dressed gent.
If you fancy a bit more light reading, why not read our guide on colour pairings and combinations. It’s never a bad thing to be armed with some knowledge next time you’re preparing for your vintage festival outfit. Or if the festival is canceled, at least you’ll have some dinner party conversation.