Menswear - Jon & His Vintage Wardrobe

From teenage punk, pin-up boy to Madchester shoegazer, Jon's always been into his clothes.

Some looks more successful than others. 

But even in the heady days of rock stardom it was secondhand all the way, baby.

A man's gotta to get his priorities right, less cash spent on clothes meant more left for The Haçienda (Watch 24 Hour Party People if you don't know what I'm talking about).

You're already familiar with mine so it's high time Jon shared a few of his vintage finds.

Check out his customised coat rack - a fusion of stuff from jumble sales

Living in the UK we're in coats & jackets for most of the year so it makes sense to have a few to choose from.

1959 British Army greatcoat, West German leather trench (bought off Birmingham Rag Market in the 1980s), Hardy Amies fake fur car coat, Dhobi cashmere coat (my Grandpa's), Foster Menswear vinyl car coat, Hardy Amies fake fur.

He'd started to lose the will to live after snapping a few of them.

Lee 1970s deadstock cord blazer, 1960s fringed suedette jacket, Unworn seersucker Paul Smith blazer, 1970s linen safari jacket, 1960s frock coat & a 1970s tweed blazer.

From left: Austin Reed tweed number, unnamed 1960s, Diesel Black Gold collection (all charity shops)

Waistcoats are sexy.

Cravats are cool, too.

No man's wardrobe is complete without a groovy scarf.

All Tootal except the Etro one (50p from a car boot sale) on the right. 

Like any right-minded man, Jon's not afraid to embrace colour.

Pink being his favourite.

Indian-made cheesecloth hoodie

Here's some of his 1960s knits:

And a few of his favourite shirts.

Orange and brown psychedelic number courtesy of sexilicious Helga

We've noticed that it's usually women who spoil their men's fun, nagging them to put psychedelic shirts and loud jackets back and to "grow up" when they visit our stall at vintage fairs. Listen up men, any woman who dictates how you should dress needs to be dumped.

Here's Jon's Tips For Successful Second-hand Shopping:

1. Try It On

Despite what some might say, decent vintage menswear isn't hard to come by, finding the right size is. If it doesn't fit walk away and leave it for someone else (me!). 

Too bastard big!

2. Never Say Never

Find something in your size but isn't something you'd normally wear - tuxedo, a tailcoat or a flashy suit? Buy it. One day the right occasion will come along and you'll be ready without needing to run round the shops in a mad panic (and bankrupting yourself in the process).

One day, one day...

1960s Aquascutum suit ready for that fancy pants invite

These bad boys might be making their debut soon

3. Take A Risk

Perfect fit, great price but a bit tatty? There's little that can't be slung in the washing machine on a delicate setting or spot cleaned with some Poundland stain remover or white vinegar. Don't miss an exceptional pair of shoes if the soles have gone. Our cobbler charges £15 for a complete resole, definitely worth it if the shoes are spectacular.

At just 50p, I'd be mad not to get them fixed

4. Sew What?

Learn to replace buttons & zips, darn holes and fix ripped seams. Make straight jeans into skinnies, shorten legs and turn knackered trousers into shorts and you'll save loads. There's no shame in knowing your way with a needle. Running to your mother/wife/girlfriend every time you need something mending is a lot less manly.

Handmade by me from a moth-eaten tweed jacket, an Italian army jacket and a few zips

...and here it is in action.

5. Be Your Own Man

Fancy labels and following trends are for idiots who don't know their own minds. Don't be dictated to by girlfriends or no-mark celebrities. Haters can f*ck right off. Wear what you like, never dress to please.

Got a bloke with no interest in clothes? Leave him be and get yourself a Barbie doll to play dress up with. You'd be outraged if a man tried to change you so why is the reverse seen as acceptable?

See you soon!

PS Updated to link Jon's latest second-hand purchase, the R Soles boots he's wearing in the top photo, to Bella's Shoe Shine.