Vintage sweater men: this is how you choose, wear and maintain your knitwear

Choosing a vintage sweater for men is about more than a beautiful pattern. With knitwear, shape, neck, cuffs and minor damage are important. A good vintage sweater can have a lot of character, but only if the fit is right and the knitting is still strong enough.

What makes a sweater vintage?

A retro pattern or old-fashioned color does not automatically make a sweater vintage. For an estimate, look at label, cut, material description, production country, finish and general style.

If an exact age cannot be proven, we prefer to describe the characteristics rather than invent a specific decade.

Check the neck

The neck can stretch in knitted clothing. Check whether the ribbed edge or collar still springs back and is symmetrical.

A V-neck, round neck, turtleneck or polo neck can all be good; It is important that the shape is not distorted.

Cuffs and hem

Check whether the ribbed edges are still elastic and have no holes or heavy wear. Stretched cuffs can quickly make a sweater look unkempt.

Look for small holes

Small holes can occur in woolen and other animal fibers due to wear and tear or insect damage. Hold a sweater up to the light and check especially the armpits, abdomen, back and cuffs.

A small hole can sometimes be repaired neatly, but several places require more work.

Material: always follow the label

A soft sweater is not automatically cashmere and a furry sweater is not automatically mohair or alpaca. Use the material or washing label as a basis.

If the label is missing, be careful with firm material claims and maintenance.

How should a vintage sweater fit?

That depends on the period and style. Older sweaters may be shorter, wider or roomier in the sleeves than modern knitwear.

A wider cut is not automatically too big. Look at shoulders, sleeve length and overall proportions.

Vintage sweater with jeans

This is the simplest combination. For a sweater with a pattern or strong color, a pair of calm jeans and simple shoes is often enough.

With a plain vintage sweater you can do more with checked trousers or a striking shirt underneath.

Vintage sweater with trousers

A neat one trousers takes a vintage sweater out of the purely casual corner. Grey, brown, navy and cream combine widely.

A thin sweater can be tucked in or semi-tucked in if the cut is suitable; You usually wear a heavy sweater loose.

Under a jacket

Fine knitwear works well under one jacket. A thick cable sweater or coarse knit can give too much volume.

Always try on the jacket with the sweater underneath and check that shoulders and chest do not pull.

Over a shirt

A round neck or V-neck over a shirt gives a classic combination. Make sure that the shirt collar lies neatly and that there is not too much dust bunched up under the sweater.

A spencer gives the same layered effect without sleeves. Watch for that spencers and slipovers.

Patterns and colors

Vintage knitwear can be strong in checks, cables, geometric patterns and color blocks. With a busy knit, leave the trousers and jacket calmer.

A plain sweater can be a good basis for a checked jacket or print shirt.

How do you wash a vintage sweater?

Always follow the care label. Not all knitwear can be washed in the same way. Wool, cotton, synthetic blends and other fibers react differently.

When in doubt, cautious treatment is better than gambling on a standard program.

How do you dry and store knitwear?

Many knitwear retains its shape better when it dries flat, but again follow the label. It is best to store heavy sweaters folded rather than on a narrow hanger for long periods of time, as the weight can stretch the shoulders.

Vintage sweaters at EcoGents

View our collection vintage sweaters and the broader collection second hand sweaters. Each copy differs in cut, material and period, so actual dimensions and condition remain leading.

Are you looking for knitwear with a polo collar? Then also view our polo sweaters.

Do you also want to wear an open layer in addition to sweaters? Then take a look at our second-hand vests for men.