Why Is Vintage Clothing So Popular? Menswear Expert Aaron Levine Answers
Open Instagram. Scroll past the fast-fashion “hauls,” ignore the “break down your fit” street interviews, and block the product recommendations. Dig deeper. Force the algorithm to show you the good stuff. You might find real people with not only taste, but also an appreciation for clothing, quality, and thoughtful perspectives.
If you’re lucky, you might find menswear designer Aaron Levine. He’s helped brands like Club Monaco, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Madewell get their acts together, and even collaborated with streetwear darlings Noah and Aimé Leon Dore.
His Instagram (@aaronplevine) is a refreshing blend of style and substance. Levine’s thoughtful approach to fashion and life offers a welcome respite from the superficiality that often dominates social media. By showcasing both his impeccable taste and his authentic self, he has carved out a unique space in the menswear community, proving that style and genuine human connection can coexist. Even in his fit pics, Levine’s captions often go beyond the surface, expressing gratitude, thanking friends, or opening up about his feelings. He frequently shares the spotlight with “special guest posts” from those he admires, recently featuring Matty Matheson, who shared his story of growing up, getting sober, and having a family.
“Leaders in their specific fields will always be defined by how they live, and I think fashion is an extension of how people live.”
Aaron Levine
But back to the fits. Levine’s style creates tension and dynamism in the pieces. He blends beautiful cream Todd Snyder blazers and suede Morjas loafers with vintage jeans from eBay and an Iron Maiden tee. Scroll a bit further and you’ll find an airport bathroom selfie — a signature for Levine — that shows him wearing a sweater from Brooklyn’s Crowley Vintage and vintage Carhartt pants, paired with elegant shoes from Ghiaia Cashmere along with Rimowa and Ghurka bags.
Levine’s appreciation for vintage goes beyond his personal wardrobe and significantly influences his professional work. This deep connection to timeless style is now coming full circle with the launch of his eponymous brand, Aaron Levine (@aaronlevineny). Reflecting on his experience in the industry, Levine shares via the account, “Creating this brand is something I feel I’ve earned the right to do after working my tail off the last 20 years.” The brand’s emblem, the nautilus, represents this journey — an “incredibly beautiful form of organic engineering” that mirrors the thoughtful intention behind each piece.
“Everything we do is with thoughtful intention,” he adds, emphasizing that while they may not always get everything right, the passion and care behind each piece are undeniable. For Levine, the goal is simple: “I want our product to be the first product you reach for because it’s the best version of whatever that thing is that you have in your closet.”
This philosophy aligns perfectly with Levine’s broader approach to fashion — mixing old and new to create something uniquely personal. Whether through his vintage-inspired designs for other labels or his new brand, Levine proves that true style is about more than just following trends. It’s about creating something with meaning and lasting value.
In a world where fashion trends are mass-produced and widely available, vintage clothing offers a unique way to show individuality. “I’m so bored of being force-fed fashion,” Levine says.
For Levine, vintage has always been integral to self-expression. He believes vintage clothing is more than just fashion; it’s about the attitudes and lifestyles it represents. “Leaders in their specific fields will always be defined by how they live, and I think fashion is an extension of how people live. Some of the most stylish people, whether they’re fashion people or not, exude style from their soul and guts, and it oozes out into what they wear.”
“You’re not looking at everything this company built. You’re looking at the edit that’s survived.”
Aaron Levine on the quality of vintage clothing.
This combination, he says, becomes style. “That then becomes something that people want to associate themselves with.” For Levine, it’s not just the fashion people are drawn to, but the lifestyle and attitude it embodies.
Interest in buying used and vintage clothing isn’t new, but its mainstream appeal is. Companies like Grailed, Depop, eBay, and Etsy make buying pre-owned and vintage clothing easy. Consumers have more resources than ever to learn about clothing, and the subcultures that certain pieces represent, through Instagram, TikTok, and online forums.
There’s also a perception, you’ll see repeated online, that clothes from the past are always better quality. Levine, never one to make sweeping statements, offers a reality check. “It depends. You’re not looking at everything this company built. You’re looking at the edit that’s survived.”
If you can’t find quality clothes today, for Levine, you’re digging in the wrong spot. He points to a recent visit to Margaret Howell’s Milan store. “I think it’s understated, I think it’s elegant, I think it’s refined but not too serious, and I think it’s beautifully made. That’s the kind of stuff people will buy in 20 years and say it was made better than it is today.”
As for tips from Levine on discovering hidden gems, he stays away from curated sites and stores. Instead, he prefers less trodden paths, which take more work and patience but offer greater rewards. “I’m less about a brand. I like to look for factories or certain eras. I look for the understated, elegant, chic, well-made stuff from people’s collections back in the day.” The cyclical nature of fashion means that what was once old is new again. Levine observes, “I see people looking at older Armani stuff these days. You saw the resurgence of ’90s Helmut Lang and Prada Sport, and that aesthetic, along with workwear, is still a big thing. I just love the mixing up of all of it, man.”
As the second-hand apparel market flourishes, it’s evident that vintage is more than just a fleeting trend — it’s a key element of modern wardrobes. Inspired by people like Levine, who understand that true style comes from within, you can take your time, be discerning in your purchases, and carve out a unique aesthetic.
After the #menswear boom of the early ’10s, the ashes of streetwear’s logomania, and a quick detour through “quiet luxury,” we’ve entered an almost trendless menswear market where men can mix brands and genres to find their look, and vintage is a fundamental aspect of this contemporary mode of dressing. With the launch of his brand this fall, Levine aims to create similarly timeless pieces that resonate on a deeply personal level with those who wear them. Because in the ever-evolving world of menswear, in Aaron Levine we trust.
