Vintage clothing is coming back in a big way. From jackets to belts, from bags to boots, this season’s fashion is a throwback to 50 years ago. The benefits of vintage clothing abound. For one thing, vintage clothing can never be pegged as a passing fad. Vintage coats and jackets are time-tested and have been around for decades. Also, any casual study of fashion will reveal that trends come and go, and then come back, but often with different combinations.

For example, during the 60s and 70s, mens’ shorts were shorter than knee length, and at times only reached mid-thigh. During the 80s and 90s, the length increased, until its maximum length in the mid-90s, when “cool” people had shorts that reached well below the knee, and in some cases were only slightly shorter than long pants. Today, shorts length has decreased again, and although not as short as the 60s and 70s, wearing shorts that hit a little above the knee is once again considered “cool”.

The same is true for patterns and styles. Plaid was quite common in the middle of the 20^th century, mostly for jackets, and some pants, and for flannel shirts. It went out of fashion after a few decades, but then came back in the early to mid-2000s, mostly for shorts. Eventually, plaid became partially replaced by checker pattern.

With dressier clothing, changes are more subtle, especially for men. It might seem at first glance that mens’ suits have not changed at all in 100 years, and with regard to basic styling or general ensemble this is at least partially true. Colors such as navy or grey have never not been appropriate for business formal attire. However the cut of coats and pants has fluctuated a little. A vintage coat might have been cut similarly to now, with very tailored sides and little extra fabric. This sort of cut flatters a fit man more than the boxier styles popular about 20 years ago.

In regard to almost all areas of fashion, fluctuations mean that what is out of style will probably be in again at some point down the road. Vintage clothing, including military vintage, can have a timeless, perpetually classic look. Because it has already gone in and out of style, it is virtually impervious to being dismissed as a mere fad, and will continue to be clothing you can wear for decades to come. In addition to being sartorially enduring, most vintage pieces are also physically durable. Without physical durability, it wouldn’t have lasted long enough to become a classic.