Why I Wear So Many ‘old and ugly’ Clothes

[@aoriaoriaori]

Nowadays, vintage items have become so expensive-often even pricier than brand-new ones. Many people have capitalized on this trend, turning it into a concept to market and justify overly high prices.

[@kellyjam]

THIS! To me there is a difference now of Vintage clothing(expensive) and Thrift clothing(literal thrift)

[@JamesLeung]

Yes it’s unfortunate that a lot of resellers are profiteering so much from it. However there are still bargains to be had, but it does take a bit of luck!

[@137Furon]

Which items are more expensive second hand than the new versions ? Sure they are not dirt cheap but I’ve never seen secondhand items more expensive than the new version

[@Carl-x8y3c]

I'm old enough to remember vintage when it was vintage. If that makes sense. I'm in my mid sixties . You look great in your clothing , and you have jet black hair which is an advantage in choosing colours because dark hair suits most colours. Someone who is blond or has red hair can find it difficult when seeking clothing that looks good on them as far as colour is concerned. I have,worn different styles of clothing over the years. 1974 i wore flares with platform shoes. And my hair was at shoulder length. I liked wearing flared trousers. Good video thanks

[@HarryHas]

Great video man! You suit the vintage style well and you have some solid pieces in your wardrobe!

[@JamesLeung]

Thanks Harry!

[@annunanki]

The older I get, the more I tend to gravitate toward pre-owned/thrifted. Especially here in Canada, all the fast fashion brands are exceptionally overpriced. My only issue with thrifting and charity shops is that resellers usually show up and pick everything remotely good out, so it’s rare that I find something to buy

[@JamesLeung]

Yep it’s a huge problem. And they will resell them for a lot of money! Thrifting is getting more difficult unfortunately

[@Andrew_OHara]

Video idea: Buy 3 full vintage outfits(except shoes) for under £50 each. Show us your thought process when browsing and buying the items. You can't use the same piece in more than one outfit. This would be really interesting to watch. It would help people who really don't have much money, but still want to own nice clothes. I know £50 isn't much but that's the point, it's supposed to be a challenge. Just an idea that came to mind. Anyway, great video as always James!! It's crazy how much I used to be disgusted at buying second hand clothes but now days they're almost the only clothes I buy haha :D

[@PrinterJamOnToast]

I've started buying more pre-owned clothes but most of my used knitwear purchases have been flops. The pieces usually end up a size smaller due to shrinkage, itchy, or have lots of pilling. The biggest lesson I have learnt is to not buy anything without knowing the measurements.

[@JamesLeung]

Yep definitely. Measurements are so important with vintage because like you said they shrink, but also sizing used to be a lot different. I wouldn’t buy anything vintage without knowing the measurements first!

[@0hGoodGrief]

Yes, measurements are a must but people often don’t include them or measure slightly differently. Gets tiring asking for measurements and then wondering is they measured the same way as you. Usually works out though and you get something great Wish sites made measurements mandatory. Being told to look at the waist tag on a pair of levis from 30 years ago is not helpful

[@pesahson]

shrinkage might be due to you not knowing how to care for wool. And yeah, a lot of wool is itchy. A lot of it wasn't designed to be worn on bare skin. Our expectations now are different so some vintage clothes might be not what we expect.

[@nym5qu17]

I hate buying online for this reason. So many brands do not list measurements

[@habl00pep]

Itchy shrinkage is a nightmare…. But i got an ointment

[@MukhtarMalamee]

My first comment was at the beginning of the video. However, midway or towards the end, you mentioned quality-something we all vouch for. Vintage tends to be of higher quality than the clothing manufactured today.

[@JamesLeung]

Definitely! A lot of modern clothes won’t last half as long!

[@ryeofoatmeal]

the vintage find what makes you unique. this is why I enjoy your channel. I've seen similar mass produce clothes in other channel. especially luxury brands, they're all wearing the same, same logo and fit 😂

[@martinihenry9792]

Great video. Also wanted to say that your video on jackets encouraged me to look into vintage varsity jackets as well because I was always of the same opinion on collarless varsity jackets. Eventually, I found a similar one from Empire NY from 1987 on Vinted and jumped on it (probably spending a little too much in the process) and the fit is amazing.

[@JamesLeung]

Awesome mate, glad to have helped. Sounds like you got yourself a great jacket!

[@silasmortensen1129]

I wholly agree! I would add that there is also an ethical aspect of modern fashion that cant be ignored. Clothes made in dangerous and toxic work environments by cheap labor, sometimes children, sometimes actual slave labor. And many clothes are produced in countries that are unethical, such as China, Pakistan, India and so on. Nice video mate!

[@ernestblais4876]

There's also something satisfyingly grounding about that visual and tactile connection to another time.

[@JamesLeung]

Totally agree!

[@jonlouis2582]

I couldn't have said it better myself. For me, it's the quality, and texture. Buying new is a last resort. I try not to consume more than I absolutely need. We are lucky to live a short drive from the largest flea market in the US, and there is more clothing every year. Prices are not low, but I sometimes get ideas and enjoy seeing the fabrics up close. Great video!

[@Grabehn42]

I love thrifting,I mostly do it a a way to chill, but nothing beats that sensation of finding that one item, that one perfect item that looks great and fits great. My best to date are a Belstaff jacket for $3 from way back when it wasn't such a social-media thing, so prices weren't as inflated as they're nowadays, and a pair of boot cut Diesel jeans for $7, which was my first "hey that's mine" experience with a kid grabbing them while I was trying a jacket on 😂

[@JamesLeung]

Yes getting a grail item for cheap is the best feeling, I live for it!! Sound like you got some amazing deals 🙌

[@alloyrocker]

Can't recommend buying quality second hand clothing. Everything you've said makes so much sense and is exactly what I look for when looking for interesting items.

[@carmenmm3673]

I agree. I think that the only pieces that should be bought brand new are footwear, specially boots. I buy second hand often from Depop and I have learnt that lesson: boots and sneakers with the shape of other people's feet just lead to a lot of pain. It is a total waste of money.

[@patrickpatel5527]

I’ve been following you for a good number of years now and i have seen you evolve in terms of style of clothing. Your style is definitely so gracefully awesome! 😊 anyway I am a bit drunk because of the wine 🍷 but I mean what I said 👍

[@Wanter_Jerusalem]

I found myself in a point where a good half of my wardrobe is second-hand pieces, another is stolen from my father's wardrobe and just a tiny bit is actually bought (but still I bought them from an unknown local brands)

[@JamesLeung]

Haha that sounds just like mine!!

[@Thosibom]

A need summary of why second-hand shopping is a good thing. I like to do it myself. But it's mainly clothes that don't have much skin contact (apart from trousers). That means I prefer to buy new underwear, T-shirts and shoes, but for the rest I like to go to shops and flea markets. As always, thanks for your video and see ya 😁

[@UnimportantAcc]

They best be puttin some respect on that beauty of a French chore coat 🙏

[@JamesLeung]

🙌 🇫🇷

[@UnimportantAcc]

@JamesLeung quick Q for ya, what you think of the Olive Clothing Volk wool trousers? I'm looking at the pair in green and I really love the look of the fabric, i just wish the cut was a little wider (more into straight leg than taper nowadays) And also they're 50% polyester 😩😩 I know the price isn't terrible but I'd rather have less plastic in my clothes at that price point

[@WJYN7435]

The reason I don't is because it's extremely time consumming and thus a hobby itself. Also i'm into minimalist capsule wardrobe.

[@andrewwatson7379]

Great piece, thanks, totally agree on the vintage gig, the Web has transformed how you can educate yourself and source unique pieces, if you're relatively consistent with your eras and look, and in carrying said look off....and have time to scour the Web....it's a win for everyone....the chore jacket would be great with a striped breton and your green slacks....enjoy your day

[@JamesLeung]

Great comment, totally agree! Thanks for the tip as wel 🙏

[@habl00pep]

I feel James has some Scottish heritage as when he models his favourite clothing his arms spread ‘Mon then’ stance is as perfect as any you will see on Saturday night on sauchiehall street in Glasgow

[@danceamasta424]

What is your opinion on buying used footwear? My buddy has sworn that it ok and he’s found some really decent vintage, and Italian original loafers second-hand? Would you buy used loafers, or boots for that matter?

[@s_d_1200]

Great video and was genuinely hoping you’d cover this topic! I’ve recently picked up 2 pairs of Made in Japan Levi’s, 66501 Big E Selvedge and another pair of Evisu’s at the thrift. I made sure the distressing and age on it wasn’t too much but enough that they’re broken in. Love my own creases coming through with the previous ones - like 2 stories intertwining. Checking more jackets now!

[@JamesLeung]

Wowww sounds like such good pickups, I’m jealous!! Good luck with the jackets 🙌

[@s_d_1200]

@@JamesLeung Cheers, James! Thanks so much for bein great inspo!

[@wcman3842]

what type of pants were you wearing around 6:45 and where could i get them? are they the vintage levi's you wore in the favourite pants video?

[@allentchang]

When I saw that "Harley-Davidson" branded clothing, I was thinking about vintage Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Nice red flannel wool shirt. I have a Uniqlo green flannel/plaid long-sleeve shirt that has lasted at least 6 years. Maybe you should do a video about the longevity of inner wear: they suffer from a lot of wear a tear and don't age as gracefully. Which brands of underwear last for more than 3 years? How many times can you darn a sock before you have to write it off? Another idea would be a video to show how you wash your clothes to ensure longetivity. Do you use dry racks? Wire hangers or wooden hangers? (The actress Joan Crawford was obsessed with using wooden hangers).

[@0hGoodGrief]

I like how you cuff your vintage levis jeans. Are you buying 32 length? Do you find them too long when you uncuff?

[@JamesLeung]

Yep 32 length so they’re way too long uncuffed!

[@afg99061]

How do you find properly fitting jeans? The problem I have is the waist is too loose but the thighs and seat is too tight. I have a more muscular build and it's very difficult to find something that doesn't give you the crotch folds and fits right

[@88sstraight]

Showing Filson when you mentioned the high cost of quality wool shirts would be inaccurate as modern Filson has mostly gone down the tubes with off shore manufacturing coupled with raised prices in a bare-faced bid at higher profits. Instead look at Duckworth, SEH Kelly, Dehen1920 and CPO shirt reproductions from some of the Japanese makers are great too, many options out there.

[@JamesLeung]

Dang that’s sad to hear. And they still charge so much! Thanks for the suggestions

[@CaptainWillard830]

Outstanding. I’m now going to break out my Harris Tweed sports coat from the 1980s. I had it tailored last spring. It’s cold 🥶 here in Virginia, USA, and tomorrow is a work day. I bought it at a thrift store in El Paso, Texas, for $9 U.S. #winning

[@mon3ylounge]

I love wearing vintage but sometimes there’s nothing like wearing new clothes, so I try to mix the two. I like a garment with a natural worn look but I also don’t like a vintage item that looks disgusting and you see a lot of those items when you go thrifting. I would also say that modern designs and silhouettes are beautiful. We are currently living in a golden era for mens and women fashion

[@JamesLeung]

Yeah same here tbh, balance is always good. And yeah I know what you mean, distressing is nice but only up to a certain point!

[@KevinLanders-w2k]

Same. I thrift almost all my clothes. A fraction of the price for better quality if you what to look for. Levi Silvertab's, 1960's LL Bean and a couple 80's Banana Republic button ups, 1990 Carhartt, leather pants for $1 etc etc etc. Or buy lesser quality clothes that costs tens of dollars to make but are marked up so some company can make a profit.

[@JamesLeung]

Yep, they are the best!! Especially when you can get them for a properly low price.

[@davids8267]

How do you disinfect your clothing?

[@lt3880]

do a wash cycle with cleaning vinegar then dry in natural sunlight

[@JamesLeung]

Yep this 👍

[@ilmizarnanda]

Yes,mate.my wardrobe full of preown and second hand goods. I have my eye on vintage fedora and brown oxford shoes in suede.i also saw beautiful suit from japanese bespoke suit maker in second hand shop in my hometown.

[@JamesLeung]

Nice! Vintage suits are always such a bargain as well!

[@tommybero]

What brand / model are your jeans on the right at 4:30? I love the color and fit

[@videowatcher2660]

Hey James, just wondering where you got that sweater you’re wearing when the camera is just in your face. It’s that gray wool looking one. It immediately caught my eye cause it’s a super nice sweater you got there. Thanks!

[@JamesLeung]

Hey it’s from Destructive! I’ll be showing it off in detail in a video soon 👍

[@growbro8145]

From where can I get that Grey Sweater ??

[@JamesLeung]

Destructive 👍

[@tugbandi]

Are those Jim Green's you're wearing at 2:02? Nice to see they are getting some recognition outside the boot afficionado community.

[@armallthetime]

I think they're Danners, both cool brands though.

[@Braxant]

Definitely Danners, he covered them in an older video.

[@pacoag99]

Hey, where’s your grey sweater from? And, do you have recommendations of which brands to buy?

[@JamesLeung]

It’s from Destructive!

[@pacoag99]

@@JamesLeung is it the mohair sweatshirt?

[@for_nothing_important]

I actually hate distressing on second-hand clothes. I definitely like it more if I’m the one that’s aging it and building its own character.

[@61samcarter]

Inspiring video, thanks!

[@bobby.k]

Hey, can you show us the cut of the knit sweater that you are wearing in the video?

[@JamesLeung]

Yep, going through it in detail in a video soon!

[@MukhtarMalamee]

These days, it seems that almost everyone I see on the street wears vintage clothing, so it's not unique anymore. While you might not see the exact same piece, you will definitely notice people going for the same style.

[@mangobadger]

Most new clothes are overpriced and poorly made because they’re designed for profit, not to actually clothe you. It’s such a great time to buy vintage - the secondary market is oversaturated with quality pieces at bargain prices. I’ve been stocking up on vintage knitwear for the winter, and I’m surprised by how much I’m saving compared to my friends who buy brand new (and with how much acrylic and polyester they’re getting, I know they’ll be buying again soon).

[@divvitancor7626]

I love the idea but we have very view vintage shops here in the Philippines. Less supply means kinda pricey items for pre-loved quality 😢

[@JamesLeung]

Dang yeah I know what you mean. Sometimes vintage stuff can be expensive here as well if it’s a specialist shop. My best finds have been from random sellers on eBay and Depop!

[@joshuaholmes101]

I’m a fan of mostly Japanese made heritage clothing. 95% of my wardrobe has been bought 2nd hand

[@MirzaevDvorak-m5z]

I honestly don't know why people don't thrift clothes - you can find unique pieces of really high quality for a very good price, all while doing some good for the environment. What exactly is the con there?

[@wilskill111]

I am on the same page as you these days! But for sneakers I still buy most of them brand new.

[@JamesLeung]

Yes same here actually - I’ll usually buy new shoes! Or lightly used second hand.

[@ThatoMalema]

Where did you get the jumper you’re wearing bro?

[@JamesLeung]

Destructive!

[@ThatoMalema]

@ thank you!

[@TxmmyBeats]

Ehhhh I wouldn’t say they’re ugly bro!

[@JamesLeung]

Haha some people think vintage is ugly!

[@tokyodrifttt]

Bro don’t bait yourself with that title hahaha. It got me to click tho so maybe big brain

[@andygamisou]

New clothes come with those hideous baggy/loose/relaxed cuts so thrifting is the way....

[@YourProVinh]

You made old looking clothes into new style

[@JamesLeung]

🙏

[@DominicDosdos]

first!

[@JamesLeung]

🫶

[@DominicDosdos]

@JamesLeung you legend! hehehe 🤝

[@freedomsglory1]

🤮

[@metousek]

second!

[@JamesLeung]

🙌

[@dark_gravity_edc]

The only clothing I buy new are shoes, socks and underwear. There are too many potential infections with those items. Footwear also needs to be completely rebuilt to fit properly. You can also get new or near new used clothes also. If the occasion arises. I'm always on the lookout, and I've found clothes from the 40s with original tags and/or packaging. Modern new is almost daily.

[@JamesLeung]

Yeah I follow this as well! I’m jealous about that. I’d love some 40s shirts and jumpers!