Q Where can I find second-hand men's designer labels and vintage menswear here?
A I am afraid there are rather slim pickings in Singapore because vintage stores here tend to cater to women.
However, if you root around with enough determination and open your mind a little with regard to the definition of vintage, it is possible to score some nice pieces. The thrill of the chase makes it that much more satisfying too.
For one, try the Salvation Army thrift stores. A new blog, sarsifts.wordpress.com, has all the information you need to get started, including the addresses of its five branches and the latest promotions.
Another place to check out is Haji Lane. Although thrift store House Of Japan has closed, there remains several boutiques there that sell vintage-style menswear.
Check out Kin for vintage reproductions of shirts from American brand Gitman Bros, complete with retro details like double-track stitching. Prices start from $279.
It also stocks American label Engineered Garments, which has similar vintage-style details for its menswear. Prices start from $300 for a shirt and $500 for a jacket.
Mono has some spiffy faux leather bomber jackets from various Korean brands (from $139) that could lend you a jaunty fighter pilot air.
The White Room's in-house label, Drifters, also offers very cool, minimalist menswear that could be styled to look vintage with the right accessories such as skinny ties and old-fashioned spectacle frames.
Prices range from $139 for a shirt to $399 for a suit.
This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times.