Closet Stocker: Briar Vintage

Briar Vintage is a full service vintage menswear shop on a mission to bring back individualized customer service in a world filled with ready-to-wear and one size fits all fashion. Briar focuses exclusively on menswear, encouraging men to be more of a made-to-measure type when it comes to style. If you're looking to tap into your inner sartorial for the upcoming fall/winter season then this is the place to get started.

Not only are the clothing and accessories impeccably sourced, the shop also features some really cool interior design. The decor style is of course super masculine with industrial touches, an antique cash register, vintage signs, trunks and, furniture including a church pew.

The clothing featured in the store span from the 1800s to the 1960s. They come in sizes 35 to 45 in classic styles ranging from frock coats, Rat Pack-esque suits, smoking jackets, top coats, cardigans, hats, shoes, suspenders, bow ties and other accessories. Some items are dead stock, meaning they've never been worn.

Philadelphia used to be the textile manufacturing center of the country in the late nineteenth century, it made everything from silk stockings to military uniforms. The prices of tailor-made suits depended on how much material was used, so men who were shorter and thinner could afford to have more suits made since they used less material. This also explains the current availability of suits within a certain range of sizes. Pre-1950s suits were made with a special canvas lining that made the garment more rigid and prevented the fabric from stretching out of shape, this made for a better long term fit. So when you're buying a vintage suit you're making a great investment since they were made to last. Learn more about suits and alterations at the Art of Manliness series: Suits Part 1 and Part 2.

Some shoes are worn, others unworn and range from sizes 8 1/2 to 14.

Perfect jackets and cardigans for fall.

At the shop the staff aims to treat every customer with importance and give them personalized service. For example if you're interested in purchasing a hat, the staff will measure your head and offer you a selection of hats in your size. They have extensive knowledge and will be able to provide you with personal styling tips as well as help guide you, so you can leave with the best fit possible.

You can also find some unique vintage gift items such as this anti-venom kit! Sunglasses, goggles, cufflinks and the like are also available.

Some tips for tapping into your inner sartorial from David at Briar Vintage: