vintage clothing they want now. vol.2
In 'vintage clothing they want now.' for those who appreciate the value of quality items, JAM staff will occasionally introduce their 'current favorite vintage pieces.' Be sure to check out the carefully selected items chosen by our staff who know the true value of vintage.
02 Masaki Mitsui
Vintage Clothing Store JAM - Vintage Enthusiast Interview
Tell us about your history with vintage clothing.
I first became interested in vintage clothing when I was 24 years old, so I’ve been into it for about 12 years now. Initially, I wasn’t very knowledgeable about the value of the items—I simply bought what caught my eye, mainly because they were affordable.
What sparked your interest in vintage clothing?
It all started when I met someone at the Expo flea market who taught me about vintage clothing. Back then, vintage items weren’t as expensive as they are now, and I could find high-quality pieces at reasonable prices. That combination of affordability and insight led me to start buying vintage more frequently.
Vintage magazines I referred to back then:
What vintage pieces are you looking for now?
I’m generally drawn to military and workwear items, regardless of the era. Recently, I’ve been on the lookout for denim jackets and coveralls.
Why do you want those specific pieces?
For denim jackets, I own pieces from Levi’s and Lee, but both are pre-1970s. Because of that, their silhouettes tend to be quite narrow in the chest. These days, I’m looking for 1980s or later models that have a more relaxed fit in the chest and shoulders and include hand-warming pockets. While classic blue is always a safe choice, I’d love something in black for a bit of an edge—if I find one, it’ll be an instant buy! (Laughs)
As for coveralls, I had one before but didn’t feel quite right about it at the time, so I ended up letting it go. I planned to get a better one later, but time slipped by, and now their prices have skyrocketed beyond reach! (Laughs)
There’s one particular piece I’ve always dreamed of owning: a 1930s Wabash fabric coverall. It’s one of the rarest and most valuable items in vintage clothing. Finding one in good condition is extremely rare. It’s been a long-time aspiration of mine, and if the timing and my finances ever align, I’d love to own it.
Profile
Masaki Mitsui - Vintage Clothing Store JAM
Role: EC Product Manager
Hometown: Osaka, Japan
Joined Vintage Clothing Store JAM in 2011. Currently serves as an EC Product Manager, overseeing tasks like product preparation (SaaSAGE), backend services, sales channel expansion, CRM, and overall e-commerce operations.
Favorite vintage styles: American casual, military, and NBA-related items.