The Most Sought After Vintage Brands.
We’ve been in the vintage business for over 12 years, and some brands stand the test of time in terms of their desirability and demand in the resale market. Decades later, some brands still hold their shape, character and place in the archive.
In this article, we’ll run through some of the most sought after brands at Messina Hembry.
RALPH LAUREN
Ralph Lauren, especially from the late 1980s–1990s, has become extremely popular in fashion, resale, and streetwear communities in recent years. The brand itself is now recreating some of it’s vintage pieces from past eras, and modern brands across the world such as Aime Leon Dore are replicating what this brand has already perfected.
Ralph Lauren vintage has exceptional quality in comparison with newer pieces. Older Ralph Lauren garments were often made with heavier fabrics such as thicker cotton, 100% wool and denim. They also had better construction with stronger stitching and durable trims and were either made in USA or Europe.
Ralph Lauren built an entire lifestyle aesthetic around the “Timeless Americana”, and created durable clothes that last to this day.
Vintage pieces capture that authentic original vision, before modern branding and trend cycles diluted it.
We love vintage RL at Messina, see some of our favourite pieces here:
Polo Ralph Lauren Mens Windbreaker
REPLAY JEANS
The second brand entry on our 'most sought after' list is Replay Jeans. Perhaps an unexpected entry, but we see the demand for this brand continue to rise, through searches on site.
Replay was founded in 1981 by the Italian company Fashion Box S.p.A. and built its reputation on premium denim innovation. It grew in popularity in the 90s to it's peak in the early 2000s.
Why was Replay so popular?
Older Replay pieces often feature heavy weight denim, durable construction and unique washes. The brand also became known for experimenting with fabric treatments and washing processes. With techniques including stone washing and enzyme washes, distressed and worn-in finishes, and unusual dye treatments or fades
Many vintage Replay pieces capture the European streetwear and clubwear look, with a bold Y2K aesthetic. Think oversized denim jackets, paired with embroidered jeans, graphic sweatshirts and unique hardware.
Replay had strong popularity in European youth culture, especially in the 90s and early 2000s. It was associated with football casual style, club culture and premium denim streetwear.
That cultural connection gives vintage Replay pieces subcultural credibility, especially in UK and European vintage scenes.
Shop some of our favourite Replay items at Messina Hembry here;
adidas
One of the biggest reasons vintage adidas originals is valuable is it's Trefoil logo. This was Introduced in 1972, and was used widely through the 70s–90s representing
adidas’ original heritage line.
Many collectors specifically look for Trefoil-logo pieces, especially old track jackets and sweatshirts.
Vintage adidas pieces often feature design elements that feel very different from modern sportswear, with bold colour-blocking, distinctive three-stripe sleeves and a bright 80s/90s colour palette
These styles align perfectly with the current retro sportswear trend.
Nostalgia and the Vintage Sportswear Boom
Vintage adidas also fits into a larger trend where people want authentic retro sportswear rather than modern recreations. Many buyers prefer genuine vintage because the fabrics feel different, with natural fibres used throughout the production process.
The fits are more relaxed and the designs were less standardized. This authenticity drives demand in vintage markets.
Here are some of our favourite adidas pieces spanning the 80s, 90s and 2000s eras;
COLMAR
Colmar is an Italian luxury sportswear brand founded in 1923 by Mario and Irma Colombo in Monza, specializing in high-performance ski wear and urban apparel.
Known for technical innovation—such as 1950s ski gear and modern graphene-infused jackets—it has become a benchmark in mountain outerwear, blending functionality with fashion.
Colmar sits in a unique space between sportswear and Italian design. It’s rise in demand in the second hand market is due to a number of reasons - it is known for superior quality which lasts, which means it has a strong resale value. While modern ski brands are super expensive, a smart option is to purchase a well made second hand piece for your ski holiday needs!
It's recognizable but not overly exposed, vintage pieces often have distinct and bold colour blocking with clean, athletic silhouettes and graphic logo patches.
The result feels both functional and expressive. It's technical clothing with character.
Through the 70s, 80s and 90s, Colmar became closely linked with European ski culture. Those pieces now represent a specific moment in sportswear design. Not nostalgia for the sake of it. Real garments tied to real use.
Here are some of our favourite Colmar pieces from Messina Hembry;
DESIGUAL
The rise of Desigual in vintage and second-hand markets comes the need for a distinct visual identity, nostalgia, and individuality.
Desigual built its identity on patchwork designs, bold colours and clashing prints with incredibly intriciate embroidery detailing.
Desigual stands out and is instantly recognizable to those familiar with the brand.
Maximalism
After years of the 'clean girl' aesthetic, which followed very specific trends, fashion is now breaking away from this mold and rebelling against it with loud and expressive outfits that are unique to the wearer.
You won't see anyone else in a Desigual top or dress.
Vintage shoppers specifically look for earlier Desigual collections - 90s- early 2000s, with more experimental designs used by the brand. Some newer collections feel toned down from the previous brand image.
Desigual's desirability and boldness make it perfect for reuse - pieces don't go out of style and buying second hand supports the circular fashion economy.
Shop some our our best pieces from Desigual here:
Shop all the latest vintage brands at Messina Hembry here
Happy Shopping!