It's important to understand that Bulk Vintage and Briar Vintage are in the same building. Bulk Vintage is on the 2nd floor, Briar is on the 3rd. Are they the same? They are not. The building is an old factory structure tucked in a quiet industrial area. The street out front is where I parked. It was well lit, no problems getting a spot up front. Briar Vintage offers a highly curated selection, thoughtfully grouped by era, clothing style, purpose, etc. For instance, all work uniforms are in one area, all mens suits are in another, etc. Interspersed are vintage advertising signs and art, which adds to the atmosphere. The owner here knows their clothing, and their pricing is fair for what they offer. This is not bargain basement, this is not Bulk Vintage and it's not Goodwill. That's not to say that there are not bargains to be had, there most definitely are. Nothing though is likely to be $1. Maybe a handkerchief. What I loved about Briar was how much they love vintage clothing, how they understand vintage and how they...celebrate it? Honor it? Something like that. There is genuine skill and passion in the store. Would I go again? Oh, yes. read more

See all

We only shopped upstairs and I found it to be very organized and clean. The selection of vintage includes shoes, kids clothes, purses, jewelry, pins, scarves, dressed, skirts, blouses, trousers, suits, ties, blankets, fur coats ... so much! If you imagine it they got it!! I really enjoyed looking at all the various eras and styles. I'm looking forward to pairing my vintage finds with my modern clothes. I scored a beautiful silk blouse, knitted short sleeve sweater blouse, and brown suede skirt. David is really easygoing and welcoming. I'm glad to have met him and I enjoyed the experience. read more

See all

A goldmine. A hidden treasure. I really shouldn't even be talking about this place. Part of its value lies in its elusive business hours and remote location. The larger part is the fact that it contains one of the greatest collections of men's vintage clothing (arguably in the country) in the state of Pennsylvania. Keep this to yourself. You're welcome. Delete this app after reading this. read more

Briar is the only all men's vintage store (that I know of) in the city. It's a pretty rare thing to find a store that even has a small amount of vintage duds for men, let alone a whole shop filled with them! I know that the owner Amanda of Sazz Vintage and the manager David have collaborated on the store - I don't know to what degree - but you certainly won't find any other people with the kind of knowledge that they have about men's vintage apparel in this town. David pretty much lives Briar. If you like his look, you are going to like the store. He reminds me of an amalgamation of 19th C. dandy and 1940s stylish American man. He once commented on my All Black oxfords with stacked heels - told me that he "loved them". That one is filed in my complement vault. read more

Luckily I don't live in Philly. I would be really broke from all the great shopping. David, the manager, really knows a dapper gentleman's style. I told him my boyfriend would look great in anything the store has. I was right. I bought a bow tie and cuff links for him. So 1930s and everything my boyfriend is interested in, is in this store. I think if I make a monthly trip here for him, I won't be too broke. :) read more

Let me set the scene. I had just returned from a weekend in the mountains with one of my best friends. We smoked pipes, listened to Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman, and watched a run of classic films like The Third Man and Libeled Lady. I return to Philadelphia, still in the spirit of the time, tossing around the idea of getting a drink at Farmers' Cabinet or Hop Sing. Instead, I wandered toward Old City and find Briar Vintage, the smooth jazz of decades past rolling out its open door. I immediately loved the feel of this vintage store. David regaled us with Philadelphia stories, pointed out some of the most recently acquired clothes. It must be said that since they have something of a monopoly with Briar Vintage - no real competition in the realm of men's vintage clothing - the prices can definitely be steep. It would be worth the cost assuming the durability of the clothing. I got the feeling, as I browsed, that some of the pieces were in much better condition than others. I'd think carefully before spending upwards of $100 on a jacket, $40 on a bowtie. When I have saved up enough money, I'm hoping to assemble something at Briar Vintage. If the clothes hold up - and I take very good care of my things - then I would not hesitate to give Briar the tops, the whole 5 stars. For credibility, nevertheless, I don't think it wise to recommend the clothes until I have tried them out myself. Still, the vibe, the selection, the "style curator" David - all bode well for future visits. read more

I was happy when I happened upon unique shooting jacket thru David's Esty store. David was nice and prompt in communication and in shipment --even shipping it to Los Angeles on a day when the store was closed. However on receipt the item did not fit... that's a problem when buying Vintage clothes: come to find out the way they were cut back 'then' is much different (smaller) than in today's world. He offered to return it, despite the no return policy. I guess because, having been shipped, I didn't have the opportunity to try it on first. Nice man, easy communication, nice to deal with. read more

Stumbled into this brand old vintage store that carries only men's goodies. They have well curated pieces ranging from some nice deep V button up sweaters, real-retro leather jackets, to my fav: neck and bow ties. They do have a colorful collection of bow ties that will allow you to cross your neck with a T. And if you don't know how to tie, just ask. read more

Vintage men's clothing is really hard to find. While in Philly this past weekend I came across Briar Vintage. It's chic and well edited. The owner has an amazing eye and knowledge for quality, mens vintage clothing and accessories. This is a must stop for anyone man with style and women looking to get a unique gift for that someone special. Briar Vintage is Style Curator approved read more

If there's a Vintage Men's shop in heaven, it's going to look a lot like Briar Vintage. Unlike many vintage shops, this one (and its merchandise) are in immaculate condition, every item lovingly cleaned, pressed, repaired where necessary, and displayed in such a way that everything is easy to see and find. I had no problem finding three (3!) 60's-era sport jackets that fit me beautifully, and let me tell you, that doesn't happen often! Best of all, the shop has an authentic look throughout which matches the authenticity of the clothing. A few special details about the shop: it specializes in older vintage clothing (pre-1970) and amazingly is 100% men's items. Any vintage enthusiast can tell you just how rare this is! Besides clothing, the shop has terrific vintage accessories (cufflinks, ties, tie tacks and clips, etc.) also displayed so it's easy to see and shop. Finally, the manager who helped me (I'm sorry I didn't get her name) was extremely helpful, knowledgable and friendly. For the record, I traveled from NYC to shop for vintage duds in Philly, and although I found a few other good spots, Briar Vintage is way ahead of whatever else is out there for men. Absolutely worth the drive, fellow East Coasters. Next time--and I assure you, there will be a next time--I'll drive directly to Briar and not have to look beyond. Finally, five stars for absolutely reasonable prices. I've paid as much for jackets of far less age and quality elsewhere over the years. If Philadelphia is counting its true gems, Briar Vintage must go to the top of the Best of 2014 list. Even if part of me wants to keep the secret to myself, I can't help but share this one-in-a-million spot with my fellow Beau Brummels and Mad Men. read more

I bought a silver collar bar from Briar after walking into the shop while I was trying to kill time and wait for my sister to finish shopping across the street. I found the owner, David, to be very friendly and willing to give suggestions for styles based on what I wear to work. This shop, plus a number of other places on North Third Street are worth checking out. read more

This store is by far one of the best I have found in a long while. David knows what he is talking about when it comes to vintage menswear and knows his merchandise inside and out. And he is more than helpful with any questions you may have. There's also more than just suits at Briar: cuff links, bow ties, flasks, cigarette cases and a selection of hats from bowlers to fedoras. A definite A+ shop read more

Still the best vintage boutique in town! Briar Vintage always has an eclectic collection of high-quality vintage goods. David is super nice and even walked me through a bow tie tying tutorial :) Definitely worth checking out if you're shopping in Old City, looking for a gift, or just want to treat yourself to a snazzy bow tie! read more

Stumbled upon Briar Vintage as I was checking out the area around my hotel yesterday. It is a gem of a shop and the staff is so knowledgeable and friendly! I really enjoyed talking smoking pipes, cuff links, and ties with the manager, David. This is a shop you should definitely stop by! read more

I've found a new clothier. Great selection of thin ties and he gets a few fedoras too.

Having seen larger vintage stores in Boston and back home in Socal, Briar Vintage was definitely smaller - well, that's not a terrible thing when the selection is refined and features quality pieces and most importantly, David is extremely knowledgeable. I had a great time chatting with him while browsing around for various pieces. Must check it out! read more

David is super cool. Molly is a nice dog. It's worth the prices he is charging to keep such a authentic authority on vintage clothing in PHL. read more

Great pieces generally well-curated, with some hard-to-find stuff. That said, it's not cheap. Hard to compare to other places like it since there are so few, but I have definitely found similar pieces elsewhere in thrift shops but after much hunting and with a keen eye. They do a good job of carefully selecting interesting pieces and putting them all in one place, so I understand part of the crazy markup. I did, however, have a terrible experience a few months ago. Was in there with some friends after First Friday and was not really looking to buy anything. I looked carefully through the racks and hadn't found anything for myself. I mentioned this to my party and thus decided to leave, but the salesperson (forgot his name) insisted that there was a jacket in my size. Before I had a chance to follow him to the piece I was astonished to have overlooked, he brought it out and placed it on me from behind. It was a very good fit except too short. I gave it a once-over in the mirror and asked everyone's opinion and decided it was probably going to be great after a few alterations, so I got it. $135 for a 1930's jacket. When I got home, I noticed it was irreparably stained across the entire front, but at night in the store the jacket was so dark and the lighting so poor that the stain was extremely difficult to see. (The lights are dim and yellowed, making it tricky.) Also found a moth-hole later. Classic trick of putting the jacket on me before I could look at it; I should've known better, but I feel swindled! No returns, of course... *Only go in daylight hours and check everything thoroughly! I purchased an unwearable non-returnable jacket, and I pretty much never want to go in there again even though they have very cool (expensive) stuff. read more

Bought a pair of cufflinks here for my upcoming wedding. After being frustrated with retail stores selections and prices, decided to give this place a try. Dave was very helpful and they had a really cool assortment of vintage cufflinks at very good prices. Selection of other clothing and shoes was cool too, definitely a well-curated collection of vintage men's clothes here. read more

My favourite vintage shop! David is very knowledgeable about vintage fashion and has given me much good advice and recommendations for clothes that work for me. Their stock is gorgeous and very much worth checking out. Having moved from Philadelphia I am very saddened that I didn't take advantage of having this shop around as much as I could've. read more