I Found the Best Vintage-Inspired Basics Under $100 – And I’m Living in Them

I don’t know how they do it, but Elwood’s unisex sweats feel perfectly broken in. They’re soft without being too thin, well-structured without being too bulky. If Goldilocks was in search of the perfect sweatpants, the Elwood Core Straight Leg Sweatpants would be her “just right” pick. I have a pair in Vintage Grey which go with basically everything in my closet. I never thought I’d wear sweatpants out of the house, but their fit manages to be comfy enough for lounging and structured enough to feel like I’m wearing real pants when I wear them out. They also come in a different style (a best-selling one) with elasticized hem cuffs if you want more of a traditional sweatpant look and feel.

Elwood’s matching Babydoll Crop Zip Hoodie 2.0 also became a favorite wardrobe staple overnight. A cropped silhouette makes Elwood’s hoodies look vintage-inspired without feeling dated, and its brushed cotton interior is cozy without adding bulk. They also have a full length version that’s perfectly oversized.

Once I’d worn my Vintage Grey set enough times in a row that even my bodega guy noticed, I rotated in the Core Sweatshort and Oversized Crewneck in Vintage Black. Again, the price is right (the set is $120 altogether). The oversized fit is chic but relaxed. The garment-washed color is perfectly on-trend without trying too hard. This duo is an especially good unisex pick if you want to share your wardrobe with your partner – or get them their own pair so they stop stealing yours.

16 dollars. 16! This is truly an insane price point for the quality. Lightweight, lightly ribbed, and of course 100% organic cotton. I have the crop tank in Aged Black Rib but am definitely getting another tank (or two) in white for summer. I may just have to spring for the 3 pack (which offers an $8 discount, by the way).

If an oversized fit is more your thing, Elwood’s oversized tees are going to become a staple in your closet. They have that boxy, vintage silhouette and high quality feel that I’m now convinced can only be achieved with 100% cotton. The distressing on the neck is *chefs kiss.*

In addition to their core vintage white/brown/grey/black colors, Elwood also releases their Core Collection in really fun seasonal colors like this cherry red. Baby blue and red is one of my favorite color combos for summer, so I may have to combine this baby tee in cherry with some of their light wash denim (more on that next). I really love that even their special seasonal colors have the same garment-washed style as their core collection, so all their shades have that lived-in, vintage effect.

Once Elwood had won my heart with their Core Collection of elevated basics, I ventured into their other offerings. I should’ve known better at that point, but the quality of these jeans at this price point really surprised me. They’re made from 100% cotton 14.9 oz. denim, meaning they are non-stretch and well-structured – exactly what I’m always looking for in a jean. Like their loungewear, these jeans were very well-tailored and perfectly weathered. This is a small detail, but I also really love their suede patch on the back – it’s giving vintage 501s with a more flattering fit. I sized down for a snugger fit, but will be buying my normal size as well to take advantage of their baggy-but-flattering silhouette. As someone who sits on my laptop for work all day, a jean that is also comfy to sit in is essential, and these have become my go-to pair.