This man gave up modern clothes for historical outfits from the 1660s to 1920s, finding joy and self-expression in his unique style.
Imagine a world where jeans and t-shirts are obsolete, replaced by the elegance of 18th-century frock coats and waistcoats. For Zach McLeod Pinsent—who goes by @pinsent_tailoring on Instagram—it is not a fantasy but his everyday reality. 25-year-old Pinsent has taken a unique approach to fashion by exclusively wearing clothing from the 1660s to the 1920s. It might sound unusual to people, but it is a powerful form of self-expression to him.
Pinsent is very proud of his style. In an interview with BBC, he shared, "I don't own or wear any normal clothing. People might think that's strange, it is strange." He assures that he is not seeking attention, though his outfits of choice naturally get it. "If I enjoy what I am doing, then why change?" he added. Pinsent's choice of clothing is a form of self-expression and self-confidence. "It's worth it sometimes," he says. His journey into historical fashion started at a young age. He even taught himself how to make his clothes. It definitely took years of practice to evolve his skill and style over the years, but as he says, "It was worth it."
"I never had the wish to dress normally," recalls Pinsent. "I did that for so many years and I hated it," he says. At 14, Pinsent boldly decided to burn his last pair of jeans. "I ceremoniously burned my last pair of jeans," Pinsent shares. This act was more than just a rejection of modern clothing. It was a way to show his commitment to a style that made him feel confident and happy. Today, the only modern clothing items he might own are a pair of Marks and Spencer's boxers tucked away in a drawer.
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Pinsent cares more about how wearing historical attire makes him feel than just how it looks. "Wearing what I wear makes me feel 10ft high. You know it's spectacular and a huge confidence builder," he says. Where humans fight so hard to fit in society, he mentions how one always knows what they want and it's just about passing those points and getting over our insecure thoughts. "You'll never dream of going back," he adds. His style has grown to be an essential part of who he is, allowing him to express himself.
Living in historical clothes isn't always simple. Pinsent admits he often has to deal with the attention his clothing brings. However, he has accepted his unique style, as he couldn't imagine dressing any other way. "Occasionally, I might get an odd comment from a drunk person at 3 in the morning, but that's a drunk person at 3 in the morning," Pinsent says. Generally, people are appreciative and interested in his choice of clothing, even if they think it's a bit odd.
Pinsent's love for historical fashion has extended beyond his wardrobe. He has turned this love into a thriving business, known as Pinsent Tailoring, creating bespoke historical clothing for men and women. His work spans from the 1660s to the 1920s, focusing on the Georgian and Regency periods. "Men's fashion, there isn't enough flamboyance and color," he says. His online presence has helped him get clients worldwide. On Instagram, he is known to flaunt his style through vintage GRWM's (Get Ready With Me).
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His business isn't just about making clothes. It's about bringing history to life. "If a New York client wants an 18th-century banyan to wear, that's fine," Pinsent explains. "Clothes are social history and bringing that alive makes me happy." Seeing the joy on someone's face when they wear something made just for them is the best feeling for him!
You can follow Zach McLeod Pinsent (@pinsent_tailoring) on Instagram for more historical clothing content.