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Article: The Vintage Collection Rolling Papers: Legacy & Craftsmanship

The Vintage Collection Rolling Papers: Legacy & Craftsmanship

The Vintage Collection Rolling Papers: Legacy & Craftsmanship

For 145 years, Zig-Zag has stayed true to what it does best, crafting the most iconic rolling papers in the world. But this time, we’re switching it up. The Vintage Collection is a reminder that heritage still hits harder than trends. This limited release brings the past into the present with collectible packaging, elevated apparel, and timeless design.

What is the Vintage Collection?

We’ve been doing this since 1879. So when we say "Vintage," we’re not playing. This collection brings our OG aesthetic back, authentic graphics, old-school colorways, and real-deal packaging pulled straight from the vault. It’s a salute to the early days, but built for right now.

It includes our premium rolling papers with rare packaging styles that haven’t been seen in decades. Here’s what’s in the mix:

The Apparel

The Vintage Apparel Collection includes pieces built with classic silhouettes, retro colors, and archival prints

We made this collection for those who know the name, respect the history, and want something built to last. 

The Historical Roots of Zig Zag (Est. 1879)

Before we were on tees, shelves, and studio walls, we were in France. Back in 1879, two brothers, Maurice and Jacques Braunstein, kicked things off in Paris with a revolutionary rolling paper design. The interleaving technique they came up with? That’s what gave us the signature “zig-zag” pattern you still see in every booklet today.

We weren’t just some local hit either. Our name traveled. By the early 1900s, Zig-Zag had become one of the most recognized paper brands worldwide. That little figure on the pack? That’s Le Zouave, a nod to a French soldier, whose calm stance became the face of generations of counterculture, creativity, and style.

Craftsmanship That Stands the Test of Time

When you’ve been in the game this long, shortcuts don’t cut it. Our Vintage Collection brings that same energy. Everything’s built with purpose, from the texture of the fabrics to the details in the packaging.

Here’s what stands out:

  • Apparel with weight: We didn’t go light. Tees, hoodies, and fleece like the Vintage Booklet Hoodie - Blackout or the Old School Boris Crewneck come with sturdy materials and old-school cuts.

  • Graphics from the vault: We kept it classic with prints pulled from the Braunstein era: bold logos, vintage script, and layout styles that were big before “throwback” was a thing.

  • Papers that tell a story: Each limited-edition pack is wrapped in artwork that speaks to our roots.

A Nod to Street Style, Music, and Culture

Let’s be real—Zig-Zag has always been part of the background in music, streetwear, and everyday scenes. You’ve seen the logo on posters, in album art, and across basements, garages, and greenrooms. We’re not new to this. We’ve just stayed consistent.

The Vintage Collection doesn’t try to copy what’s trending. It speaks to the people who’ve been here. The ones who care about legacy, community, and good design. That’s why you’ll see our gear show up at festivals, record shops, and in your go-to’s closet.

Here’s where it shows up:

  • Music scenes: From hip-hop to psych rock, Zig-Zag’s logo has quietly lived in liner notes, behind turntables, and on stages. This collection brings that low-key influence front and center, with tees like the Vintage French Orange T-Shirt that look like they came straight from a band merch table.

  • Streetwear staples: Graphic tees with a real backstory hit different. The Two-Tone Tees in Teal and Burgundy feel right at home next to your everyday fits.

  • Cultural nods: This drop pays homage to Le Zouave and the Braunstein brothers, not in a museum way, but through pieces you actually want to wear.

Fan favorites from the apparel lineup:

And let’s not forget the papers. Packs like the Vintage White have become collector staples. They hit that sweet spot of retro cool and everyday utility.

How do you style the 1879 Collection?

The pieces in the 1879 Collection are built to fit into your life: laid-back, everyday gear that doesn’t need a stylist or a Pinterest board. You just throw it on and go. Still, if you want a few ideas, we’ve got you. Here’s how to keep it simple and solid:

For everyday hangs:

  • Go-to fit: Two-Tone Tee – Teal + black jeans + white sneakers. Clean, easy, and low-maintenance. The vintage-style back print does all the work.

  • Top it off: Add the Old School Hat – White for that extra layer of “yeah, I’ve been on this.”

For cooler weather:

  • Layer game: Throw the Booklet Hoodie over any neutral tee. Pair with cargos or denim and you’re set for a full day out.

  • Crewneck switch-up: Swap in the Old School Boris Crew Neck when you want something lighter but still substantial.

For music festivals or street days:

  • Fit check: French Orange T-Shirt – Vintage Black + shorts or distressed denim. Add the Motif Hat – Dark Brown to tie it together.

  • Keep it comfy: The Motif Sweatpants – Vintage Black hit hard with a plain tee and any of the graphic long sleeves.

For chill nights:

  • Match it up: Vertex Hoodie – Mocha with the matching tee underneath.
    Keep the look tonal or throw on a white hat for contrast.

And for accessories that finish things off without overdoing it? We recommend:

  • Le Zouave Beanie – Cream for cold days

  • Vintage Logo Hat – Burnt Orange if you're keeping things neutral up top

The whole line’s meant to be mixed and matched. There’s no right combo. Just grab what feels good, layer it how you like, and make it your own. 

Conclusion

Legacy isn’t something you can fake. It’s built slowly, steadily, and with purpose. That’s how we’ve done it since 1879, and that’s exactly what the Vintage Collection represents. Every tee, hoodie, and pack of vintage papers are all part of something bigger.

This collection brings it back to what made Zig-Zag a household name in the first place: craft, culture, and staying true to the original. The Zig-Zag Vintage Collection is live now but not forever. Get yours here before it fades out.

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