Men’s fashion in the 1920s was a time of change and style. The decade saw a shift from formal Victorian-era clothing to more relaxed and colorful outfits.
Men typically wore suits with high-waisted trousers, dress shirts, neckties, and stylish hats as part of their everyday attire.
The Jazz Age brought new trends in men’s clothing. Suits became looser and more comfortable. Bright colors and bold patterns were popular.
Men also started wearing sporty clothes like knickerbockers for leisure activities.
Accessories played a big role in 1920s men’s fashion. Hats were a must-have item, with fedoras and newsboy caps being common choices.
Two-tone shoes, pocket watches, and cufflinks added flair to outfits. These details helped men express their personal style.
Key Takeaways
- Men’s suits in the 1920s featured high-waisted trousers and looser fits for comfort
- Colorful fabrics and bold patterns became popular, reflecting the era’s vibrant spirit
- Accessories like hats, two-tone shoes, and pocket watches were essential to complete the look
The Jazz Age and Men’s Fashion
The 1920s saw a shift in men’s fashion influenced by jazz culture and changing social norms. New styles emerged that were both elegant and practical.
Cultural Influences
Jazz music had a big impact on 1920s fashion. Men started wearing looser, more casual clothes that allowed for dancing. Suits became less formal. Bright colors and bold patterns gained popularity.
The Roaring Twenties brought new freedom in style. Men ditched stiff collars for soft ones. They chose wider pants and shorter jackets. Sweaters became common casual wear.
Movies like The Great Gatsby showed the glamour of the era. TV shows like Peaky Blinders and Boardwalk Empire have renewed interest in 1920s men’s fashion today.
Fashion Icons and Media Impact
Celebrities shaped 1920s men’s style. Jazz musicians set trends with their cool, relaxed looks. Movie stars like Rudolph Valentino inspired men to dress more boldly.
Magazines and ads spread new fashion ideas quickly. They showed the latest suits, hats, and accessories. This helped styles change faster than before.
Sports heroes influenced casual wear. Tennis star Bill Tilden made white pants popular. Golfers brought plus-fours (knee-length pants) into style.
Typical Outfits of the 1920s
Men’s fashion in the 1920s blended elegance with practicality. Suits were the cornerstone of a man’s wardrobe, with styles evolving to reflect changing tastes and social norms.
Daywear vs. Evening Attire
For daytime, men wore suits with wide lapels and high-waisted trousers. Colors were mostly neutral, but accessories added pops of color. Fedoras topped off the look.
Evening wear was more formal. Men donned tuxedos or tailcoats for special occasions. The traditional top hat remained popular for formal events.
Dinner jackets became an alternative to tailcoats for less formal evening gatherings. These were often paired with bow ties and patent leather shoes.
The Evolution of Suits
Suits in the 1920s saw significant changes. The three-piece suit was a staple, consisting of a jacket, vest, and trousers.
Jackets became looser and more comfortable. Shoulders were less padded, creating a softer silhouette. Trousers were high-waisted and often featured cuffs.
Vests, or waistcoats, were an essential part of the suit. They added an extra layer of style and formality to the outfit.
Fabrics ranged from wool for cooler months to lighter materials like linen for summer. Patterns such as pinstripes and checks gained popularity.
Casual and Workwear Styles
Casual wear in the 1920s was more relaxed but still stylish. Sporting clothes were popular for weekend activities.
Knickerbockers, loose-fitting knee-length trousers, were worn for golf and other leisurely pursuits. These were often paired with patterned sweaters or cardigans.
Workwear varied by profession. Factory workers and laborers wore durable overalls and sturdy boots. Office workers typically wore suits, but may have opted for more practical styles.
Shirts became more colorful and patterned for casual wear. Bow ties and neckties added personality to both casual and formal outfits.
The Anatomy of 1920s Men’s Suits
Men’s suits in the 1920s had a distinct look that defined the era. The style evolved from slim fits to wider, more relaxed silhouettes as the decade progressed.
Suit Jackets and Trousers
Suit jackets in the early 1920s were slim and fitted. They had high armholes and narrow sleeves. As the decade went on, jackets became looser and boxier.
Lapels changed too. Early 1920s jackets had narrow lapels. Later, wide lapels became popular. Men could choose between notch lapels and shawl collars.
Trousers started out narrow but got wider. By the mid-1920s, many men wore wide-leg pants. High-waisted styles were common. Cuffs at the bottom were a must-have detail.
Pinstripe suits were very trendy. They came in dark colors like navy, brown, and gray. Lighter shades were worn in summer.
Waistcoats and Accessories
Waistcoats, or vests, were a key part of the 1920s three-piece suit. They often matched the jacket and pants. Some men chose contrasting colors or patterns for a bolder look.
Ties were thin and long. Bow ties were also an option for formal events. Men used tie clips to keep their neckwear in place.
Other popular accessories included:
- Pocket squares
- Cufflinks
- Belts (though suspenders were more common)
- Tie pins
These small details helped men express their personal style. Pocket watches were still used, but wristwatches were becoming more popular.
Fabrics and Patterns
Men’s clothing in the 1920s featured a variety of fabrics and patterns. The choices reflected both style trends and practical needs of the era.
Popular Fabrics of the Decade
Wool and tweed were common choices for suits and outerwear. These materials provided warmth and durability. For warmer weather, cotton and linen offered comfort and breathability. Silk was used for ties and fancy shirts.
Knit fabrics gained popularity late in the decade. They allowed for more flexible, casual clothing options.
Common Patterns and Colors
Stripes were very fashionable, especially for shirts. Narrow pinstripes adorned many suit jackets and trousers. Plaid and checks appeared on casual wear and sports coats.
Bold patterns like paisley showed up on ties and accessories. Solid colors were also common, especially for formal wear.
Color choices included both vibrant and subdued options. Dark colors like navy and charcoal were standard for suits. Pastel shades became popular for shirts and summer wear.
Shirting and Neckwear
Men’s shirts and neckwear were key elements of 1920s fashion. These items allowed men to express their style while adhering to social norms of the era.
Shirts and Detachable Collars
Men’s shirts in the 1920s were typically made of cotton or silk. White was the most common color for dress shirts. Striped patterns became popular for casual wear.
Detachable collars were a defining feature of 1920s shirting. These stiff, separate pieces attached to the shirt with collar studs. They came in various styles like wingtip and pointed.
Collar pins were often used to keep collar points in place. These small accessories added a touch of elegance to the outfit.
For formal occasions, men wore shirts with attached cuffs and used cufflinks for a polished look.
Stylish Neckties and Bow Ties
Neckties gained popularity in the 1920s, replacing bow ties as the preferred everyday neckwear. They came in vibrant colors and bold patterns.
Striped and polka dot designs were common choices for ties. Art deco patterns also became fashionable during this era.
Bow ties remained popular for formal wear. They were often seen in black for evening events or in colorful patterns for daytime use.
Tie clips and tie pins were used to keep neckwear in place. These accessories also served as stylish adornments.
Some men opted for ascots or neck scarves as alternatives to traditional neckties. These pieces added a touch of sophistication to casual outfits.
Headwear and Footwear
Men’s style in the 1920s was defined by distinctive hats and shoes. These accessories played a big role in completing outfits for different occasions.
Eminent Hat Styles
The 1920s saw a variety of popular hat styles for men. Fedoras were very trendy, with wide brims and creased crowns. Bowler hats, also called derby hats, had round crowns and curled brims. For formal events, the top hat remained a classic choice.
In summer, straw boater hats and Panama hats kept men cool. Casual caps like the 8-panel cap were common for everyday wear. Working men often wore flat caps or newsboy caps.
Hat etiquette was important. Men tipped or removed hats when greeting others, especially women. Hats were kept on outdoors but taken off indoors.
Shoe Styles and Considerations
Men’s 1920s shoes focused on comfort and style. Oxford shoes were very popular for both casual and formal wear. These lace-up shoes came in leather or suede.
Two-tone shoes, like black and white wingtips, were fashionable for dances. For sports, men wore canvas sneakers or leather athletic shoes.
Spats, short for spatterdashes, were fabric coverings worn over shoes. They protected shoes and added flair to outfits.
Boot styles included lace-up ankle boots and taller riding boots. Work boots were sturdy for manual jobs.
Shoe colors were mostly black or brown. Leather was the main material, but canvas and rubber soles became more common.
Accessories and Final Touches
Men in the 1920s paid close attention to the details of their outfits.
Accessories played a key role in completing their looks and expressing personal style.
The Importance of Accessories
Accessories helped 1920s men stand out.
Pocket squares added color to suit jackets.
These small fabric squares peeked out of breast pockets.
Suspenders held up trousers before belts became common.
Men often wore vests, also called waistcoats, under their jackets.
Cufflinks fastened shirt cuffs.
They came in many designs, from simple gold to ornate jeweled styles.
Watches were essential.
Men carried pocket watches on chains or wore new wrist watches.
Gloves, Scarves, and More
Gloves were a must for formal occasions.
Men wore leather gloves in cold weather. White or gray gloves paired with evening wear.
Scarves kept necks warm and added flair.
Silk scarves in bright colors or patterns were popular.
Spats protected shoes and added a dapper touch.
These cloth coverings snapped over the top of shoes and ankles.
Hats topped off most outfits.
Popular styles included fedoras, bowlers, and straw boaters for summer.
Canes served as both walking aids and fashion statements for some gentlemen.
Popular Trends and Departures
Men’s fashion in the 1920s saw big changes. New styles emerged as social norms shifted.
Comfort and self-expression became more important in clothing choices.
Prevailing Styles and Fads
The three-piece suit was a key look.
It often had a high V-neck waistcoat. Suits came in bold stripes, plaids, and checks. Colors like navy, brown, and gray were common.
Neckties added flair.
Men wore bow ties with stripes or dots. Striped and plaid neckties were also popular. Some men chose neck scarves instead.
Hats were a must. The fedora became a favorite. Other options included:
- Straw boaters
- Bowler hats
- Flat caps
Shifts in Menswear
Casual wear gained ground. The “jazz suit” emerged as a trendy choice. It had a looser fit and wider legs.
This style allowed for easier movement while dancing.
Knitwear grew more popular. Men wore:
- Cardigans
- Knitted pullovers
- Sweater vests
Sportswear influenced daily fashion. Tennis whites inspired leisure outfits.
Plus-fours (baggy knee-length pants) became a golf course staple.
Blazers made their mark. They offered a smart-casual look for social events.
Oxford bags, extremely wide-legged trousers, caught on with young men.
