Cultural background is necessary before delving into any discussion of 1920s men’s fashion. Significant US political, economic, and social transformations occurred during the Roaring 20s. Society accelerated after World War I, which concluded in 1918. With their newly acquired freedoms came more disposable income for things like entertainment, clothing, and home furnishings.
Aside from the emergence of nightclubs, speakeasies, and infamous gangsters like Al Capone, 1920 also signaled the beginning of the Prohibition era. Compared to earlier decades, there was a significant change in both society and fashion overall. Different versatile and unique men’s accessories were introduced that became fashion symbols. Numerous classic and enduring fashions that came about during the Roaring Twenties influenced modern styles.
How men dressed up in the 1920s?
The 1920s laid the foundation for both the working class and the elite to share in the fun and freedom that fashion made possible. The clean-cut look became a popular trend for men, with many manufacturers opting for softer materials and looser fits. Elegant formal wear has been made fully functional and tailored to perfection.
Figure-hugging suit jackets, three-piece suits, and trousers with cuffs and creases characterized the distinctive silhouette of the men of this time. Casual wear became even more casual, and sportswear was first combined with sweaters, baggy pants, sweaters, and hats, with a wealth of accessories to express oneself.
Fabric Trends
The 20s also saw fashion depart from rigid, sturdier fabrics to more natural fibers that allowed more movement. The type of fabric used in clothes is made in cotton, wool, and linen. Synthetic fibers like rayon became the norm at the time. Knitted pullovers, cardigans, and button-down shirts that go well with a variety of hats to create a polished silhouette are examples of the lighter, more varied, and softer textures that came about as a result of new production techniques.
In the 1920s, seasonal fashion cycles gained popularity, allowing people to alter their looks every month to current trends. This meant a shift in menswear from neutral colors and khaki tones toward brighter suits, shirts with more color, and patterned pants for casual wear.
1920s Men’s Formal wear
In the 1920s men’s fashion brings change to overall dressing. A small modification was also made to formal menswear because top hats, tuxedos, and leather Oxford shoes were all part of the evening dress code at the time.
Men could opt for tweed, herringbone, or pinstripe suits in blue, gray, or other subdued hues for semi-formal events. At the time, older men in the era continued to favor fedoras and derby hats.
Even though the 1920s were all about glamor and style, they were also about sophistication and functionality; tapered pants and slim fits became fashionable during this period, helping to shape modern menswear.
1920s fashion gives a different look to almost all types of clothing, how they are looked at is described below.
Three-piece suits
Three-piece suits had become the symbol of sophistication and style. The man prefers to put on a three-piece suit, which comes with a high V-neck waistcoat or sweater vest. The trend of wearing a colorful sweater vest on golf courses has endured to this day.
Pinstriped suit with accessories
A classic piece of clothing is a men’s 1920s checkered suit. It was sure that the shirt and tie were simple when selecting a check for a Gatsby suit to give it a delicate look. The accessories used with these suits made them exclusives that are worth wearing.
These pinstriped suits are Sharp, go-to looks and were produced by striped neckties, white shirts, and pinstriped suits. The ensemble was finished with fedoras, wide-legged pants, spats, and cropped suits.
Trends of shirts
The dress shirt chose vivacity over sobriety, defying convention. Men dominantly wore stripes, mixing solid colors with vertical lines to add flair to everyday wear. With bold pops of pink and yellow, the color scheme was anything but monochromatic. Collars gave them options, from the free or pointed versions to the round club variety.
The Mandarin shirt became a popular choice during the era due to the cultural impact of The Great Gatsby.
Trends for Pants and Trousers
Conventional pants were a fashion statement rather than just a bottom half. The final detail was a neatly ironed front leg crease, which was characterized by cuffs and twin pleats at the waist. These pants were slashed to expose the ankle, displaying well-worn socks with argyle or solid designs that were held in place by sock garters.
These high-waisted pants were made to be drawn in with a belt or suspenders. Pant legs changed from being narrow to being wider as the decade went on, indicating a general change in men’s comfort and fashion preferences.
The Elegance of Black in 1920s Men’s Fashion
Black suits are a symbol of respect and grief that are traditionally saved for solemn events, especially funerals. They are sophisticated and elegant. There was no way to look good in black elsewhere. Gentlemen avoided the gravity of black and instead preferred subdued hues like charcoal gray and navy blue for casual ensembles.
The Bequest of 1920s Men’s Fashion
The legacy of 1920s men’s fashion is a testament to a transformative era marked by bold experimentation and a departure from traditional styles. This decade, often referred to as the Roaring Twenties, saw a dramatic shift towards more relaxed and comfortable attire, reflecting the broader societal changes of the time.
Men’s fashion embraced slimmer, tailored suits with narrow lapels and higher waistlines, often complemented by vibrant ties and pocket squares. The influence of jazz culture and the advent of cinema also played pivotal roles, popularizing accessories like fedoras, bow ties, and two-tone shoes.
Sportswear began to make its mark, introducing elements like knickerbockers and argyle sweaters into everyday wear. The 1920s set the foundation for modern menswear, blending elegance with a newfound sense of freedom and individuality.
