The Roaring Twenties, or the 1920s, was a decade that transformed the style of fashion, more so in men. The era that can be characterized by social and cultural transformations was the time of transition to bold and elegant clothing decisions.
Men adopted a more sophisticated and dandyish style, which was marked by custom-made suits and fedoras among other accessories, which made the 1920s Fashion Male. This article goes into detail to explore the major factors that contributed to fashion in men in this era to be so unique and powerful.
The Rise of Tailored Suits in 1920s Fashion Male
Tailored suits were also one of the most characteristic features of 1920s male fashion. These suits were characterized by sharp lines, broad shoulders, as well as a slim waist, which provided a sleek and sophisticated figure. The three-piece suit that included a jacket, trousers and vest, became the ideal of the style of men during this period.
The clothing decisions also played a major part in the high-brow appearance of the decade. These were usually made of wool and tweed and were in a variety of darker colours as evening wear and lighter colours as day wear. This detailing contributed to laying the groundwork for the modern tailoring that continues to have an impact on fashion in men today.
The Influence of Hollywood and High Society
Hollywood played a significant role in shaping male fashion in the 1920s. Cinema celebrities such as Rudolph Valentino and Douglas Fairbanks have become fashion idols and have propagated their fashionable appearance among the people. The new trend of fashion also caught up with high society, where tailor-made suits and fancy accessories were used as synonyms of affluence and prestige.
The impact of the movie and the aristocracy helped in creating a society that was embraced with sophistication and grace. Consequently, custom suits became a symbol of prestige and the rich adopted this fashion to wear them during official occasions and parties. The relationship between Hollywood glamour and Roaring ’20s fashion could not be disregarded.
The Fedora Hat: An Iconic Accessory
The fedora hat was a must-have piece of any outfit in the 1920s male fashion. This trendy piece of headwear was the headwear of the decade as it was being worn by men across the board. The fedora was made of felt with a wide brim and in the middle, it was creased to provide some style and some practicality.
Fedora was not only a hat, but also a sign of refinement and decency. It was either worn with a suit or informal style; however, it was the topping of the dapper appearance of the 1920s man. The fedora merely remained popular during the decade, which further ingrained it into the history of men’s fashion.
Accessories in 1920s Fashion Male: The Devil is in the Details
Besides the classic fedora, there was everything in the 1920s male fashion that consisted of the details. The well-dressed man had to carry accessories like pocket watches, cufflinks, and tie clips. They were useful and at the same time, they could be used as symbols of their status and gold and silver varieties were quite popular.
So even the most informal dresses were uplifted with the help of the correct accessories. A pocket square, a silk tie, and a hat of good hat would make a difference between an otherwise plain suit and something special. This meticulousness of accessories is what made the fashion of men of the 1920s outstanding.
The Tuxedo: The Epitome of Formalwear
The tuxedo was considered a typical element of 1920s fashion male and turned out to be the style of clothing worn to formal events. The tuxedo also had satin or grosgrain lapels with a bow tie, which provided the men with a very elegant and classy appearance in attending galas, going to the theater, and various parties. Its connection to classiness made it one of the evening attire of men.
This formalwear did not only belong to the rich or famous, but it also became popular among different social classes. The tuxedo symbolized sophistication and civilization and towards the close of the decade, it was a formal dress that had gained strong ground as the ultimate for formal occasions. The tuxedo is also considered the best of the formal wear for men in the present times.
Casual Wear: The Emergence of Comfort
Although the majority of the fashion male in the 1920s was formal, the increase in casual clothes also occurred. During the daytime, men preferred nice and functional clothes like knit sweaters, polo shirts, and flat caps. These products have provided an alternative way of dressing without compromising on the style.
This trend of more informal clothing was brought about by sports, especially tennis and golf. Men started to adopt clothing that would enable them to move comfortably as they spent more time in leisure activities. The casual wear of the 1920s was still fashionable, yet more convenient and flexible compared to the formal clothes that were common back then.
The Role of Color and Patterns in 1920s Fashion Male
The 1920s fashion male experienced a great break towards toned down colors of the preceding decades. Vivid and vivid colors started penetrating into the closets of men and pastel tones and earthy colors started to be used as popular preferences in suits, shirts and accessories. Stripes, checks, plaids, etc., became popular as well.
These trends and colors were an image of the evolving sensibilities. Men did not need to wear somber and conservative colors. They were instead given the opportunity to go bolder with their choices and make their outfits more vibrant and unique. This fashion change was an indication of the increased feeling of liberation in the 1920s.
The Popularity of Silk and Satin
Male clothing in the 1920s was predominantly male in regard to accessories and chiffon, namely silk and satin. Ties, cravats and pocket squares constructed of these high-end materials were a status and prestige symbol. Silk, with its smooth and glossy texture, gave a touch of elegance to any dress, taking even the simplest suit to a new level.
Evening wear was also created using these fabrics, especially by making tuxedos. The tuxedos had elegant, silky lapels and satin detailing. The popularity of silk and satin in accessories and clothing contributed to the formation of the dapper 1920s style.
The Influence of Jazz on Fashion
The 20s male fashion was directly inspired by jazz music, which was the beat of the time. Jazz artists and dancers were among the most dressy people of that age, as they used to wear trendy suits, fedoras, and accessories that portrayed the free spirits of that time. Their dress appeared as a representation of jazz culture, which was associated with decadence, defiance and liberty.
Due to the growth of jazz, bolder and more experimental fashion decisions became more accepted. Men were now free to wear something more relaxed, expressive, and close to the Jazz style. Contemporary fashion in men’s wear can still be traced back to the role of jazz fashion.
The Role of Sports and Activewear
The active wear was also introduced as a fashion statement in the 1920s. As sports such as tennis, golf, and polo grew in popularity, men started to use sport-related apparel in their daily wardrobe. Such goods as polo shirts, tennis whites, and flat caps were used in recreational and daytime wear.
These sporting impacts were based on the shifting priorities between the time when leisure, relaxation, and recreation were gaining greater significance. Men desired style and functionality in their clothes and activewear was the solution that incorporated style and functionality.
The Evolution of Men’s Footwear
Men’s shoes were also evolving in the 1920s in order to encompass the trends that were popular then. The Oxford shoe became a classic shoe of the 1920s Fashion Male that was characterized by its smooth design and official appearance. These were predominantly leather shoes and their toe was curved and therefore looked fashionable and comfortable.
To wear more loosely, men adopted the loafers and brogues, a more relaxed yet still trendy version of the Oxford shoe. The emergence of progressive footwear was a manifestation of the shift in the attitude to style as men were in pursuit of comfort and usefulness without losing the sense of style.
FAQ’s
So what was the difference in the 1920s male fashion?
1920s Fashion Male was marked by acute tailoring, aristocratic accessories, as well as the use of color and pattern in boldness. It was also the period of a break with the conservative trends of the past decades, which finally made it possible to become more individual and even be able to express oneself in a male wardrobe.
Is there an increase in the popularity of casual wear in the 1920s?
It is true that casual wear gained popularity in the 1920s due to sports and leisure activities. The daily activities consisted of wearing polo shirts, flat caps and knit sweaters, which provided a smart but comfortable alternative to the formal wear that was prevalent over the past years.
What was the role of Hollywood in shaping the fashion of men in the 1920s?
The influence of Hollywood actors such as Rudolph Valentino and Douglas Fairbanks on the male fashion of the 1920s was very significant. Their gentlemanly appearance and style made tailored suits and fine accessories trendy, which is still being imitated by men worldwide.
What does the tuxedo mean to the 1920s fashion male?
In the 1920s, the tuxedo had become the epitome of elegance and was put on in official events like galas and social functions. It had satin lapels, a bow tie, patent leather shoes, and it was the most appropriate outfit to wear on an evening in the ten years.
What is the contribution of the 1920s fashion to the contemporary wear of men?
Most of the aspects of the 1920s male fashion, including tailored suits, fedoras, and tuxedos, still influence contemporary men’s fashion. Vintage fashions and retro are still in the present day, and there are numerous designers in the modern world who live up to the standards of the 1920s.
Conclusion
The 1920s Fashion Male was by grace, daring and individualism. Bespoke suits, fedoras, tuxedos and other accessories like pocket watches and silk ties were equated with the sophistication and elegance. It was not just a period that made an impact on the dress during the decades to come, but even now, the impact is still being felt by the dress of modern men. The history of fashion of the 1920s has not disappeared, and its timeless collections are now applicable in the contemporary world of fashion.