The 1920s were the decade of change, not only in culture and history but also in fashion. This was what is commonly known as the Roaring Twenties, where the dress of men changed drastically. It was a break with the more formal and traditional clothes of the previous decades and a more relaxed yet elegant style. In this blog, we will discuss the most significant aspects of the 1920s mens fashion and its impact on contemporary style.
Rise of the Modern Man: 1920s mens fashion.
Stunning social changes, the consequences of World War I, the emergence of jazz, and new technology characterized the 1920s. These changes were evident in the fashion of men, as people started to be freer and individualistic. It no longer had the hardness and stiffness of the late 19th-century garments. Instead, men began to dress more casually and in a more fashionable way, rather than comfortably and stylishly.
The Three-Piece Suit: The Look of the Decade.
The three-piece suit was a symbol of style and wealth, characterized by tailored jackets, trousers, and waistcoats. The history and evolution of mens suits traces back to this era, highlighting the influence of fabrics like wool, tweed, and flannel, as well as the popularity of patterns such as houndstooth and pinstripes.
However, in the summer, more light colors like beige and light gray were also fashionable. Houndstooth designs, pinstripes, and checks were used in the collections of fashionable men as they added character to a formal dress.
The Power of Jazz: Informal, But Fashionable Clothing.
The Jazz Age contributed a lot to mens fashion in the 1920s. Due to the jazz music that was being broadcast via airwaves, a freer and younger style of clothing started to form. Suits became more casual, softer, and less tightly fitting. This development gave men the freedom to move around more easily and comfortably, and it represented the free spirit of the time.
It was also during this period that men started to experiment with casual clothes. The sport jacket became such a phenomenal symbol since it offered a less formal, yet still stylish substitute to the official suit. The jacket was often paired with trousers of a lighter fabric and in the vast majority of cases the jacket was paired with an open-collared shirt. To make this informal look more stylish, it was accompanied by accessories, such as pocket squares, ties, and cravats, to name a few.
Hats were A Signature Accessory in 1920s Men Fashion.
There is no 1920s fashion discussion that would not mention the topic of hats worn by men. Hats were rarely left behind by men of that time, and it was considered an important element of their outfit. The fedora, the boater, and the newsboy cap were the most popular varieties of hats in this era.
Fashionable men especially liked using the fedora, which had a soft brim and an indented crown. It was associated with the dandyish man of the Jazz Age who would wear a suit in order to look sophisticated. Until then, a boater hat was a favorite one on more casual expeditions, especially in the summer months. A boater hat was a straw hat that was mostly worn with a lightweight suit or jacket as fashion of the time was carefree.
Shoes: the Shoes that Made the Decade.
Shoes also formed another significant part of the 1920s men fashion. The footwear of this period was fabricated in a manner that was both fashionable and practical. Oxford shoes were shoes commonly worn during official functions and were normally made of leather. These were usually polished and worn with suits, which gave a little style to the overall look.
Brogues and loafers were popular with men as informal attire. These loosely-fitting, but fashionable shoes suited the man about town. The loafers were especially famous in the late 20s and remain a classic to this day.
The Color Palette: Vibrant and Loud.
Although dark colors were still popular in formal wear, the 1920s were also the time of the spurt of bright colors and patterns. Men began to wear brighter colors like mustard and burgundy and even pastel colors in formal and casual wear. The optimism of the time and the growing need to be a person and express oneself were also reflected in these bright colors.
Patterns also played a role in 1920s mens fashion. Patterns became a significant means by which men could individualize themselves; in the pinstripes of the standard suit, as well as in the checks and plaids of jackets and trousers. Patterns not only implied style but also a statement.
Accompaniments: Small Things Which Made a Big Impression.
The 1920s fashion of men could not have been complete without accessories. Men liked to produce their own impressions on their clothing and accessories offered them a perfect opportunity to do it. To make them appear better, suits were worn with pocket watches, cufflinks, and tie clips. Another common accessory that added a touch of class was a pocket square which had to be inserted into the breast pocket of a jacket.
Ties were also more popular at this time. The introduction of the skinny tie in the 1920s was a drastic departure from the larger, more voluminous ties of the previous decades. Ties could be patterned or crafted using rich materials such as silk to further adorn men.
Influence of 1920s mens Fashion in modern days.
Modern men still bear much influence of the fashions of the 20s. The thin-fit suit that was first passed on during the Jazz Age can also still be worn by men in our time. Likewise, hats have returned in recent years, especially the fedora, and this accessory is readily accepted by many men today as a part of their highbrow style.
The casual, though sophisticated, style of the 1920s had also led to the introduction of modern casual wear. No longer an informal substitute for the more formal suit, the sport jacket has become a standard in the wardrobe of many men. The colors and patterns that dominated the time have also made a comeback as lots of men these days resort to brighter colors and styles in their attire.
In the same manner, the fashion of the 1940s experienced a transition to more useful styles in reaction to World War II. The period witnessed customized suits with broader lapels and trousers with a less tight fit than those of the 1930s.
FAQ,s
What were the key aspects of the fashion of men in the 1920s?
Most significant were the three-piece suits, sport jackets, fedora and boater hat, pocket watches, cufflinks and ties. Checks and pinstripes are patterns that were also key.
What did jazz make of the fashion of men in the 1920s?
Jazz ushered in a more casual and younger feel of fashion. It pushed the men towards loosening their clothing and wearing lighter materials coupled with more casual fashions such as the sport jacket.
Do the fashion trends of the 1920s men have any use nowadays?
The response to this question is yes because a lot of the men fashion applied in the 1920s such as slim suits, fedoras and other fashionable accessories are still applied by modern men in their wardrobes. The light but stylish mode of the period has endured.
What did men wear in the 1920s? What were some of the colors?
But dark colours remained like navy, grey and charcoal but in the 1920s, bright colours were being used like mustard, burgundy and pastel which gave some personality to the clothes.
What role did footwear play for 1920s men?
The 1920s look included shoes. Oxfords, loafers and brogues were popular shoes that were in synch with both formal and casual attire.
Conclusion
The mens fashion of the 1920s may well be said to have been representative of a changed society. It was a reprieve to the neurotic fashions of the past and a more laid-back approach to clothing. The three-piece suit, sport jacket and style of accessories were the signs of fashion of the time and much of it is still reflected in fashion today. The history of 1920s mens fashion can be followed through the sharp rockiness of the current suit, the popularity of hats and casual, yet fashionable clothes.
Whether it is vintage or a touch of old school to whatever one is already wearing, the 1920s is still providing endless inspiration to fashion in men.