1950s Fashion Men was a defining moment, and it offered a collection of styles that have since made their way into fashion until the present. The men with their sharp tailoring, classic elegance, and bold youthful energy were a departure in styles compared to the earlier more formal fashions of the previous decades. In this paper, the main direction of discussion will be the traditional clothing styles, accessories, and the way the style of men transformed during the 1950s as a result of the cultural shifts.
The Rise of the Modern Man
The 1950s began a transition in the fashion of men where the strict, structured looks of the previous decades were replaced by a more casual, but tailored outward look. This shift was affected by the cultural shift, especially after World War II which introduced a feeling of optimism and economic prosperity. This led to more accessibility to fashion among men in terms of comfort and individuality although we could not ignore the element of classiness.
The figure grew more streamlined in this epoch, the suits and trousers being made more closely fitted to the figure. This shift to a more contemporary, smooth appearance was best embodied by the advent of the so-called Ivy League style, a preppy appearance combining academic style with extreme tailoring. The 1950s saw the onset of men starting to conform to fashion trends not only to serve a purpose, but to convey their personality.
Signature Suits of the 1950s
Among the most important contributions that the 1950s fashion men made was the suit. The archetypal suit in this period was known to be clean-lined, had small lapels, and was fitted close to the body. Crafted to perfection, these suits became typical of both formal and daily occasions, and indicated sophistication and style.
Wool was the most common suit material and it retained its shape easily and at the same time offered warmth. The predominant colors were charcoal gray, navy, and brown, but the lighter colors including beige and pastel colors started being popular in the latter part of the decade. This flexibility enabled the 1950s suit to be a necessity for any well-dressed man.
The three-piece suit (a jacket, trousers and a vest) was very popular by the mid-1950s. This fashion gave birth to the “Mad Men” aesthetic that was the swanky and business-savvy male of that day. The refined appearance was finished off with slimmed figures with the use of conservative ties and pocket squares.
Casual Wear: The Polo Shirt was formed.
The 1950s saw the development of casual menswear as well due to the increasing power of American sportswear. The polo shirt was one of the iconic works that came up during this period. The polo shirt was taken as part of the casual fashion of men as a replacement for the button-up shirt, and as a more sophisticated yet comfortable version.
The polo shirt was popularized by athletes and celebrities such as tennis champion Fred Perry and was commonly worn with khaki pants or chinos. It was commonly made of cotton or a cotton-blend material. The appearance of this gaze was a more casual but classy way of fashion, ideal among the emerging middle class.
Besides the polo shirt, other casual mens clothing items were introduced such as cardigan sweaters, bomber jackets, and chinos, which became a norm in everyday wear. These articles, later to be the foundation of the so-called casual Fridays and relaxed weekend wear, added to the more diverse wardrobe of the contemporary man in the 1950s.
The Impact of Rock ‘n’ Roll on Fashion
The role of rock n roll cannot be discussed in regard to the 1950s fashion of men. The culture that witnessed the revolution in music of the decade was a youthful culture, which rebelled against the traditional norms of the past generation. Symbols of the fashion revolution of the time were icons such as Elvis Presley, James Dean and Marlon Brando.
Elvis Presley popularized the rebellious greaser appearance and slicked back his hair, wore leather jackets and made use of the hairstyle. Jeans, t-shirts and leather jackets were included to create a staple of the youth subculture, which offered an alternative to the sophisticated appearance of the older generation. This was a bold, aggressive, and, to be frank, cool look–a protest of youth.
James Dean on the other hand with his classic Rebel Without a Cause persona, made men accept denim jeans and loose t-shirts as everyday wear. These fashion pieces became associated with the ideals of rebellious masculinity, and they remain popular up to this day.
Fifty-Forties Accessories and Hairstyles.
Besides clothes accessories and hairstyles were vital in identifying the 1950s trends among men. A significant portion of the wardrobe of a man was still hats with fedoras, trilbies, and panamas adding to most formal outfits. Towards the end of the decade, however, hats were losing popularity as casual wear in favour of the rising popularity of well-groomed hairstyles.
The slick and controlled looks were the features of hairstyles in the 1950s. Pomades and waxes were applied by men to create the smooth, combed-back styles that came to be associated with the times. The hairstyle known as the ducktail was the style of rock stars and celebrities with long hair at the back of the head, and swept back over the front to give a clean, polished appearance.
Accessories also played an important role as a status symbol, with watches remaining important as a part of formal wear and cufflinks remaining a necessity. Ties also hit their highest point and with designs that ranged all the way to polka dots, men had a lot of room in customizing their clothes.
The Sustainable Presence of 1950s Fashion Men
The history of the fifties’ mens fashion still lingers on and on. A lot of the style features that were trendy this decade- slim-fitting suits, leather jackets, and polo shirts- are still in men’s closets today. The informality and formality that were merged in the 1950s fashion helped in the introduction of a relaxed style sense in a sophisticated way.
Even now, the fashion of the 1950s influences the runways, the street and even retro store revivals. Mens fashion of the 1950s is one of the most inspiring sources as well when one desires a taste of old-fashioned grace and at the same time the feeling of blissful energy. This classic style serves to show that genuine fashion did not and will never die–it just changes.
FAQ’s
How was 1950s male fashion different in comparison to the past decades?
The 1950s mens fashion defined a break with the 1940s formal, rigid style which involved wearing more streamlined, tailored, slim-fitting clothes. Informal attire was also taking center stage, and polo shirts, chinos and denim jeans became new standards.
What were the mens 1950s fashion heroes?
Such icons as Elvis Presley, James Dean, and Marlon Brando had a great impact on the fashion of the 1950s men. They were rebellious but fashionable with their jackets made of leather and denim jeans that were the trends even now.
What effect did rock n roll have on the fashion of men in the 1950s?
Rock and roll music especially through stars such as Elvis Presley defined a youthful rebellious aesthetic in the clothing of men. Casual wear among men was altered by leather jackets, jeans, and t-shirts which became the symbol of the rockstar lifestyle.
What was the most popular mens type of suit of the 1950s?
In the 1950s, there were narrow-lapped, slim, tailored suits. The main fabric was wool and the colors used were mostly navy, gray and brown. The trousers, a jacket, and a vest were a popular choice of three pieces, particularly worn on formal events.
What was the effect of the 1950s Fashion Men on contemporary style?
The style of the 1950s formed the basis of most modern trends, including the slim-fitting suit, casual chic styles, and styles reminiscent of the vintage. The current fashion by men has still been inspired by the neat, suit lines and casual attire, which gained popularity in the 50s.
Conclusion
To sum up, the 1950s have been an extremely decisive time in the creation of the wardrobe of the modern man. Ivy League tailored suits and the rock ‘n’ roll rebellious leather jackets, 1950s Fashion Men are evidence of the great cultural transformation in the era. The effects of this decade have continued to linger in the present day, as some of the fashions of the 1950s are still in fashion among men. The 1950s provide the eternal style of wearing clothes depending on your desire to dress like the past or just you love the beauty of this age.