The 1950s were a legendary period in the world of men’s fashion, where men wore elegant, classy, and sophisticated clothes. The styles of this decade have continued to echo in the contemporary men’s wear with its edgy lines and casual fashions. The 50s Men Fashion was all about balance in their tailored suits as well as the casual styles, which made it one of the strongest in the history of fashion.
The Rise of the Tailored Suit in 50s Men Fashion
The suit developed from the boxy shapes of the past decades in the 1950s to a more fitted design. Men started to go slimmer in their cuts and suits were no longer loose and baggy but sharp and structured.
The narrow-lapelled, mismatched jacket with one breast became the symbol of elegance. This very customization gave men a more handsome and sophisticated appearance, either at work or at a party.
Leather Jackets and Rebel Youth Culture
The jacket of leather became a symbol of the defiant youth of the 1950s. These jackets were popularized by such stars as Marlon Brando and James Dean and symbolized a feeling of freedom and rebellion.
The leather jacket was the quintessence of the trend of cool since it was the jacket mostly worn with denim, heralding a departure from the conventional fashion order. This is a rough-cut that has been eternal and the fashion trends have still been affected by it decades later.
Denim’s Transformation in 50s Men Fashion
Denim stopped being a functional piece of clothing, one that became part of mainstream wear. Due to such cult figures as James Dean, the denim jeans were associated with the youth, rebellion, and emergence of the rock-and-roll culture.
Denim was used in less formal occasions in the so-called 50s men fashion. To achieve a carefree, cool appearance, men would wear jeans and a simple t-shirt to create the attitude of the youth that dominated the decade.
Casual Wear: The Emergence of the Polo Shirt
The polo shirt entered the scene in the 1950s and this gave a new option to the stiff dress shirts that were in the earlier decades. Polo was created in a comfortable mode; therefore, it could be used during casual activities and also during semi-formals.
This new fashion was developed with the association of leisure and sophistication, hence it was perfect in golf, tennis, or just spending a day out. The polo shirt has been an eternal item in the current wardrobes.
Footwear: From Formal to Casual Elegance
The 1950s footwear was one of the items that made up the wardrobe of the well-dressed man. Brogues, which are detailed with perforations, were used as formal wear and loafers offered a less formal but stylish look.
These shoes were popular as they were stylish and comfortable, the way the men of the 50s wanted to wear them. Brogues and loafers are a perennial part of modern men in terms of fashion and the new models have been as trendy as it was a decade ago.
Accessories: The Role of Ties, Hats, and Watches
The use of accessories in the process of finishing any outfit was present in the 1950s. Slim ties, which were commonly worn with suits, entered the fashion and necessity category. The hat, especially the fedora, became popular as well and it gave a stylish touch to the ordinary clothes.
Another accessory that was a necessity for the trendy man was the wristwatch. These were not merely timepieces but were also a sign of sophistication that was to be used as a supplement to the general elegant appearance that was at the heart of the 1950s fashion of men.
Hollywood’s Influence on 50s Men Fashion
Hollywood contributed greatly to the development of the fashion of the male 50s. Cary Grant, James Dean and Frank Sinatra movie stars became the fashion idols and their wardrobe was imitated and aped by men all over the world.
Their neat, sharp and occasionally effortless style permeated the fashion trends within the decade. It may be the custom-made suit or the legendary leather jacket, but these Hollywood icons paved the way to modern-day menswear.
The Relaxed Yet Refined Look of Casual Friday
The 1950s were also the start of the casual Friday which gave the male gender the opportunity to wear less restrictive but still presentable clothes. The attire for this new workday tradition was a Polo shirt, Blazers and loafers.
This shift in attitude towards casual yet high-end clothes has been an indicator of the greater comfort-based fashion trend. Men did not have to dress in complete suits on a daily basis, but they were still upholding some level of style in their attire.
The Return of the Double-Breasted Suit
The single-breasted suit was still in force in the 1950s but the double-breasted suit had returned. This style was donned by men who desired to look stronger, authoritative.
The constructed form of the double-breasted suit made it look impressive and was mostly worn by powerful men. This fashion went on later, deep into the decades and to this date is still a sign of power in men’s fashion.
Sportswear’s Influence on 50s Men Fashion
The sportswear also greatly contributed to the fashion of 50s men. The 1950s also witnessed the increased use of more sport-inspired clothes like bomber jackets and track pants because of the American culture that was in effect after the War II.
The increased popularity of sports also gave rise to brands that produced clothes that were not only useful but also fashionable. This merger of sportswear and casual fashion revolutionized men’s fashion in the coming years.
The 50s Dapper Gentleman: A Shift Toward Elegance
A change in fashion occurred in the 1950s for guys, as it was inclined towards elegance and refinement. Dress codes became more elaborate and elegant and tailor-made suits, good fabrics and subtle accessories were fashionable among the men.
This was the time of the so-called dapper gentleman look, that is, well-dressed, smooth, and impeccably stylish. The values of this elegant appearance still inspire contemporary menswear.
The Enduring Legacy of 50s Men’s Fashion
The style of the 50s men fashion was the base of most of our current styles. The trendy fashion items of the decade, like customized suits, leather jackets, and jeans, have been eternal and are still worn in different versions.
These styles, though time-honored, are so all-purpose that they still have a hand in shaping designers and even the fashion decisions of ordinary people. The 1950s will always be remembered for establishing a standard of men’s fashion that is still on today.
FAQ’s
What was the most important in 50s Men Fashion?
The tailored suit was the major fashion trend in the 1950s. The tailored slim suits were a prestige and were worn by men in both formal and informal events.
One question is, why was the leather jacket iconic in the 1950s?
In the 1950s, the leather jacket was made iconic because of its affiliation with the rebellious youth culture popularized by movie stars such as James Dean. It was a sign of freedom, rebellion and individuality.
How did denim change in the 1950s?
During the 1950s, denim came out of being a mere working item to a fashionable item among the youth culture. With the help of Hollywood stars, denim jeans became the symbols of rebellion and casual style.
Is it a polo shirt of the 1950s?
Well, polo shirts were the trend with the 1950s men, an option to the dull button-down shirts that were both stylish and comfortable. They were often put on during casual events as well as semi-formal events.
What was the effect of Hollywood on men of the 1950s?
In the 1950s, Hollywood had a great impact on the fashion of men. Movie stars like Cary Grant and James Dean established the profile of a lean, slick appearance and a lot of men have been copying their styles.
Conclusion
The 1950s were a decade of defining fashion in men, which paved the way to numerous classic trends that are still applicable in the modern day. The era of the 50s men fashion incorporated the style of the tailored suits and the insubordinate leather jackets. These vintage designs are still in the present-day wardrobe and this is a testament that the style of the 1950s was indeed ahead of its time. Take the style and the ease of the 1950s and carry at least a hint of that classicism into your wardrobe today.