The 1930s had been a golden age in the history of mens fashion and marked with classic styles and fads that continue to be utilized in modern-day fashion designs. The 1930s mens fashion style was of fancy and utility, and that is how nice suits, as well as the advent of casual styles, were. It was an era when enormous shifts were underway as a result of the great depression and the glitzy Hollywood. In this paper, the most influential fashion objects that characterized the 1930s were characterized by in men will be discussed, including the discussion of how suits should be fitted in accessories and shoes.
The Rise of the Tailored Suit
The development of the tailored suit could be considered one of the most striking features of the 1930s men’s fashion. It is an era in the 1930s when the change was made to well-cut tailored suits, emphasizing a crisp figure. The suits were crafted with such good materials as wool, tweed, and flannel that were comfortable and fashionable simultaneously. The one-breasted suit was the most popular during this period and was worn more often with massive lapels and high-waisted pants.
It was also a trend with the introduction of the so-called double-breasted suit. The double-breasted appearance with its wider shoulders and two buttons was preferred by the more fashion-conscious man. The suits of men that were worn in the 1930s were characterized by sharp and clean cuts that gave the suits a polished look. Also, the suits were usually accompanied by pocket squares, waistcoats and ties which added a touch of sophistication and elegance. In the 1940s mens fashion evolved further, with broader shoulders and a more structured silhouette, reflecting the era’s desire for strength and resilience.
Patterns and Fabrics in the 1930s Mens Fashion.
The 1930s fashion among men was centered on luxury and touch with a vast array of fabrics being used in various events. Wool was still popular in use particularly in official clothes because it was durable and fashionable. Tweed, flannel, and heavy cotton were also popularized, especially to be worn in a more informal manner.
Patterns were also significant in mens fashion in the 1930s. Suits were now finding pinstripes, plaid and checks, and solid dark colors such as navy, grey and brown were popular in the formal world. Sportswear and country wear were done in checks and plaids, making them look relaxed. These trends in combination with the fancy fabrics assisted the men to attain comfort and fashion during the great depression.
The Effect of Hollywood on Men’s Fashion in the 1930s.
Hollywood had a major influence on the shaping of men’s fashion in the 1930s. Such stars as Clark Gable, Cary Grant, and Gary Cooper turned into the ideal of male sophistication. Their appearance on the screen brought the world to a new level of well-dressed men. The image of a suave well-tailored suit and the polished look displayed in movies made the well-cut suit and the polished look synonymous with success and elegance.
Cinema and movie celebrities established fashions that found their way to the mainstream fashion industry. The gable appearance was very common especially among men in the United States who wanted to imitate the sharp dressing style of the actor. Hollywood was so dominant that the suits, slim ties, and well-appointed hair that appeared on the screen soon became the fashion that men of every social class desired to have.
Men’s Fashion accessories in the 1930s.
A very important element of 1930s mens fashion was accessories. The use of hats, especially, became an important feature of everyday dress. Fedora and trilby being the most fashionable styles, were frequently used to complete a smart outlook. These hats consisted of felt, having broad brims and a traditional shape that was suitable to match the formal suit.
Accessories that were also indispensable were ties and pocket squares. The necks of the 1930s were not very wide compared to the 1920s and had bright stripes or patterns. Some elegance was added to the suit by the use of pocket squares, usually in the same colour as the tie. In the 1920s mens fashion was marked by bold, wide lapels and longer jacket lengths, setting a more dramatic style.
Another significant factor in 30s mens fashion was shoes. The favorite footwear when attending official events was leather Oxford shoes which were usually brogued. As a more casual dress, men preferred loafers or other boots, which were comfortable as well as stylish. It was centered on quality leather that would wear out gracefully giving it durability but at the same time being sophisticated.
Casual Wear in the 1930s
Although the 1930s are known more or less for formal fashion, casual wear also emerged in the decade. As the great depression took its toll on the economy, a lot of men started preferring more casual and practical attire. The result of this was sportswear and country-oriented clothing.
Casual pants that would be worn together with the button-up shirts or sweaters became the standard when it comes to free time. Jackets and trousers also became a style for men who went out to different occasions, and their dresses were not only stylish but also convenient. Indicatively, polo shirts, chinos, and cardigans would emerge as fashionable among men who preferred to wear clothes that would ensure comfort and style at the same time when off duty.
Outerwear and Coats
In the 1930s Mens Fashion, the only thing that was needed was to be kept warm and at the same time to look stylish. Cold demanded coats (often of wool or tweed). The trench coat became a wardrobe and the shape of the coat was also refined with the two-breasted design and belt at the waist.
The bomber jacket was a fashionable jacket among individuals who wished to wear something not so formal. The bomber jacket that initially belonged to military aviators turned out to be the primary constituent of the military, but its harshness was soon made available to the normal demeanor of the fashion industry, which provided an image of boldness and style to ordinary use.
The Effect of the Great Depression on Fashion.
The fashion of men in the 1930s was greatly influenced by the Great Depression. As the wealthy still moved towards expensive clothes and fine tailoring the economic slump compelled many men to switch to cheaper alternatives. This saw the increase in the utilitarian, cost-efficient attire using cheaper substances.
Nevertheless, most men despite their financial constraints, were able to keep up with a shrewd look by buying second-hand suits which were well cut or even by using more practical fabrics like wool mixtures. The 1930s demonstrated that style was not only limited to wealth but was a matter of making the appropriate clothes that had functionality as well as style.
1930s Men’s Hairstyles
The fashions were also significant like the hair-dresses of the 1930s. Men used to put their hair in place and provide a clean appearance with the help of pomade or gel. The side part was a trendy feature of the mens hairdressing of the 1930s and they gave a neat, tidy appearance.
Another standard hairstyle similar to the side part was the ducktail which was popular at the end of the 1930s. Another feature that defined this style was the backcombed and nape-of-neck pointy hairstyle that made the style appear to have its own rebellious appearance that was to be identified with the youth.
FAQ’s
What was the major aspect of the 1930s mens fashion?
Custom suits, broad lapels, high waist trousers, wool and tweed, accessories, including a fedora hat, ties and pocket squares were the key ones.
What impact did the great depression have on 1930s male fashion?
The great depression brought about cheaper styles of clothing. Men usually preferred simple and cost-effective fashion, but they never lost a clean look in second-hand suits and heavy materials.
What were the trendy accessories during the 1930s?
Such accessories as fedora and trilby hats, narrow neckties, pocket squares, and leather Oxford shoes were quite popular. All these were needed to make up a trendy appearance.
What was the impact of Hollywood on the fashion of men in the 1930s?
Hollywood actors such as Clark Gable and Cary Grant are the trendsetters in the fashion industry and their well-cut suits, which symbolize success and sophistication, affect the fashion of men across the world.
Were casual clothes in fashion in the 1930s?
Yes, the 1930s experienced the emergence of casual clothing, where polo shirts, chuds, and cardigans became popular wear for off-duty. This is a break from the more formal styles of the past decades.
Conclusion
The fashion of men in the 1930s was all about balance, both the formal and informal, the luxurious and the practical. The tailored suit, the influence of Hollywood on fashion and the development of casual clothes that were comfortable to wear during the hardships of the Great Depression were all the products of this period. In addition to outerwear, the 1930s era was a well-defined, yet elegant style that remains an inspiration in the fashion of men to date. The folklore of the 1930s mens fashion is that it is timeless and combines style with functionality, which makes it a classic in the fashion world.