The turning point of men’s fashion was the 1950s. Following World War II, a high-end and fashionable kind of style became part of society and characterized the decade. The Mens 1950s Fashion led to the change towards more customized suits, more casual and elegant clothes, and a focus on grooming. Fashion in men in this period was a combination of class, beauty, and comfort, and most of these trends are continued to be used in contemporary times.
The Evolution of the Tailored Suit
The custom suit was the best representation of the Mens 1950s Fashion. It represented a clean, genteel appearance that was appropriate both at work and at play. Such suits were commonly marked with acute lines, tight cuts and structural shoulders. The customized appearance was adopted by men across all social strata, which is why it became an important part of their wardrobe.
The two-piece suit became the favorite suit during this period to attend and be worn during formal functions and business meetings. The suits of men could be made of wool, which made them look luxurious and professional. The development of such classic suit colors as navy, charcoal and gray in the 1950s provided versatility and sophistication, respectively.
The Ivy League Influence
The Ivy League appearance was in fashion in the fifties, particularly among college students and young professionals. The preppy collegiate feel characterized this fashion; tailored suits, chinos, and button-down shirts became the standard. Men wanted to copy the refined, intellectual appearance of students in the Ivy League, though they had not studied in these impressive schools.
It is also a style that uses skinny ties, a sharp white shirt and a vest. The Ivy League style was a representation of success and was considered to be a symbol of clean and intellectual dressing. It was even felt in other realms of life outside college campuses, its impact on young professionals and even Hollywood stars.
Casual Wear Takes Center Stage
The tailored suit was the most common suit during formal events, but at the same time, casual wear with the 1950s fashion was also influential in the development of men’s fashion. The casual style was marked with casual, yet smart clothes, such as polo shirts, tailor-made trousers and light jackets. These were clothes that could be easily worn and at the same time, they were classy and sophisticated.
The denim jeans came into mainstream fashion, thus making a revolution in casual wear. Jean blue pants, previously worn by men of the working classes, turned into the symbol of the rebellious youth due to the impact of such hero figures as James Dean and Marlon Brando. This style of dressing in leather jackets and simple T-shirts reflected the cool and rebellious faux pas of the 1950s.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Revolution
The emergence of rock n roll in the Mens 1950s Fashion had an immense influence. Musicians such as Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry not only broke the style of music but also popularized a new, daring style. Muscle T-shirts, denim jeans, and leather jackets defined the rock and roll appearance they adopted by young men adopted to reject the established norms.
This relaxed, but cool style provided a clear-cut contrast to the smooth and well-cut suits of the older generation. The rock and roll celebrities were perceived as symbols of freedom and rebellion by young men, and their attire was in line with their mindset. Specifically, the leather jacket came to be associated with youth culture and rebellion.
Iconic Footwear Styles in the Mens 1950s Fashion
Shoes were as significant as the clothes in the fifties, and some of them were popular among people. The brogue shoe, with its characteristic holes and shoe craftsmanship, was widely used in official matters. Suited up in brogues, they were sophisticated and elegant, and given a well-cut appearance.
Loafers replaced the heeled shoes as a more casual wear. Loafers were comfortable, trendy, and casual to match with chinos, denim jeans, and other casual wear. They were perceived as the perfect shoes to wear for a casual but cool appearance, hence they were a standard in day-to-day wear for ten years.
Haircuts and Grooming: The Slicked-Back Look
Hair had been a vital aspect of the fashion among men in the 1950s and some men wore slicked-back hair. These hairstyles were achieved through the assistance of pomade in order to make them clean cut, polished and neater. The waxed hairstyle was associated with the cool guy, who was full of style and luxurious.
Along with the slicked-back appearance, the pompadour became popular, particularly among rock n roll celebrities such as Elvis Presley. This full-bodied style made it taller and more dramatic with a focus on the individuality and the panache. Men of the 1950s were very keen when it came to grooming their hair, as they never wanted to be underdressed in terms of appearance.
Hollywood Influence on Fashion
Hollywood personalities had a massive influence on the Mens 1950s Fashion. Men in the world were given a style icon such as Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando. They have the perfect fashion sense and their on and off-screen looks are a role model in terms of sophistication, class and style.
Instead, these actors were dressed in sharp suits, tailored jackets, and elegant accessories, which demonstrated that being polished was not restricted to the rich and famous. The fashion they wore popularized tailored back suits and fashionable casual wear among ordinary men and democratized the high-end fashion.
The Advent of Casual Suits
The formal suit started moving towards the end of men’s 1950s fashion. Men wanted more adjustable items that would not cause as much inconvenience and still maintain a style. This saw the rise of casual suits that were made of lighter materials and had less structure, thus providing a relaxed fit. Casual suits could be worn at work and in leisure.
There was also a shift in the type of fabrics used in the casual suits and heavier fabrics like linen and cotton started to take their place. These clothes were more breathable and comfortable, thus making them the ideal summer attire. Loafers or plain dress shoes were also worn with casual suits to give a very nice and comfortable appearance.
The Impact of Street Style
During the mid-1950s, street style started to take a bigger part in fashion among men. Under the influence of contemporary music and films, young people began to wear clothes that would indicate their personalities and attitudes. Street fashion was defined by the appearance of jeans, leather jackets, and graphic T-shirts and would continue to influence the following few decades.
This was a major change as men were now free to go beyond the formality of the traditional fashion. The casual style of dressing, combined with comfortable clothes that were fashionable, enabled more self-expression and creativity in men’s wardrobes.
FAQ’s
What was the most legendary suit of the ’50s?
The 1950s were the most iconic time in the history of the thin-cut two-piece suit, single-breasted suits with a vest. It was also characterized by sharp shoulders, a thin waist, and smooth lines, and it was sophisticated and modern.
What was the effect of rock n roll on fracture?
Rock’ n roll also had an effect on the Mens 1950s Fashion through the promotion of a casual and rebellious fashion style, including leather jackets, denim jeans, and T-shirts. This relaxed but cool appearance became the youth culture.
So what was the Ivy League style in the ’50s?
Ivy League style of the 1950s was preppy in the manner of collegiate attire, including customized blazers, chinos, an open-button shirt, and a slim tie. This appearance was pure, scholarly and refined.
What was the impact of the Hollywood actors on the Mens 1950s Fashion?
Actors such as Cary Grant and Marlon Brando were Hollywood stars who affected the fashions of men in the 1950s by bringing about sophistication. They influenced the sophisticated, dapper appearance with their style on the screen and off.
What fads were in favor in the 1950s?
In the 1950s, casual styles such as denim jeans, polo shirts, T-shirts, and loafers were popular. These easy style dresses were worn by the young men and became popularized by cultural icons and rock n roll stars.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 1950s fashion was a combination of style, classiness, and defiance of men. The customized suits, relaxed attire, and distinctive grooming patterns that were trendy during the decade also led to the current fashion. It hinges on whether you prefer the professional and astute look of a custom suit or the informal benefit of denim and leather jackets; the style of the Mens 1950s Fashion has continued to be dearly inspiring. This influence is still being felt in present times, as there are certain aspects of the 50s style that are permeating the contemporary wardrobe.