The decade of the 1920s is also known as the Roaring Twenties or the Jazz Age. Many people say that this decade was the start of the “Golden Age of Menswear.” It was the time of seismic and cultural change.
Over the years, many fashion trends we have adopted have come from previous decades. The 20s are also one of those decades that brought many trends, one of them being the “suit.”
This blog will explain everything about men’s fashion in the 1920s, including its key features, essential outfits, accessories, and how you can adapt this style in modern times.
30-Second Summary
The Roaring Twenties are marked by the end of World War 1, the rise of Hollywood, the Jazz Age, and a sense of freedom. People embraced it as an era of prosperity, which influenced the fashion industry as well.
In this blog, we discuss 1920s mens fashion, its key elements, mens hairstyles, and the regions that played a significant role in making this fashion global.
A Glimpse into History
The society and culture went through a drastic change in the 1920s. The First World War ended, and this decade started with a sense of liberation and optimism. Other major events include the prohibition era, the rise of Jazz music, and the popularity of Hollywood.
All of these events had a profound impact on 1920s mens fashion. The generation that saw the horrors of the war wanted to get rid of its grim shadow. So they embrace a new era of prosperity with open arms.
This desire to break free of the horrors of the past and a sense of freedom was beautifully expressed in fashion.
Key Features of 1920s Male Fashion
Men’s wardrobe went through a significant change in the 20s. From shirts to suits, every element played a huge role in defining the look of a well-dressed gentleman.
Silhouettes
The silhouette of the suits changed in this decade. The boxy and structured look gave way to a relaxed and slim-cut silhouette. The lapels became wider, and men started using patterns to add a touch of flair to the garments.
Fabrics and Colors
The fabrics and colors were important factors in 1920s mens fashion. Tweed, pinstripe, and wool were preferred because of their comfort, durability, and elegance. Traditional black, gray, and navy remained favorites, but men also gravitated toward bolder colors and patterns.
Shirts
The shirts changed from formal and stiff to casual and relaxed. The softer collars and cuffs added elegance. Men often wore cufflinks that added a subtle detail to the overall outfit. Moreover, the collarless shirts (also called detachable collar shirts) gained popularity.
Trousers
The silhouette of the trousers also changed, from wider and relaxed to slimmer. The driving force behind this change was the rise of the sporty and athletic style that focused on a youthful look. Oxford bags, or elephant pants, were popular in 20’s fashion for guys. They were wide-legged and high-waisted trousers.
1920s Fashion Men: Accessories
Just like 1920s clothing, the accessories of men were iconic too. Just like today, the outfits of this decade were also considered incomplete without the right accessories.
- Ties were made from luxurious silk. They used to have geometric patterns, stripes, or Art Deco designs. Men wore them in a Windstor knot, which was a relatively new method of adding a touch of grace to the neckline.
- Cufflinks were an elegant finishing touch to the outfit. They were made from precious metals and had intricate designs on them. These beautiful designs showed the attention to detail of the wearer.
- Hats were also a significant accessory for men. Fedora and Homburg were particularly among the preferred choices as they added elegance to the outfit.
1920s Mens Fashion: Essential Outfits
Have a look at the fashion trends of the 1920s men’s style.
The Classic Three-Piece Suit
The three-piece suit dominated the decade. Men embraced it as a symbol of status and elegance. The suit was practical and versatile for every occasion. Men used to wear tailored jackets with matching vests and trousers.
Double-breasted suits were common. The lighter fabric, such as linen, was a popular choice in warmer months.
Casual Daywear
The casual 1920s outfits for guys emerged as a distinct category. There were three main parts of it: polo shirts, sweaters, and knickerbockers. Polo shirts had short sleeves and soft collars. They were ideal for leisure activities, such as golf and tennis.
Men wore sweaters made from wool to add warmth and style. Knickerbocker was knee-length, baggy trousers. They were the symbol of sports and other outdoor activities.
Evening Attire
The 20s were the golden era of black tie events. Men used to wear tuxedos with luxurious satin lapels, crisp white shirts, and bow ties. Leather shoes and white pocket squares were considered important to complete the formal look.
The Shift in Grooming
The transformation of the Roaring Twenties was not limited to men’s clothing. The shift was clearly seen in grooming, too. Men started to pay attention to their appearance and embraced a more polished look.
Facial Hair
A clean-shaven look was still very much present, but facial hair made a comeback. Men started to keep a moustache to enhance their personality. However, the moustache was neatly trimmed, which reflected the shift toward a polished look.
Haircuts
The famous hairstyle of the 1920s men was the short and slicked-back hair. Men were inspired by Hollywood stars and used to get a “slicked-back undercut.” It featured short sides and a long top, which was swept back using pomade or hair tonic.
Iconic 1920s Men’s Fashion Inspirations
The emergence of Hollywood had a huge influence on men’s style in the 1920s.
- Rudolph Valentino, also called the “Latin Lover,” popularized tuxedos as evening wear. His style associated suits forever with elegance.
- Douglas Fairbanks was often seen on the silver screen wearing breeches and high boots, thanks to his adventurous roles. This look was famous amongst men who liked his fearless persona on-screen.
- Duke Ellington, the famous musician, inspired younger men with bold yet graceful fashion choices.
The Global Impact of the 1920s Men’s Attire
The 20s had a global impact on fashion. Both America and Europe played a crucial part in defining men’s fashion in this era.
Role of America
America was the one that established the trend of casual and formal style and impacted fashion worldwide.
The Jazz Age and the vibrancy of American cities, such as New York and Chicago, had an influence on men’s style around the globe.
Role of Europe
Paris (also known as the fashion capital of the world) also influenced the 20s style of men. Through impeccable tailoring, high-quality fabrics, and attention to detail, it added a touch of elegance to the outfits.
Other European cities, such as London, also played a crucial part in defining men’s fashion during this decade.
Tips for Incorporating 1920s Style Today
Even after a century, the 1920s guy fashion continues to influence today’s style. Whether it is themed parties or runway collections, people look back to find the aesthetics of this decade. Here is how you can also incorporate the fashion of the Roaring Twenties.
- You can mix vintage pieces into your modern wardrobe, such as a slim-fit three-piece suit, suspenders, a fedora, etc.
- You can pair a modern suit with a pocket square or a 20s tie to really embrace the essence of that time.
- Mixing different elements from different eras can also create a contemporary look.
- You can use pomade or hair gel to slick your hair back like the 20s.
The Bottom Line
The 1920s were a decade of iconic men’s fashion. Men celebrated the liberation and a sense of optimism after the First World War through a significant change in clothing. The suits, particularly, were seen as the symbol of sophistication and status.
Moreover, you can also incorporate 1920s mens fashion in your modern wardrobe. It will add an elegant hint of vintage style to your contemporary pieces.
Ready to learn more about fashion? Explore the Trendy Fashion Guide.
FAQs
What did men wear in the Roaring Twenties on a Daily Basis?
Men in the 1920s used to wear a three-piece suit for daily outings and work. Casual wear for sports included sweaters, polo shirts, and knickerbockers. Pocket squares, suspenders, and hats were also common.
How can you dress like a Man in the 1920s Today?
If you want to recreate a 1920s mens look, you can pair vintage pieces with your modern wardrobe. For example, you can wear a modern three-piece suit with a pocket square or a fedora hat to have an elegant look of the 20s.
What is the difference between Black Tie and White Tie for Men in the 20s?
In the 1920s, black tie referred to wearing a tuxedo, leather shoes, and a black bow tie for formal evening events. On the other hand, the white tie was considered the most prestigious dress code. It included a tailcoat, stiff white shirt, white bow tie, and waistcoat.
What were common hairstyles for men in the 1920s?
The 1920s men’s hairstyle is described as the “slicked back hair.” The hair was short on the sides and heavy on the top. They used pomade or hair tonic to achieve a glossy, slicked look, either with a clean shave or a thin moustache.
