20-Second Summary
Soon after World War 2 began, the world was already ready to be free and travel and explore not just the world, but also fashion. Especially men, who saw the most significant change in fashion and explored many new trends.
50s men’s fashion was all about revolution and setting new trends, which are still reviving in 2025, with youth proudly representing 1950s men in their own unique ways.
From understanding 1950 fashion trends for men to exploring five modern looks using the 50s fashion vibes, this blog is all you need to know about men’s fashion from the 50s.
1950s Fashion Men: The Rebellion after World War 2
After World War 2, everything, including fashion in men in the 1950s, was about optimism. Even though the utilitarian fashion was peeking through the trench coats and the bomber jackets, there were so many flashy accessories, hats in different hues, wider ties, and leather belts, along with the introduction of denim with leather jackets inspired by James Dean.
Fashion for men in the 50s was all about showing masculinity, but with the introduction of more colors and accessories, along with new grooming styles for hair that made an impeccable statement and still lives on among the youth, millennials, and the older Generation.
Let us explore the guy’s ’50s style in detail below.
Formal 1950s Men’s Fashion
Below are the staple elements that were worn for a formal 1950s fashion look for men.
Suits (Core of Formalwear)
- Sack suits with a loose fit, broad shoulders, and narrow lapels were a trend for working men in the 1950s men’s fashion.
- Continental and Italian-style suits were also trending, and men were opting for slimmer cuts, higher armholes, and shorter jackets.
- New Edwardian, more famously known as the Teddy Boys influence in Britain, with long jackets and velvet trim, was also a part of professional suiting for 50s men’s fashion.
- Standard fabrics that were used for tailoring were wool, tweed, and flannel.
Shirts & Ties
- Crisp white shirts with pointed collars were a standard for the working class.
- Pastel and light colors were also introduced in this decade for a modern touch.
- Wider ties were in fashion, often with bold geometric or abstract patterns and bright colors. Later on in the decade, the ties also turned a little slimmer and longer, but the colors and textures remained trending the same way.
- Bow ties were still popular for formal dinners and events, and they also changed in size and were a little bigger than before, more colorful, and with more patterns and textures.
Formal Accessories
- Pocket squares, cufflinks, and tie clips were mandatory. I still remember these accessories from my own dad’s wardrobe and how they looked good on him.
- Belts and suspenders were used depending on the outfit choice.
- Felt hats (fedoras, homburgs) often completed the look. Hats became a thing in the 1950s men’s fashion, and they were now more varied, with the inclusion of feathers, or metal and clothing accessories on them.
Shoes
- Oxfords and brogues for formal settings.
- Patent leather shoes for evening wear.
- Tassel loafers were also adopted by professionals, and in 1953, Gucci horsebit loafers were also introduced for the elite class.
Grooming & Hairstyle Pairing
- Side-parted hair or slicked-back styles were usually matched with formal looks.
- Clean-shaven look became the norm in business/formal settings, or clean and thin moustaches were also a part of guys’ 50s style to show delicacy in them.
Casual 1950s Men’s Fashion
The casual fashion in men post World War 2 was more about relaxed dressing, including the relaxed “dad style” to rebellious greaser culture.
1950s Men’s Pants and Jeans
- Blue jeans as casual wear became the favorite casual dressing for men in the 1950s, inspired by James Dean & Marlon Brando. Jeans combined with white shirts and leather jackets became a symbol of youth rebellion.
- Bermuda shorts were also trending in the 1950s, and were worn with high socks and loafers.
- Trousers that were high-waisted, wide, and full throughout the thighs and hips were trending in the early 50s, but later on in the late 50s, a slimmer, more tapered “Ivy League” cut gained popularity in casual trousers.
1950s Men’s Shirts and Polo Styles
- Bowling shirts with an open, “camp” collar were a staple of casual wear.
- Brightly printed Hawaiian Aloha shirts also became a classic summer item, often worn untucked, bringing colors into men’s fashion clothing.
- Knit-polo shirts and plaid shirts were also a casual wear staple.
- Another new trend that was introduced to the 1950s styles of clothing was the T-shirts coming back as proper shirts with jeans and trousers or Bermudas, rather than just being an underwear.
Casual Accessories in 1950s Men’s Fashion
- Narrow and simpler belts were worn with trousers and jeans.
- Casual caps in wool and tweed were also popular.
- Sunglasses like wayfarers and aviators became popular among men, although they were a statement piece that was usually worn to show elitism.
- High socks were also a part of the trend with the Bermuda shorts.
Popular Casual Shoes for Men in the 1950s
Penny loafers, canvas sneakers, saddle shoes, and leather boots were common casual shoes among men in the 50s.
1950s Men’s Jackets and Casual Outerwear
- Leather and Bomber jackets were a part of the greaser trend.
- Cardigan sweaters were also worn casually over shirts, often found in stripes, bright colors, or argyle patterns.
- Letterman jackets and sweaters represented the youth and were often worn by college or high school athletes, showcasing their rank as a known sportsman in their school or college.
Accessories in 1950s Men’s Fashion: Formal vs Casual
As we have already explored them above for both formal and casual 1950s fashion for men, we thought to share a quick recap table for you to know what to pick to create your 1950s-inspired look.
| Accessory | Formal Use (1950s) | Casual Use (1950s) |
| Hats | Fedoras, homburgs, trilbies with business suits | Flat caps, pork pie hats, casual brimmed hats |
| Ties | Wide ties with bold prints; bow ties at dinners; tie clips | Slimmer ties or no tie at all with casual shirts |
| Belts | Leather belts or suspenders with suits | Narrow leather or woven fabric belts with trousers/jeans |
| Jewelry | Cufflinks, tie pins, and signet rings (especially at formal events) | Simple rings, ID bracelets, leather wristbands |
| Watches | Dress watches with slim leather straps | Sporty strap watches, expandable metal bands |
| Glasses | Rimmed spectacles with suits | Wayfarer or aviator sunglasses (status/rebellion symbol) |
Shoes for Men in 1950s Fashion
Let us have a closer and detailed recap of the shoes worn by men in the 1950s. Although we have skimmed the information into a table for comparison, you will know exactly how important they were as an important part of 50s outfits for men.
| Footwear | Formal Use (1950s) | Casual Use (1950s) |
| Oxford Shoes | Classic black/brown Oxfords for business attire | Rare in casual wear |
| Brogues | Brown/black brogues paired with tweed or wool suits | Worn occasionally with smart-casual trousers |
| Patent Leather Shoes | Shiny black patent leather for evening/formal events | Not worn casually |
| Loafers | Tassel loafers and Gucci horsebit loafers (introduced in 1953, for elite/formal settings) | Penny loafers for everyday wear and college style |
| Saddle Shoes | Limited use in semi-formal dance settings | Popular casual shoe among teens/young men |
| Sneakers | Rarely used formally | Canvas sneakers (e.g., Converse Chuck Taylors) in youth culture |
| Boots | Dress boots occasionally for business attire in winter | Leather work boots or motorcycle boots (Greaser culture) |
Popular 1950s Men’s Hairstyles & Haircuts
Mens haircuts in the 50s and the mens 50s hairstyles were a crucial part of their looks. Men used to carry a hair pomade as an important part of their hairstyling tool, because the sleek hair look of the 1950s was a major part of defining their fashion.
While formal styles leaned toward polished side parts and clean cuts, casual fashion embraced the rebellious pompadour and greaser trends.
| Style | Formal Hairstyles (1950s) | Casual Hairstyles (1950s) |
| Haircuts | Side-parted styles, slicked-back with pomade; Ivy League cuts | Pompadour, quiff, messy greaser style, ducktail (DA) |
| Styling | Pomade or Brylcreem for a polished, professional finish | Heavy pomade/grease for rebellious, shiny looks |
| Barber Trends | Regular trims every 2–3 weeks for a sharp appearance | Longer sideburns, less frequent trims among greasers |
Beards, Clean Shave & Grooming Trends in the 1950s
Although beards were a part of the fashion in the 1950s, men decided to go with a clean-shaven look over the beards and big moustaches.
- The men were always seen having a clean-shaven look, either in a formal getup or a casual one.
- The men who went for mustaches preferred to keep them thin to show the delicacy of fashion for men.
- Although the clean-shaven looks were loved by men, a less shaven look with some stubble by James Dean was also a part of the 1950s men’s facial hair trend.
1950s Attire and Modern Fashion: Five Looks You Must Try
Now that we know all the crisp history of 1950 fashion trends in men, let us give you five modern looks with the inclusion of 50s fashion into them for a timeless 1950 revival for the Millennials, Generation Z, and Generation Alpha.
Look 1: Leather Jacket with Jeans and Modern Accessories
This look brings James Dean rebellion into 2025 with tech and bright layering. The classic 1950s leather jacket with jeans was a symbol of rebellion, made famous by icons like James Dean.
- Pair a sleek black leather jacket with slim-fit jeans
- Switch the old boots for modern long boots and sneakers
- Swap the vintage accessories for a smartwatch, Apple AirPods, and a brightly colored tank top layered underneath.
This look will surely bring back the spirit of the 50s guys’ fashion alive while adding today’s modern fashion twist.
Look 2: Polo Shirt with Knit Sweater and Modern Trench
Look 2 is Ivy League meets streetwear. In the 1950s, polo shirts and knitwear were Ivy League staples, perfect for smart casual occasions, but we are reviving this look with a modern twist, to blend the 1950s styles of clothing with today’s layering trends.
- Layer a crisp polo with a knitted sweater
- Add a tailored trench coat.
- Top it off with an old-school hat.
- Complete the look with modern leather sneakers and a patterned scarf.
Look 3: Bermuda Shorts and Streetwear Fusion
Look 3 makes 50s Bermudas fresh for today’s streetwear crowd. To bring Bermuda shorts into today’s casual city vibe dressing with a revival of 50s outfits for men:
- Choose relaxed-fit Bermudas with a graphic tee or hoodie.
- Accessorize this with a smartwatch, smartphone, and modern headphones.
- Swap 50s loafers for modern chunky sneakers.
Look 4: Three-Piece Suit with a Modern Edge
Look 4 is pure retro-formal power dressing with a modern beard and business shoes.
- Recreate this timeless look with a modern three-piece suit.
- Keep the waistcoat in contrasting 50s-inspired colors like charcoal and navy.
- Pair it with polished business shoes.
- Keep a groomed beard and a modern hairstyle.
- This look balances the sophistication of 1950s attire with contemporary business fashion.
Look 5: Vintage Jeans with Casual Modern Comfort
Look 5 nails the relaxed, at-home vibe with vintage jeans, but today’s comfort staples.
- Pair vintage 50s styled jeans with a modern T-shirt or hoodie for ultimate comfort.
- Add Crocs or modern slip-ons for a modern casual footwear twist.
- Style your hair in a retro-inspired cut like a messy quiff.
- This look will be an ideal revival of 1950s guys’ clothing while staying home-ready in today’s comfort-first fashion.
Final Remarks
1950s fashion in men was all about rebellion and setting up new trends. From moving away from the utilitarian dressing style to leaving behind the beards, suspenders, and two to three colored dressing attire, men were all about choosing colors, variety, a clean-shaven look, with modern hair styling and accessories choices.
As fashion is cyclical, today we are seeing the revival of 1950s styles of clothing, with a modern fashion twist. We are sure that you have enjoyed looking at the revival looks given by Trendy Fashion Guide, and you will love them even more when you get to try them on for real.
Also, do read our take on Y2K Fashion for Men, and explore the iconic comeback of this fashion trend in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were popular men’s hairstyles in the 1950s?
!950s hairstyles for men that became popular were: side-parted hair, slicked-back styles with pomade, Ivy League cuts, pompadours, quiffs, and the ducktail
What shoes did men wear in the 50s?
Men’s shoes in the 1950s included the polished Oxfords, brogues, and patent leather shoes for formal wear. For casual wear, penny loafers, saddle shoes, Converse-style sneakers, and leather boots were popular.
What fabrics were standard in 1950s men’s clothing?
Wool, tweed, and flannel were the most common fabrics for formal suits. For casual clothing, cotton and polyester were standard, along with the rise of denim as the jeans became the symbol of rebellion.
What accessories completed a man’s outfit in the 1950s?
Accessories for men’s fashion in the 1950s included: wide ties, bow ties, cufflinks, tie clips, leather belts, pocket squares, wristwatches, signet rings, and hats. Sunglasses like wayfarers and aviators also became trendy statement pieces representing elitism.
Were hats still popular in men’s fashion in the 1950s?
Hats were a crucial part of men’s style in the 1950s. Fedoras, homburgs, trilbies, and flat caps were commonly worn, but later on, by the end ofthe decade, they became less popular.
How is 1950s men’s fashion influencing modern style today?
With sustainability as an essential core of fashion in today’s generations, modern men’s fashion often revives 1950s looks such as leather jackets with jeans, polo shirts with knitwear, and tailored three-piece suits. Even 1950s men’s hairstyles like pompadours and slick-backs still trend today and are cherished by the modern generation, proving fashion is cyclical.
