1920s Men’s Fashion: A Roaring Style of the Jazz Age

Fashion:

1920s fashion is also known as the Roaring Twenties, defined by cultural transformation, social revolution, and the rise of modernity. This era, which was prosperous thanks to cultural changes after World War I, also had a significant impact on fashion. 1920s men’s fashion was characterized by sleek sophistication, comfort, and boldness, reflecting the growing sense of freedom and optimism of the time.

From iconic flapper-style suits to more relaxed yet elegant silhouettes, men’s outfits from the 1920s speak of perfect refinement within the bounds of relaxation. This ranges from high society fashion in jazz clubs to the profane look, which also has many differences and many styles.

Major Features of Fashion in the 1920s for Men:

Fashion:

1. The Classic Suit

The quintessential icon of the men’s scene in the 1920s was the suit. Jackets with a marked cut, with wide lapels, a looser and more relaxed cut than in the previous decade. Its silhouette was long and slender, with a natural curve at the waist, instead of the more restrictive styles of previous years.

• Three-piece suits were the man’s staple and consisted of a jacket with a vest and trousers for an overall tailored look. Vests were also rarely worn with a tie.
• Trousers: The loose-fitting high-waisted trousers were the order of the day. The pleats added to the comfortableness of the loose-fitting style of the pants. The bottoms of the pants were wide and loose, giving room for more mobility than the narrow trousers of the previous decade.
• Double-Breasted Jackets: Double-breasted jackets became very popular in the 1920s. They were considered more formal and classy, usually with contrasting trousers.

2. The Flat Cap and Fedora

Of course, accessories completed the look of the man of the 1920s. Among all the other accessories, probably the one that was most identified with the working man’s wardrobe was the flat cap. That elegant and comfortable hat that the bourgeoisie adopted for the casual look beyond the proletariat.

On the other hand, the fedora hat, made of felt with a soft brim, was more common among the upper class and figures of the jazz age. It symbolized elegance and was associated with people who used to attend high society clubs during the era.

3. Casual Attire

Fashion:

While men were mostly wearing formal suits for work or other social events. The 1920s also represented a more casual approach, moving away from the structured, stiff clothing of previous years.

• Sporty Looks: The sporty and leisurely styles of dressing were taken on by men for golfing, boating, or playing tennis. Casual wear became a part of their clothes as they included knitted sweaters, loose trousers, and blazers. Soft, light fabrics such as linen were used in the clothing. They would give comfort and also a very relaxed elegance.
• Shirts and Ties: Men’s shirts were crisp and formal with a button-down collar. Ties were an integral part of the outfit, and the bow tie or necktie became fashionable, often featuring bold patterns and colors.

4. The Role of the Color Palette

For men, 1920s fashion was characterized by a subtle yet elegant use of color. Although most suits were in darker colors, such as charcoal, navy blue, and brown, lighter colors, such as cream and gray, were seen in the summer. For casual or evening wear, gentlemen experimented with lighter shades or even prints.

Striped suits provided individuality and elegant style. In the 1920s, men were not afraid to let their personality shine through their clothes, and houndstooth or checkered prints became almost fashionable.

5. Jazz and the culture of flappers

The Jazz era was very important in the shaping of men’s fashion in the 1920s. Inspired by the free-spirited lifestyle of jazz musicians and flappers, men’s fashion was characterized by a need to be bold, youthful, and free-spirited.

• The Zoot Suit: In the late 1920s and into the 1930s, the Zoot suit emerged, characterized by a more flamboyant look with oversized jackets and high-waisted, pegged trousers. This was an early precursor to the more exaggerated styles of the 1930s.
• Tuxedos and Formal Attire: For occasions such as special nights or other significant events, males donned tuxedos. It was the total man-about-town look by way of a satin lapel on a white shirt topped by a bow tie. That night out at the jazz club or a high-society dinner party was marked when he donned the tuxedo.

How to Acquire 1920s Men’s Fashion for the Present:

Fashion:

It is easy to achieve this look nowadays as vintage clothing stores and modern designers find inspiration in historic influences. To get this look of the 1920s men’s style:

• Go for a tailored suit: a well-tailored suit is the focal point of a 1920s look. Consider suits with clean lines and subtle patterns such as pinstripes or houndstooth.
  Select iconic accessories. A fedora or a flat cap can do a complete transformation for your outfit, but pocket squares, cuff links, or an antique clock can also give a luxurious touch.
• Attempt to find a balance of casual-chic pieces: Pairing a blazer with trousers and a shirt in an informal way is pretty much a perfect solution.
• Play with color: The 1920s were rich, muted tones, so consider dark suits for evening wear or go lighter with creams and greys for daytime.

FAQs about 1920s Men’s Fashion:

Fashion:

1. What styles of shoes were men wearing in the 1920s?

The 1920s were highly dominated by oxfords, derby shoes, and also by brogues. Other more casual looks included loafers or boots, but on the formal event, he wore shiny black leather shoes that matched his suit.

2. How did the 1920s influence modern fashion?

The fashion of the 1920s contributed significantly to the development of modern menswear. The most important factors include the emergence of the tailored suit, the incorporation of casual yet fashionable clothing such as blazers and trousers, and accessories including hats and ties. The emphasis on comfort and personal style continues to influence modern menswear.

3. Was the 1920s fashion only for the rich?

While high-society men did indeed wear the lavish styles of the 1920s, such as double-breasted suits and tuxedos, much of 1920s fashion was attainable for the working class. The flat cap was a versatile, accessible accessory, and more affordable versions of suits and shirts were popular across social classes.

4. What is the difference between a 1920s and a 1930s suit?

The 1920s suit was much looser, often with wider lapels, pleated trousers, and a very relaxed waistline. Suits from the 1930s are tailored and feature narrower lapels, tighter trousers, and a higher waistline. It is during this period that the silhouette changes from relaxed to more structured due to the pressure of the Great Depression.

5. In what ways did hairstyles in men reflect 1920s fashion?

During the 1920s, men wore short hair that was combed neat and flat. Some of the popular styles in the 1920s included slicked-back, side-parted, clean-cut styles that matched the sharp suits and formal wear of the time. For men who wanted to be more edgy during the late 1920s, the pompadour or some other voluminous style fit the bill.

Conclusion:

Fashion:

1920s men’s fashion was revolutionary and broke away from the strict styles of the past as it contained all the elements: stylish accessories, tailored suits, and a mix of casual and formal wear. This made the Roaring ’20s an era of modernity and self-expression. Whether it was the sleek double-breasted suits of the Jazz Age or the fun, sporty-inspired looks, men in the ’20s were defined by their elegance and confidence, raising a timeless standard for men’s fashion that continues to this day.