In the 1930s men’s fashion tended to be less formal. Boxy sack suits and striped shirts with detachable collars became the norm.
Pantolettes now have front creases that add bulk and structure. Shirts gained soft collar points. Men wore hats, fedoras, wood watches and newsboy caps to finish their look.
The 1920s
Menswear in the 1920s was also a simple style, with soft collars, one- or two button suit jackets without waistcoats. Pinstripes were a favorite, as was the British wool and craftsmanship that distinguished Savile Row. Popular colors included dark browns, tans, and grays. Younger men opted for softer turndown and detachable collars, while older and upper-class gentlemen preferred the more traditional starched bib fronts.
Morning suits and short tuxedos were the norm for formal occasions, while everyday attire centered around sweaters, flat-front trousers, and a pleated shirt. No ensemble was complete without the crowning touch of a hat, ranging from fedoras to bowlers and beyond. The resulting look was elegant and refined, with a balance of comfort, sophistication, and elegance. Douglas Fairbanks and Rudolph Valentino were the icons of the era, exemplifying its dandyish flare.
The 1930s
In the 1930s, grooming and appearance were taken very seriously by men. Hair was usually short and parted to the side, and often slicked down with pomade to give it a glossy, controlled appearance.
Sports coats and polo shirt became popular in the decade. These lightweight styles lent a casual look to an outfit and allowed for a variety of layers when needed.
Double-breasted suits were another staple of the era, as they offered a formal, sophisticated look. No outfit was complete without the fedora! The flat-fronted trousers of this era were also very flattering, and they gave the appearance of a longer leg. The 1930s style continues to influence men’s fashion today. This is because it emphasizes timeless styles and premium materials. These elements provide a refined and elegant aesthetic that is still desired today.
The 1940s
The 1940s were a decade characterized by style and sophistication. Sharp tailoring, refined grooming, and sharp tailoring were the key elements of a man’s appearance. Double-breasted suits and wider trousers were in. Wider ties were also popular in patterns with bright colors. In addition, men wore longer collar points, which were often adorned with tie pins. In the first half of the 20th century, rationing caused some styles to stagnate. Utility suits replaced the previous styles.
As the war ended, men’s fashion began to sober up, with fabric rationing and cutbacks in clothing production leading to a desire for practicality over style. Sweaters remained a staple, with cotton pique being popular. Hawaiian shirts were popular as casual wear, with their bright tropical prints providing a welcome break from the somber attire of the era. Suspenders allowed men to keep their pants up without using belts.
The 1950s
After the war, the rationing was lifted. Life became a bit more relaxed. This led to a change in the style of men’s clothing. Suits were no longer adorned with shoulder pads, ties became thinner and hats became narrower at the brim.
Three-piece suits remained popular for formal occasions, while sports jackets and casual clothing styles gained traction. Boxy jeans, polo shirts and car coats were popular among young men. Older men opted for corduroys and plaids.
During this time, Hollywood still had a strong influence on fashion. Actors wore styles that soon became popular with the rest. Rock Hudson Gregory Peck Cary Grant and other movie stars influenced fashion with their stylish look. A new generation of rebellious young people – known in Britain as Teddy Boys and in America as jocks – also appeared.
The 1960s
In the 1960s, men re-examined masculinity’s outdated rules. They looked to pop culture for inspiration, adopting bold colors and new patterns.
Tighter fits showed off youthful bodies and accentuated curves. Skirts often reached the hip and were worn with a matching jacket. Dress shirts came in pastels and patterned prints, balanced by skinny ties that widened to classic width to accommodate thin coat lapels.
Fashion-conscious youth was inspired by models like Twiggy, Jean Shrimpton, and Penelope Tree. Some dresses had hemlines that reached just above the ankle. Others were made from chiffon or crocheted lace with large tent shapes or psychedelic patterns. Evening dresses sparkled in sequins or beads.
The 1970s
The 1970s marked a break from the clean, classic look of previous decades. This was the era of disco style and punk fashion, where men’s clothing became more flamboyant and bold in color.
In the 70s, men wore a lot of wide-collar shirts. Electric blue was a popular color for tailoring. Platform styles became more popular, as did chunkier shoes.
Many menswear brands are reinterpreting this era today. A good example is the sleeveless shirt with wide lapels from AW18 from Edward Sexton, paired here with a navy sportcoat and workshirt. It’s a style with a bold silhouette that looks sophisticated and cool. Husbands Paris has a similar style, here paired with cords and jeans. The low button stance can also be reimagined by using trousers that taper at the thigh.
The 1980s
The ’80s style captured a sense boldness and individuality. Men found new ways to express their personalities. From power dressing to rebellious punk rock, the decade introduced trends that are still popular today.
In the ’80s, casual wear also became more popular. Men’s denim jeans became a mainstay in every wardrobe, and double-denim styles were stylish. Varsity jackets, featuring bold lettering and team logos, were a trendy fashion choice for young people.
Sportswear also took center stage, with tracksuits, sneakers, and workout tanks blurring the lines between exercise and casual wear. Don Johnson from Miami Vice exemplified the use of stylish loafers and polos as an alternative for formal business attire. Also popular were parachute pants, full-length trousers that tapered at the ankles and made famous by MC Hammer. These were often made of nylon “windbreaker” material.
The 1990s
The 1990s saw a shift in men’s fashion, as they embraced a more casual look influenced by hip-hop and rave culture. The 1990s saw young men adopt oversized flannel, band T-shirts, cardigan sweaters and Converse shoes. Kurt Cobain’s ripped jeans also sent a rebellious message.
Men also liked to wear graphic tees in large sizes with popular logos and brands. These tees were often worn with baggy pants or cargo shorts, and sometimes paired with a baseball cap.
Suits became more relaxed, with looser fitting jackets and roomier pants. In the 90s men’s clothing also began to feature bold patterns and fabrics. For example, pinstripes and checks were paired with wide lapels for a more powerful look. Shirt collars also became longer and pointed.
The 2000s
Styles were more diverse than ever during this decade. Men wore dresses over jeans or velour tracksuits.
Baggy pants with multiple pockets and shorts were a major fashion trend that combined function and style. They were paired together with graphic tees, which were larger than normal shirts and featured bold prints. This look was heavily influenced by hip-hop culture and iconic pop stars.
Also popular in the 2000s was a type of formalwear that looked like your grandpa’s cardigan. It’s a fad that’s currently making a comeback, as dudes are layering J.Crew dress shirts over skinny jeans and adding bow ties or suspenders. It’s a weird fusion of influences that makes for some very strange outfits. It’s nice to see that men aren’t scared to experiment with style. It’s what keeps fashion interesting.
The 2010s
The 2010s saw some significant shifts that influenced men’s fashion. Streetwear has become a global phenomena thanks to Instagram and its “drop culture”, which allowed brands like Supreme or Off White to become big.
Men began to embrace resortwear as a new exciting category, reflecting the desire for style, comfort and ease of use. Sneakers (especially white ones) and stylish loafers have become extremely popular.
The decade saw influencers overtake models as style icons. It was a groovy time to be alive. Ryan Gosling, who wore a silk pyjama top and tuxedo in Drive to give a broodingly moving performance, helped him become a face of men’s fashion. The fannypack also made a return in this decade.
