• WORDS: A. FOZZARD
Post-war Britain was a happy place to be. And it was a very fashionable place to be too.
With celebrations in full swing, men’s style stepped up a gear. Rules relaxed and purse strings loosened, simply because people once again had money in their pockets. That meant people had the time, the cash and the flexibility to think about what they wanted to wear (for a little while, anyway). Men’s trendsetters were born, from the Duke of Windsor to Jay Gatsby.
But what about the working classes of the 1920s? These men didn’t have the cash to spend on a wardrobe of suits – they needed one or two that would work for all occasions. Practicality was key, and they needed to last.
1920S MEN’S FASHION: WORKING CLASS
Thick, made-to-last fabrics were a popular choice, like tweed, Donegal and herringbone. They were heavy and warm, often worn with a long overcoat in winter. Baker boy and flat caps were also staples, as were pleated trousers.
How to do it today? Look for suits made in these rich materials. There are plenty out there, but they’re now designed to be more lightweight and wearable. Bring the look into the 21st century with a slim or tailored fit suit that’s more frame-defining. Complete the look with the signature cap.
Shop the 1920s look here.
1920S MEN’S FASHION: GANGSTERS
Since they often had working-class roots, gangsters in the 1920s also wore suits in these heavy fabrics. But because they had a bit more money (and most definitely wanted to show off), they’d go all out with accessories. Tie clips, collar pins, armbands, smart ties and round collars were all part of the look. Collars were actually separate in the 1920s and men had to fix them to their shirts, so they’d often have them in white to contrast with a coloured shirt. Flat caps were popular, but some men chose a fedora if they wanted to go all out.
Get the look with some well-chosen shirts and accessories to go with your heritage fabric suit. A penny collar shirt (one with rounded collar tips), knitted tie and tie clip are all you need. Take a peek at our 1920s fashion edit here.
1920S MEN’S FASHION: EVENINGWEAR
Full evening dress was out, dinner jackets were in. The 1920s saw the rise of the tux, complete with shawl or peak lapels and satin. They were often worn with white waistcoats and bow ties.
White tuxedos were a symbol of wealth, so men wanting to make a statement sometimes opted for one of these. And what we know today as the classic black tux was midnight blue in the ‘20s, because it actually looked darker under the lights.
It’s easy to replicate this look with a classic tux. Finish it off with a Marcella shirt featuring stud buttons, a black bow tie and a pocket square.
FAQs
Since they often had working-class roots, gangsters in the 1920s also wore suits in these heavy fabrics. But because they had a bit more money (and most definitely wanted to show off), they'd go all out with accessories. Tie clips, collar pins, armbands, smart ties and round collars were all part of the look.
What were the new men's styles of the 1920s? ›
Form-fitting suit jackets, three-piece suits, and cuffed pants with creases created a strong silhouette for men of the era. Casual wear became even more casual, with sportswear making its debut to include sweaters, baggy pants, jumpers, and caps paired with an abundance of accessories to express themselves.
What did rich men wear in the 1920s? ›
The 1920s men's fashion of evening wear looks traditional by wearing a tailcoat and a traditional hat on the top. In evening wear, many men used to add a dinner jacket to their outfit, which is commonly known as the Tuxedo coat. The Tuxedo jacket replaced the tailcoats because of the comfortable evening wear to men.
How did people dress in 1920 male? ›
Although leisure attire gained traction, formal styles were still very much in vogue. For example, men's formal evening wear often included a tuxedo, top hat, and leather oxford shoes. For formal and semi-formal settings, men would often wear tweed, herringbone, or pinstripe suits in navy blue, gray, or brown colors.
What did poor people wear in the 1920s? ›
Work clothes
Rayon, an artificial silk fabric, was most common for working-class women clothing. For working-class men in the 1920s, suits were popular.
What did lower class men wear in 1920? ›
1920S MEN'S FASHION: WORKING CLASS
They were heavy and warm, often worn with a long overcoat in winter. Baker boy and flat caps were also staples, as were pleated trousers. How to do it today? Look for suits made in these rich materials.
What did middle class men wear in the 1920s? ›
Deeply influenced by British style, American men in the 1920s embraced a dandyish flair with classically tailored linen, tweed, and wool suits accented by colorful ties, bow ties, and pocket squares.
What is 1920s style called? ›
The flapper style is the style most people think of when they think of 1920s fashion. Flapper women chopped off their hair into a short, almost masculine style. They wore short, loose fitting dresses. Big, fancy, straw hats gave way to smaller hats such as cloches, a simple hat shaped like the bell of a flowerpot.
What do men wear to a speakeasy? ›
Speakeasies are known for their stylish and sophisticated atmosphere, so you should dress up for the occasion. This might mean wearing a suit or a blazer and dress pants for men. For women, a co*cktail dress or a stylish jumpsuit would be appropriate. Avoid wearing anything too casual, such as jeans or sneakers.
How to dress like a rich old man? ›
Old Money Style: Embracing Timeless Wardrobe Staples
- Impeccable custom-made suits.
- Sophisticated blazers.
- High-quality dress shirts.
- Versatile polo shirts.
- Classic dress pants.
- Refined chinos.
- Contemporary jeans.
- Supreme tuxedos.
The typical 1920s businessman wore a three-piece suit with a hat to match. Unless you were a tradesman, athlete, or student, your suit would constitute your everyday attire. Men's suits were typically made from heavy materials like wool, tweed, flannel, or corduroy.
Did men wear jeans in 1920s? ›
A working-class man in the 1920s might be spotted in a shirt and tie with jeans held up by suspenders. Paired with a jacket, the look was finished with a flat cap.
What did the lower class wear in the 1920s? ›
Working class women wore simpler ready-to-wear or homemade versions of fashionable styles made from plainer, lower quality cloth. Generally eveningwear comprised a dress with the hemline varying between the knee and the ankle.
What did rich men wear in the 1930s? ›
Suits of the 1930s typically had high waists and slightly tapered, creased trousers with turned-up cuffs. Younger men preferred baggier trousers and longer jackets. Suits were darker blue, brown, or gray for cooler weather, with lighter tones for warm weather. Bold patterns included stripes, checks, and plaids.
What was the most famous dress of 1920s? ›
The Flapper Dress ignited this change as it is relatively simple in terms of style and came to just below the knee in length (scandalously short for the time). The silhouette in the 1920s was known as, 'la garçonne' which illustrated the youthful figure which was desired by many women throughout the '20s.
What style was popular in the 1920s? ›
Also known as the flapper, the look typified 1920s dress with a dropped waist and creeping hemlines that could be created in economical fabrics. Coco Chanel helped popularize this style (Fig.
What were fashion trends in the 1900S men? ›
1900S: TALL, LONG & LEAN
Three-piece suits consisting of a sack coat with matching waistcoat and trousers were worn, as were matching coat and waistcoat with contrasting trousers, or matching coat and trousers with contrasting waistcoat.
