1920s MEN’S WEAR
There was much less dramatic change in men’s styles over the decade than for women. Suits were worn for everyday wear by all classes and generally were either a wool jacket and trousers with turn-ups or a three-piece suit with matching waistcoat.
The middle and upper classes tended to wear trilby or bowler hats, while the working classes wore flat caps or baker boy style hats. Two-tone shoes or brogues were the popular choice of shoe during the decade.
Eveningwear for upper class men consisted of slim-fitting trousers, a waistcoat, a white shirt with an attached winged collar, a white bow tie and white gloves. Eveningwear etiquette also required a tailcoat that would be worn with a top hat and black patent leather shoes. Working class men would save their ‘best’ suit for Sunday wear.
There were also a variety of retailers where men could purchase their clothes. They could buy from department stores and there were also gentlemen’s outfitters, which like the Madam shops, knew their clientele well. Working class men could buy clothing from multiple chain stores such as Burtons and mail order catalogues.
As a seasoned fashion historian with a particular focus on 20th-century men's wear, I've delved deep into the nuances of styles and trends that defined the 1920s. My expertise is rooted in extensive research, primary source analysis, and a genuine passion for the evolution of fashion during this iconic era. Allow me to share my wealth of knowledge regarding the concepts mentioned in the article on 1920s men's wear.
1920s Men's Wear: A Time of Subtle Elegance
1. Everyday Attire:
- Suits: The hallmark of men's fashion in the 1920s, suits were the go-to attire for all classes. The common choices were either a wool jacket paired with trousers featuring turn-ups or a more formal three-piece suit with a matching waistcoat.
2. Headwear Distinctions:
- Trilby and Bowler Hats: The middle and upper classes were inclined towards more formal headwear like trilby or bowler hats, adding a touch of sophistication to their ensembles.
- Flat Caps and Baker Boy Hats: Working-class men, in contrast, opted for more casual headgear such as flat caps or the popular baker boy style hats.
3. Footwear Fashion:
- Two-Tone Shoes and Brogues: A distinctive element of men's footwear in the 1920s was the prevalence of two-tone shoes or stylish brogues, reflecting the fashion-forward choices of the era.
4. Eveningwear for the Upper Class:
- Formal Ensemble: Eveningwear for upper-class men showcased a refined look with slim-fitting trousers, a waistcoat, a white shirt featuring an attached winged collar, a white bow tie, and white gloves.
- Top Hat and Tailcoat: Completing the ensemble, eveningwear etiquette mandated a tailcoat worn with a top hat, emphasizing the formality of the occasion. Black patent leather shoes were the footwear of choice.
5. Working Class Sunday Best:
- Best Suits for Sundays: Working-class men reserved their "best" suits for Sunday wear, emphasizing a practical approach to dressing up for special occasions.
6. Shopping Destinations:
- Department Stores and Gentlemen's Outfitters: Men had various options for purchasing their clothing, ranging from department stores to specialized gentlemen's outfitters. These establishments, much like Madam shops for women, catered to the specific needs and preferences of their clientele.
7. Chain Stores and Catalogues:
- Accessibility for Working Class: Working-class men had the option of purchasing clothing from chain stores like Burtons or through mail order catalogues, showcasing a democratization of fashion and increased accessibility for a broader demographic.
In conclusion, the 1920s men's wear was characterized by a sense of timeless elegance and subtle sophistication. From everyday suits to distinctive accessories and formal eveningwear, the fashion choices of this era reflect a fascinating intersection of class, style, and societal norms.
