The 1920s was a decade of great social and cultural change and also a time of innovation and creativity in men’s fashion. The influence of jazz music, the rise of automobiles, the prohibition era, and the popularity of movies and sports stars all shaped the way men dressed in the 1920s. Whether you want to channel the style of The Great Gatsby, Peaky Blinders, or Boardwalk Empire, or just learn more about the history of 1920s men’s fashion, this article will guide you through the basics of how to dress like a dapper gentleman in the roaring twenties.
The 1920s Men’s Suit
The suit was the most important and versatile piece of clothing in a 1920s man’s wardrobe. It could be worn for business, formal, or casual occasions, depending on the fabric, color, pattern, and accessories. A typical 1920s suit consisted of a jacket, trousers, and a vest, all made of the same material. The jacket had wide lapels, a high button stance, and three or four buttons up the front. The trousers were high-waisted, wide-legged, cuffed, and held up by suspenders or a belt. The vest had a matching lapel and buttoned up to the chest.
The most common fabrics for suits were wool, tweed, flannel, and corduroy, in solid colors or patterns such as stripes, checks, plaid, and herringbone. The colors ranged from neutral shades of gray, brown, navy, and black, to brighter hues of green, blue, burgundy, and mustard. In the summer, lighter fabrics such as linen, cotton, and seersucker were preferred, in white or pastel colors.
The 1920s Men’s Shirt
Underneath the suit, a 1920s man wore a dress shirt, usually made of cotton or silk, in white or a light color. The shirt had a detachable collar, which could be white or matching the shirt, and either round or pointed. The collar was fastened by a collar pin or a collar bar, which added a touch of elegance and sophistication. The shirt also had a front placket, a breast pocket, and cuffs that required cufflinks.
The most popular style of shirt was the striped shirt, which came in various colors and widths of stripes. Other options were solid-colored shirts, plaid shirts, or checkered shirts. For casual wear, a 1920s man could also opt for a work shirt, which had two chest pockets, a button-down collar, and a softer fabric.
The 1920s Men’s Tie
The tie was an essential accessory for a 1920s man, as it added color, contrast, and personality to his outfit. The tie was usually made of silk, in a variety of patterns such as dots, paisley, floral, geometric, or abstract. The colors were bold and vibrant, such as red, yellow, purple, orange, and green. The tie was tied in a four-in-hand knot, a half-Windsor knot, or a bow tie, and tucked into the vest or the waistband of the trousers.
The tie was often coordinated with the pocket square, which was a small piece of fabric that was folded and inserted into the breast pocket of the jacket. The pocket square could match the tie, or contrast it with a different color or pattern. The pocket square added a touch of flair and refinement to the suit.
The 1920s Men’s Hat
The hat was another important accessory for a 1920s man, as it completed his look and protected his head from the sun, rain, or cold. The hat was usually made of felt, straw, or wool, and came in various shapes and styles. The most common types of hats were:
- The fedora: A soft-brimmed hat with a creased crown and a ribbon band. The fedora was the most popular and versatile hat, as it could be worn with any suit and for any occasion. The fedora came in various colors, such as gray, brown, black, or tan.
- The derby: A hard-brimmed hat with a rounded crown and a narrow band. The derby was a more formal and conservative hat, often worn by businessmen and upper-class gentlemen. The derby was usually black or dark brown.
- The homburg: A hard-brimmed hat with a curled brim and a dent in the crown. The homburg was a more elegant and sophisticated hat, often worn by politicians and celebrities. The homburg was usually gray or black, with a contrasting band.
- The boater: A flat-brimmed hat with a flat crown and a striped band. The boater was a summer hat, made of straw and worn with lighter suits and casual outfits. The boater was usually white or natural, with a red, blue, or green band.
- The panama: A wide-brimmed hat with a dent in the crown and a ribbon band. The panama was also a summer hat, made of straw and worn with linen or cotton suits and tropical outfits. The panama was usually white or cream, with a black or brown band.
- The newsboy: A soft-brimmed hat with a round crown and a button on top. The newsboy was a casual and sporty hat, made of wool or tweed and worn with work clothes or knickers. The newsboy came in various colors and patterns, such as plaid, herringbone, or check.
The 1920s Men’s Shoes
The shoes were the final touch to a 1920s man’s outfit, as they complemented his suit and showed his taste and status. The shoes were usually made of leather, in black, brown, or tan. The most common types of shoes were:
- The oxford: A lace-up shoe with a low heel and a plain or cap toe. The oxford was the most classic and formal shoe, as it could be worn with any suit and for any occasion. The oxford came in various styles, such as brogue, wingtip, or perforated.
- The golf oxford: A lace-up shoe with a low heel and a two-tone color scheme. The golf oxford was a more casual and fun shoe, often worn with knickers and sporty outfits. The golf oxford came in various combinations, such as white and brown, white and black, or white and blue.
- The boot: A lace-up shoe with a high ankle and a plain or cap toe. The boot was a more rugged and practical shoe, often worn by workers or outdoorsmen. The boot came in various materials, such as leather, canvas, or rubber.
- The sneaker: A slip-on shoe with a rubber sole and a canvas upper. The sneaker was a very casual and sporty shoe, often worn by young men or athletes. The sneaker came in various colors, such as white, black, or red.
Conclusion
The 1920s was a golden age of men’s fashion, as men experimented with new styles, fabrics, colors, and patterns, and expressed their individuality and confidence through their clothing. The 1920s men’s fashion was influenced by the social and cultural changes of the decade, as well as by the icons of the era, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Al Capone, Babe Ruth, and Charlie Chaplin. The 1920s men’s fashion is still relevant and inspiring today, as it represents a timeless and elegant look that can be adapted to any modern occasion. Whether you want to dress up for a 1920s themed party, or just add some vintage flair to your wardrobe, you can follow this guide to 1920s men’s fashion and dress like a dapper gentleman.