The 1920s, often referred to as the Roaring Twenties, was a decade of dramatic social, cultural, and economic change. Known for its exuberance, jazz music, and the rise of flapper culture, this era also witnessed a significant transformation in men’s fashion. The styles that emerged during this time were a reflection of the newfound freedom and modernity that characterized the post-World War I period.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at 1920s men’s fashion, exploring the trends, key garments, and the cultural influences that shaped the distinctive style of this unforgettable decade.

The Influence of the Roaring Twenties on Men’s Fashion

The 1920s was a time of great prosperity and social change. After the hardships of World War I, society was eager to embrace new beginnings, which was reflected in the fashion of the time. Men’s fashion in the 1920s broke away from the rigid formality of previous decades and adopted a more relaxed yet sophisticated style.

This decade saw men moving away from the Victorian and Edwardian emphasis on heavy, constricting garments and embracing a more streamlined, comfortable silhouette. The introduction of mass production and ready-to-wear clothing also made fashion more accessible, allowing men of all classes to partake in the latest trends.

Key Elements of 1920s Men’s Fashion

The Three-Piece Suit: The Cornerstone of 1920s Style

At the heart of 1920s men’s fashion was the three-piece suit, which consisted of a jacket, trousers, and a waistcoat (also known as a vest). This ensemble was the epitome of sophistication and was worn by men for both day-to-day activities and formal occasions.

Single-Breasted vs. Double-Breasted Jackets

During the early 1920s, men favored single-breasted jackets with narrow lapels. However, by the mid-decade, double-breasted jackets with wider lapels started to gain popularity. Men frequently paired these jackets with matching trousers and a waistcoat, which added an extra layer of formality and flair to their outfits.

Trousers: High-Waisted and Pleated

In the 1920s, men preferred high-waisted trousers that sat at or above the natural waistline, which elongated the legs and provided a polished appearance. As the decade progressed, pleats became more common, giving trousers a roomier fit and enhancing comfort. Additionally, many trousers featured cuffs, known as turn-ups, which further contributed to their growing popularity.

The Waistcoat: A Staple of 1920s Attire

The waistcoat served as an essential component of the three-piece suit and came in various styles and fabrics. Some waistcoats matched the suit for a cohesive look, while others introduced contrasting fabrics like tweed or wool to add an extra element of style. Typically, men buttoned up their waistcoats, leaving only the bottom button undone, a trend that remains in men’s fashion today.

Casual Wear: The Rise of Sportswear and the Lounge Suit

The 1920s also saw the rise of casual wear for men, a stark contrast to the more formal attire of previous decades. As leisure activities became more popular, men’s fashion adapted to include more comfortable and practical clothing.

The Lounge Suit

The lounge suit, which was less formal than the traditional three-piece suit, became increasingly popular during the 1920s. It consisted of a jacket and trousers, often worn without a waistcoat, and was suitable for informal or semi-formal occasions. The lounge suit marked a significant shift towards the more relaxed styles that would dominate men’s fashion in the decades to come.

Sportswear

With the growing popularity of sports like tennis, golf, and sailing, sportswear became an integral part of men’s wardrobes. Knitted sweaters, polo shirts, and plus-fours (baggy knickers worn for golf) were common in sportswear, offering both style and functionality. The focus was on comfort and ease of movement, which aligned with the overall trend towards more casual attire.

Shirts and Ties: The Quintessential 1920s Pairing

In the 1920s, men typically wore shirts made of cotton or linen, and these shirts featured detachable collars. This design allowed men to easily swap out collars, adjusting them to match the formality of the occasion. White, pastel shades, and stripes were the most popular shirt colors, and men often chose collars in contrasting colors to add a stylish touch.

The Detachable Collar

Detachable collars, a hallmark of 1920s men’s fashion, played a significant role in defining the era’s style. Men attached these stiff, often starched collars to their shirts using collar studs, which gave the shirt a crisp, clean appearance. Although white collars dominated, colored and patterned collars also gained popularity, especially for less formal occasions.

Ties: A Splash of Color and Pattern

Ties in the 1920s were an essential accessory and came in a variety of colors, patterns, and fabrics. Silk ties were particularly popular, often featuring bold patterns like stripes, checks, or Art Deco designs. The Windsor knot, invented by the Duke of Windsor, became a popular way to tie a necktie, creating a wide, triangular knot that complemented the wide lapels of the era.

Footwear: The Finishing Touch to 1920s Attire

Footwear in the 1920s was just as important as the clothing, with men’s shoes reflecting the elegance and sophistication of the time. Two-tone shoes, often in black and white or brown and white, were particularly fashionable and were worn with both formal and casual outfits.

Oxford Shoes

The quintessential 1920s men’s shoe, the Oxford, defined the era’s fashion. Men often chose these lace-up shoes, crafted from leather, which came in various styles, including plain, cap-toe, and wingtip. Their clean lines and polished appearance firmly established Oxford shoes as a staple of 1920s men’s fashion.

Two-Tone Shoes

For a bolder choice, men turned to two-tone shoes, which added a touch of flair to their outfits. Known as spectators, these shoes made a statement, particularly among jazz musicians and dancers of the time.

Headwear: The Iconic Hats of the 1920s

A 1920s outfit never felt complete without a hat. Headwear played a crucial role in a man’s wardrobe, with different styles selected for various occasions.

The Fedora

The fedora was arguably the most iconic hat of the 1920s. Made from felt, it featured a soft brim and a creased crown, often with a ribbon around the base. The fedora was versatile, being suitable for both formal and casual wear, and it became synonymous with the sophisticated, dapper style of the Roaring Twenties.

The Homburg

For more formal occasions, men often wore the homburg, a hat similar to the fedora but with a stiffer brim and a center dent on the crown. The homburg was popularized by King Edward VII and became a symbol of elegance and refinement.

The Flat Cap

The flat cap, also known as a newsboy cap or ivy cap, was a more casual option and was often worn by working-class men. Made from wool or tweed, the flat cap featured a short brim and a rounded crown. It was a practical choice for everyday wear and became a staple of 1920s casual fashion.

The Cultural Impact of 1920s Men’s Fashion

The 1920s was a decade of significant cultural shifts, and men’s fashion was no exception. The styles of the time were influenced by a range of factors, including the economic prosperity of the post-war period, the rise of jazz music, and the increasing importance of cinema.

Hollywood’s Influence

Hollywood played a crucial role in popularizing 1920s men’s fashion. The advent of the “talkies” and the rise of film stars like Rudolph Valentino and Charlie Chaplin brought the latest styles to the masses. Men across the world sought to emulate the dapper looks of their favorite film stars, further cementing the importance of fashion in everyday life.

The Jazz Age and the Flapper Movement

The Jazz Age was a defining feature of the 1920s, and it had a profound impact on men’s fashion. The rise of jazz music and the popularity of dance clubs led to the creation of more relaxed and comfortable clothing that allowed for ease of movement. The flapper movement, although primarily associated with women’s fashion, also influenced men’s styles, particularly in terms of adopting more daring and unconventional looks.

Social and Economic Shifts

The economic prosperity of the 1920s meant that men had more disposable income to spend on fashion. This led to an increased demand for stylish, ready-to-wear clothing that reflected the modern, optimistic spirit of the time. Men’s fashion became a way to showcase one’s status and success, with sharp, well-tailored suits being a symbol of wealth and sophistication.

Legacy of 1920s Men’s Fashion

The fashion trends of the 1920s have undeniably left a lasting legacy, with many elements of the era’s style continuing to influence modern men’s fashion. Notably, the emphasis on tailored suits, the popularity of the fedora, and the introduction of casual wear are all trends that have endured and evolved over time. As we look at contemporary fashion, it’s clear that the 1920s have provided a foundational style blueprint that still resonates today.

Modern Takes on 1920s Fashion

Today, the influence of 1920s men’s fashion is unmistakable in the resurgence of vintage styles and the ongoing popularity of tailored suits and accessories like the fedora. Designers frequently draw inspiration from the sleek, sophisticated looks of the Roaring Twenties, often incorporating these classic elements into contemporary fashion collections. This continued homage to 1920s fashion illustrates how timeless and adaptable the era’s style remains, even in the ever-changing world of fashion.

The Enduring Appeal of the Roaring Twenties

The Roaring Twenties remains a symbol of elegance, sophistication, and cultural dynamism. Men’s fashion from this era continues to captivate and inspire, proving that true style is timeless. Whether it’s through a sharp three-piece suit, a pair of two-tone shoes, or a classic fedora, the essence of 1920s men’s fashion lives on, offering a glimpse into a time when style was not just about clothing, but a way of life.