The 1920s is remembered as one of the most fashionable decades of the 20th century. Known as the Roaring Twenties, this was a period of cultural change, economic growth, and social transformation.
While women’s flapper dresses and bobbed haircuts often take the spotlight, men’s fashion during the 1920s was equally groundbreaking.
From the sharp three-piece suit to the rise of casual sportswear, men embraced new styles that reflected confidence, modernity, and the excitement of a post-war world.
The Jazz Age brought elegance into everyday wear, while Hollywood glamorized the idea of dressing well.
In this article, we’ll explore everything about 1920s men’s fashion, from suits and casualwear to shoes, hats, and grooming. Lets get started!
The Influence of Society on 1920s Men’s Fashion
The end of World War I changed the way people lived and dressed. Soldiers returned home, cities expanded, and nightlife culture exploded. Jazz clubs, speakeasies, and underground bars gave men a new stage to showcase their style.
Fashion became less rigid than in the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Comfort started to matter, but style was never compromised. Clothing became a reflection of freedom, wealth, and personality.
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The booming economy meant that more men could afford multiple suits, shoes, and accessories. Even the working class, influenced by films and advertisements, adopted affordable versions of high fashion.
“In the 1920s, a man was judged by the cut of his suit and the shine of his shoes.” – A fashion columnist from a 1925 magazine
The 1920s Men’s Suit – The Cornerstone of Fashion
The three-piece suit was the foundation of a man’s wardrobe. Worn at work, in social gatherings, and even for casual outings, suits were considered essential for every man.
Key Features of a 1920s Suit
- Trousers – High-waisted, wide-legged, and often cuffed at the ankles. They gave a bold silhouette.
- Jackets – Both single- and double-breasted jackets were popular, cut shorter and slimmer than pre-war versions.
- Vests (Waistcoats) – Often matching the jacket and trousers, but contrasting waistcoats were a fashion statement.
- Patterns and Colors – Checks, pinstripes, and plaids were widely worn. Lighter shades like beige, cream, and pastel colors were fashionable in spring and summer.
Key Differences in Men’s Suits (1910s vs. 1920s)
| Feature | 1910s Style | 1920s Style |
|---|---|---|
| Jacket Cut | Long, loose, formal | Shorter, slim, modern |
| Trousers | Straight, narrow | Wide-legged, cuffed |
| Waistcoats | Dark, conservative | Lighter, patterned or contrasting |
| Colors | Mostly dark (black, navy, gray) | Wide variety (tan, cream, pastels) |
| Fit | Stiff and formal | Relaxed but sharp |
The 1920s suit combined comfort with elegance, creating a timeless look that remains fashionable even today.
Shirts, Ties, and Accessories
Shirts and accessories gave men the chance to show personality within the framework of a suit.
- Dress Shirts – White remained the standard, but striped and pastel-colored shirts grew in popularity. Many had detachable collars, which were starched for crispness.
- Collars – Rounded club collars, wingtip collars, and pointed collars were all fashionable.
- Neckties – Wide ties with bold geometric or Art Deco-inspired patterns were in style.
- Bow Ties – Popular for evening events and social gatherings.
- Pocket Squares – A neatly folded silk pocket square completed the look.
- Suspenders (Braces) – Belts were rare, so suspenders held trousers in place.
“No gentleman in the Jazz Age would dare leave the house without a tie, a hat, and polished shoes.” – A men’s fashion guide, 1927
Casual Wear: Sports and Leisure Fashion
For the first time in modern fashion history, men embraced casual clothing. Sports influenced style, and comfort became important outside formal events.
- Plus-fours (knickerbockers) – Loose knee-length trousers worn for golf and leisure activities.
- Sweaters and Cardigans – Knitted vests and pullovers were paired with shirts and ties.
- Blazers and Sport Coats – Often striped or brightly colored, worn with slacks.
- Casual Hats – Flat caps and straw boaters became popular for daytime wear.
Popular Casual Clothing in the 1920s
| Clothing Item | Description | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Plus-fours | Loose knee-length trousers | Golf, leisure, sports |
| Sweater vests | Knitted sleeveless pullovers | Casual wear, layering |
| Cardigans | Buttoned knitwear jackets | Relaxed, at home fashion |
| Blazers | Bright or striped lightweight jackets | Semi-formal, summer events |
| Flat caps | Wool or tweed caps with rounded crowns | Casual, everyday wear |
This new wave of casualwear marked a cultural shift: men could now look stylish without a full suit.
Footwear: From Oxfords to Two-Tone Shoes
Shoes were a crucial part of 1920s men’s fashion. No outfit was complete without polished footwear.
- Oxford Shoes – The most common lace-up dress shoe, perfect for formal suits.
- Two-Tone Shoes (Spectator Shoes) – Black-and-white or brown-and-white shoes became a trend among stylish young men.
- Wingtip Brogues – Decorative and versatile, worn for both formal and casual occasions.
- Boots – Less common by the 1920s but still worn in colder regions.
Hats: Essential Accessories of the 1920s
Hats were not optional in the 1920s – every man wore one. They varied depending on occasion and season.
- Fedora – The most iconic hat of the decade, worn by businessmen and socialites.
- Boater Hat – A stiff straw hat, perfect for summer outings.
- Newsboy Cap – Casual, affordable, and popular with both working-class and fashionable young men.
- Homburg and Bowler Hats – Still worn but less dominant than in earlier decades.
Popular Hats of the 1920s
| Hat Type | Material | Occasion | Fashion Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fedora | Felt (wool or fur) | Business, daily wear | Iconic and fashionable |
| Boater | Straw | Summer, casual events | Trendy, youthful |
| Newsboy Cap | Wool, tweed | Casual, everyday wear | Working-class to stylish |
| Homburg | Felt | Formal, business events | Conservative elegance |
“A man without a hat in the 1920s looked unfinished, as though he had left home in a hurry.” – Historian on 1920s culture
Hollywood’s Role in 1920s Men’s Fashion
The rise of Hollywood had a massive impact on fashion. Actors like Rudolph Valentino, Douglas Fairbanks, and Charlie Chaplin influenced men worldwide. Their elegant suits, slicked-back hair, and stylish shoes set the standard for modern masculinity.
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Cinemas showed glamorous lifestyles, inspiring men to copy what they saw on screen. For the first time, fashion was mass-influenced by celebrity culture.
Hairstyles and Grooming
Men’s grooming was just as important as clothing.
- Hair – Short on the sides, longer on top, slicked back with pomade for shine.
- Side Part – The most popular hairstyle, giving a neat and polished look.
- Facial Hair – Clean-shaven was the standard, though thin mustaches occasionally appeared.
Personal grooming reflected the overall trend of the 1920s: clean, sharp, and elegant.
Special Occasions: Weddings and Evening Wear
Formal evening events required extra sophistication.
- Tuxedos – Worn with satin lapels and bow ties.
- White Tie Attire – The most formal dress code, with a tailcoat, winged collar shirt, and white bow tie.
- Weddings – Grooms wore morning suits or tuxedos, often with silk hats and gloves.
1920s Gangster Fashion
The Prohibition era and the rise of organized crime brought another unique style: the gangster look. Popularized by figures like Al Capone, this included:
- Pinstripe suits
- Wide-brimmed fedoras
- Two-tone shoes
- Pocket watches and cigars
This look became a symbol of power, wealth, and rebellion in the 1920s.
Conclusion: The Lasting Legacy of 1920s Men’s Fashion
The 1920s transformed men’s fashion forever. It was a decade of elegance, innovation, and experimentation. From sharp suits and polished shoes to casual sportswear and stylish hats, men embraced a look that combined tradition with modernity.
Even today, designers take inspiration from the Jazz Age. Wide-legged trousers, double-breasted suits, spectator shoes, and vintage accessories are making comebacks.
The Roaring Twenties may be long gone, but its influence on men’s style will never fade.
FAQs on 1920s Men’s Fashion
What did men wear casually in the 1920s?
Casual men’s fashion in the 1920s often included knickerbockers (knee-length trousers), sweaters, soft-collared shirts, and flat caps. This style was popular for sports, leisure, and day-to-day wear. Casual fashion was far more relaxed compared to formal three-piece suits, yet still polished.
Why was the 1920s called the “Golden Age” of men’s fashion?
The 1920s earned the title “Golden Age” of men’s fashion because it introduced bold styles, tailored fits, and the influence of jazz culture. Clothing became a way of expressing personality, with men embracing colors, patterns, and stylish accessories like fedoras and bow ties.
What were the most popular accessories for men in the 1920s?
Some of the most popular men’s accessories of the 1920s were pocket squares, bow ties, suspenders, cufflinks, tie pins, boater hats, fedoras, and leather gloves. These finishing touches elevated even a simple suit into a sharp, fashionable statement.
How did Hollywood influence men’s fashion in the 1920s?
Hollywood stars like Rudolph Valentino, Douglas Fairbanks, and Charlie Chaplin set major fashion trends during the 1920s. Their on-screen elegance inspired men worldwide to adopt slick hairstyles, tailored tuxedos, and stylish evening wear that echoed the glamour of the silver screen.
Can 1920s men’s fashion still be worn today?
Yes, 1920s men’s fashion remains timeless. Elements like tailored three-piece suits, Oxford shoes, suspenders, and fedoras have been reintroduced in modern vintage-inspired collections. Events like Gatsby-themed parties, weddings, and retro fashion shows often revive these iconic styles.
