1920s Mens Fashion: A Guide To Timeless Classics

Controversial opinion: life was better when men used to dress like men. Today’s gender-fluid world has led to the great demise of menswear and masculine fashion. What we need is to bring back the fashion scene of the 1920s. Mens fashion was dope at that time, and we all know why.

Elite or not, fashion was for all. It had been standardized to make society look good as a whole. There were distinguishing elements like accessories that created a line between the powerful and the working class. And we are here to discuss all those distinguishing 1920s mens fashion elements.

This guide will give you a peek into the era of macho fashion; so, let’s get into it.

Top 5 1920s Mens Fashion Trends & Accessories

Stripes to Stand Out For 1920s Mens Fashion

Can you, as a guy, imagine your wardrobe without at least one striped button-down? No, right. You’ll be intrigued to know that stripes gained not only popularity but recognition in the 1920s. Mens fashion before the 20s was bland as a porridge without salt, with no existence of the stripes pattern.

Lucky for us, the 1920s mens fashion brought striped broad suits to the main setting. Cotton and linen broad suits with big buttons and pocket squares became a go-to for the men with high ranks.

1920s Mens Fashion

Vests for the Best Bodice of 1920s

Solid-colored vests were another highlight of the 1920s. Mens fashion of that time heavily featured vests, especially in power suits. Most people even wore vests as a star garment, making it a 1920s fashion staple.

During this period, many types of vests made a debut in society; some of them were double-breasted vests, single-breasted vests, and the mandarin four-pocket vest. The basic vest, also known as the five-button vest was usually made of cotton, sheep wool, linen, and sometimes silk.

1920s.mens fashion

Flap Caps for the Rich and Poor

Flap cap was a fashion trend that didn’t see social rank and was for every man in the 1920s. Mens fashion trends never stay still for long, but this trend prevailed from the 19th to the early 20th century.

The 1920s mens fashion flaunted flap caps better than any other cap, which you must have noticed in period dramas. Flap caps are peaked caps with a stiff brim in the front. The cap is not entirely rounded on the top and doesn’t make your head look bigger like those bulky boater hats do.

1920s.mens fashion

Outerwear to Layer

Outerwear is popular in every decade, and if you’re British, then it’s not even a choice to layer. However, in the 1920s layering was considered fashion. The 1920s mens fashion featured a bold variety of coats that became a rage among young college-going men.

While most of the 1920s fashion for men isn’t dramatic, the coats were unapologetically so. Most of the coats featured a focal point like excessive padding, large shawl collars, or fur-trimmed cuffs. Long racoon fur coats were the most popular layering garment for parties and social gatherings.

1920s mens fashion

Snatched Waists for a Slim Look

Every era brings a different set of beauty standards and while a broad physique is always favorable among men, the 1920s were a bit demanding. The trend of snatched waists became viral among men alongside women and men’s silhouettes started getting changed. Those who usually wore boxy sweaters switched to coats with an X-shape.

Even when men weren’t wearing X-shaped suits, they used high-waisted pants and gallace to make their waists look smaller. This gives the slight impression of an empire waist-shifting belly fat. There were huge buckle belts in the late 1920s. Mens fashion inspired by a slim structure made great use of such belts.

1920s mens fashion

Frequently Asked Questions

What to wear to a 1920s party male?

The Roaring Twenties was popular because of its glamorous parties. Most men wore vintage long-tail tuxedos to parties but some wore the regular two-piece suit, though in a bold color.

How did men’s fashion change in the 1920s?

Mens fashion became more colorful and a bit daring in the 1920s. Psychedelic colors, patterns like stripes, and waist-cinching silhouettes were a highlight of the 1920s.

What was men’s fashion like in the 1920s?

Men’s fashion in the 1920s consisted mainly of suits. Some outfits didn’t feature the suit jacket or coat but the button-downs, tie, and pants were always there.

What were the fashion trends for men in the 1920s?

The most popular fashion trend for men in the 1920s was formal wear. Men used to wear crisp shirts neatly tucked inside the pants along with jackets, coats, and some kind of layering garment.

Where to buy 1920s mens fashion?

Men’s flapper-style garments from the 1920s can be tough to find. You can however buy separates from a local tuxedo shop and get them tailored as per the 1920’s men’s standards.