The 1920s is synonymous with timeless elegance, much like the classic Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. Although these styles are no longer produced, their iconic allure continues to captivate fashion enthusiasts.
The impact of the 1920s on modern men’s fashion is profound. The era’s emphasis on well-crafted, impeccably tailored clothing has left a lasting legacy.
Esquire Magazine highlighted several 1920s icons in their list of the Top 75 Best-Dressed Men of All Time:
- Al Capone (#3)
- Albert Einstein (#25)
- Humphrey Bogart (#35)
- F. Scott Fitzgerald (#45)
- William Faulkner (#65)
- Fred Astaire (#68)
Cary Grant, whose career began in 1932, missed the list. However, Michael Corleone from The Godfather trilogy, born in 1920, made a notable appearance at #21. This impressive lineup underscores the star power and sartorial excellence of the era.
The Evolution of Men’s Fashion
The 1920s marked a dramatic shift from the fashion of previous decades, introducing a fresh and modern aesthetic.
After World War I, men returned to wardrobes filled with outdated Edwardian and Victorian styles. These garments did not reflect the technological advancements and growing individualism of the 1920s.
The Reinvention of Menswear
Photographs from the 1920s illustrate the era’s significant evolution in menswear. This transformation was fueled by innovative marketing strategies from retailers like Montgomery Ward and Sears and the influence of Hollywood stars such as Rudolph Valentino, Douglas Fairbanks, Al Jolson, and Charlie Chaplin.
The Sacque Suit
At the decade’s outset, men still wore sacque suits, a style that had been in vogue since the mid-19th century. These suits, often poorly fitted with uncomfortable fabrics, did little to enhance a man’s physique. Narrow shoulders, short sleeves, and ill-fitting trousers were common features.
The Era of Classic Style
The 1920s epitomized a masculine and refined look. Icons such as Ernest Hemingway, Charles Lindbergh, and F. Scott Fitzgerald were known for their impeccably tailored suits. These garments featured defined shoulders, narrow hips, and high-quality materials like leather, wool, and cotton, complemented by elegant ties and accessories.
The Trend Towards Looser Pants
Before the 1920s, loose-fitting trousers were considered inappropriate for men, reserved instead for women. Valentino’s role in The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse helped popularize looser trousers for men, marking a shift in fashion norms.
Building a Gentleman’s Wardrobe
Men’s fashion during the Roaring Twenties was characterized by a distinct formal style. Top hats with tails were worn for events such as theater outings or weddings, paired with tailored suits, white dress shirts, and starched removable collars.
High-Polish Shoes
Shoes were a crucial element of 1920s fashion. Oxfords were commonly worn with formal evening attire, while black-and-white or black-and-tan wingtip shoes were particularly popular for formal occasions.
Hats of the Roaring ’20s
The 1920s saw a variety of popular hat styles:
- Fedora
- Trilby
- Porkpie
- Classic Top Hat
- Bowler
- Newsboy Cap
Although styles like the Fedora and Trilby are still worn today, pulling off such hats requires confidence and flair.
Men’s Accessories of the 1920s
Accessories were an important aspect of men’s fashion in the 1920s. Bow ties, standard-length ties, pocket watches, ascots, and scarves were all popular, varying with climate and cultural context.
Plus Fours and Knickerbockers
Plus-Fours, Knickerbockers, and similar styles referred to trousers that extended several inches below the knee. Popularized by 1920s golfers like Walter Hagen and Bobby Jones, this style originated at Oxford University and remained fashionable until the 1950s.
1920s Men’s Hairstyles
Men’s hairstyles in the 1920s were characterized by simplicity: short sides with a longer top that could be neatly styled using hair tonic or grease. Today, celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and George Clooney often sport hairstyles reminiscent of this classic era.