Men’s fashion from the 1920s, sometimes known as the “Rising 20’s,” clearly portrayed the decade’s great social and fashion change. The traditional fashions of earlier decades gave way to a new feeling of style, class, and freedom.
Overall, there was a major shift from earlier decades in both pop culture and fashion. Fashion from the 1920’s introduced classic and timeless looks, many of which influenced modern trends.
Both the upper class and the working class enjoyed wealth, good times, and personal freedom all over the 20s. It should come as no surprise that both men’s and women’s fashions took on these changes since fashion always reflects the time.
For starters, the rise of gangsters had a big impact on men’s fashion in the 1920s. Among them was the famous Peaky Blinders, a street gang from Birmingham, England, responsible for popularizing certain classic looks like flat caps and three-piece suits.
There was also a casual clothing trend in the 1920s. Sportswear and leisure clothing made their debut as menswear became less formal.
If you’re interested in replicating the classic, timeless designs of the 1920’s dress, here are some ideas.
The styles of men’s suits from the 1920s were quite similar to those of today. They were simpler in design and had a slimmer fit during the beginning of the decade. They were going to be more colorful and loose by the end of the decade.
For formal gatherings and evening functions, many men still favored the classic three-piece suit . Inspired by the gangsters of the day, suits frequently featured black and white stripes with micro patterns. Colors like white, brown, gray, and blue were in style.
The suit jacket highlighted the shoulders and waist with its wide, pointed lapels and longer waist than before.
Youth and the season had an impact on style. For instance, instead of wearing a full suit in the summer, college students usually wear a striped or navy jacket with white pants.
The 1920s saw a lot of white or soft pastel dress shirts, with detachable collars being an iconic style. Men were able to keep their appearance neat and clean as a result. Also, striped and checkered patterns gained popularity, giving an edge to commonly formal clothing.
In the late 20s, Cotton and other softer fabrics were frequently used to make shirts for young guys. More informal styles usually had a turndown collar, a single barrel cuff with a button, or cufflinks. Shirts can come with full or partial button downs.
Men sometimes wear penny collar shirts or Peaky Blinders-style shirts to the club or in warmer weather. The wearer’s frame was enhanced by these custom-made pieces.
Men would roll up their sleeves on hot days in the Roaring 20’s since short-sleeve shirts were not yet widely used. With the use of the detachable stiff collar, the overall fit is still regarded as very modern.
The 1920s saw the rise in popularity of high-waisted, wide-leg trousers, which were especially loved by younger men and college students.
Although low rise pants were still not common in the US, there were still plenty of trendy colors and designs for the trend-setters. These featured checks and stripes. Gray, white, black, beige, and khaki were popular colors.
Vests and waistcoats were often comfortable. Vests were usually single-breasted with front pockets, however some dapper gentlemen still liked double-breasted ones.
Working class people wear elegant vests with matching pants instead of three-piece suits because they could not always afford them.8
These clothes were typically designed with geometric or colorful designs and were available in solid colors like black, blue, or gray. Men would frequently wear a pullover knit vest over a shirt if they wished to look more sporty or casual.
Jackets and overcoats were examples of outerwear that matched suits and trousers. For instance, the coat was also fitted at the waist if the suit was. Additionally, the outerwear would fit similarly if the pants or suit were looser and wider.
Outerwear was typically less colorful than shirts or pants. They were first available in cool colors like black or brown. Darker colors, like navy blue, on the other hand, gained popularity because they were thought to be attractive to almost everyone.
In terms of style, these colors were also closer to that of what the Peaky Blinders group dressed. One could wear single breasted or double breasted formal clothes.
No 1920s outfit was complete without a hat. The 1920s saw a lot of hats. Gentlemen would frequently choose matching suits and hats for formal events.
As a less formal choice to top hats, middle-class men would often wear fedoras and bowler (or derby) hats. These were available in light colors for summer and dark ones for winter.
The boater or skimmer hat was another casual choice. These stiff hats were ideal for outdoor use and were often put on in the summer. The majority were light brown or tan. Hats were a status and elegance symbol in the 1920s, and they were frequently matched with the rest of the outfit.
Around the 1920s, neckties became very fashionable. Beyond that, the choices began to include solid colors like gray, black and purple as well as vertical stripes and plaids. Neckwear was an essential component of the 1920s gentleman’s wardrobe.
Additionally, bow ties changed to allow for greater uniqueness by the person who wears them. At the same time, American menswear started including European trends like paisley prints and diamond patterns.
The suit was given a pop of color and personality by the pocket squares. They came in a range of colors and patterns and were frequently made of silk or linen. They were meant to provide a pop of color to the wearer’s suit to improve the overall look.
Wealthier men rarely ever went without a pocket square. While others picked bolder or more graphic designs, others stayed with solid colors. The pocket square would go well with the shirt color, hat or tie, regardless of anything else.
Although pocket watches remained an essential of Roaring 20’s fashion, brands like Rolex and Chicago National Watch Company appeared.
In addition to creating the first waterproof watch, Rolex started out as a luxury watch company for the rich and famous.
In the 1920s, Wristwatches began to replace pocket watches during the 1920s. A wristwatch was not only practical but also a stylish accessory that complemented the overall look.
In the 1920s, wearing spectacles was considered stylish. glasses, which rest on the bridge of the nose and have no edges, were especially the popular type. These were favored by more refined, older gentlemen such as President Theodore Roosevelt; the ones with the gold or wire frame were especially popular.
Oval and circular shapes came about from the widespread use of round eyewear. Eyewear manufacturers began producing bigger frames in colors like dark brown, black, or leather to give off a sportier vibe. Although there were also lighter rimless versions, rimmed glasses were often heavier.
The preferred footwear for well-groomed men were the Oxford shoes. The tight lacing technique on these leather shoes gave them a clean and sleek aesthetic. The two most popular colors, black and brown, were suitable for semi-formal and formal events.
Brogues provided a refined yet slightly less formal choice because of their aesthetic gaps. These shoes were adaptable and suitable for both city and country areas.
During the Roaring 20’s, the majority of men wore either a black or dark navy suit or tuxedo, depending on whether they were getting married, attending a formal event, or enjoying a fine dinner party.
Even now, the suit’s tailcoat—a fitting jacket with a long tail at the back—remains an absolute must at formal occasions.
Men started dressing more casually, with sweaters being a popular choice, particularly on cold mornings. Even for people who did not play sports, informal outfits frequently included knickerbockers and plus-fours due to the impact of sports and leisure wear.
Typically, casual shirts featured striped or brightly colored designs and were worn without buttons. Young people began to wear collarless clothes, such as the henley shirt, or softer, connected collars.
Men’s grooming habits made some changes throughout the era of the 20’s. The sideburns were trimmed higher than previously, to begin with. For another, a medium length of hair was maintained.
A slicked back look, a comb-over were popular looks at that time. This held consistent regardless of the man’s hat choice, however guys of college years started shifting a little from common styles.
Men would frequently use specific oil products to hold their hair in place all day. For people with straight hair, many of these styles were simpler.
However, because a well-groomed, well-trimmed mustache made an older man look wiser and wealthier, older men could sometimes get away with a clean shaven look.
Valentino, who came to popularity from his part in The Sheik, defined masculinity during the 1920s. He liked to look elegant and popularized the “Vaselino,” a slicked-back hairstyle.
Al Capone was not just one of the most well-known gangsters in history, but he also had a very unique style. He would frequently wear fitted jackets with patch pockets, darker or lime-colored three-piece suits, and rich brown or black oxford shoes.
In addition, he showed off a lot of sparkle, a tie, a white pocket square, buttoned barrel cuffs, and a stylish fedora or boater hat.
American-British actor and global icon Cary Grant frequently wears fitted trousers, smart white shirts, and a range of sweaters for a more laid-back aesthetic. He liked to stay away from caps since he thought they were too round for his face.
Famous for his subtle acting approach and timeless fashion sense, Cooper starred in many films from Hollywood. Though he was most comfortable in loose blazers and wide, fitted trousers, he also looked great in three-piece suits.
For good reason, the 1920s are often referred to as the Roaring 20s. For many, it was a moment of growth, progress, and freedom. Men and women have greater opportunity to express themselves through fashion as well as having larger amounts of wealth available to them.
The rise of 1920s fashions and gangsters such as the Peaky Blinders served as major inspiration for men’s fashion in the 1920s. The decade witnessed an increase in a variety of clothing, from athletic to casual casual clothing, even though many men continued to dress sharply in tailored suits.
Men’s clothing from the 1920s reflected the youthful spirit of the time by mixing both old and new. The focus on well-fitting suits, fine accessories, and careful detailing created a classic look that still influences modern fashion.
Skater fashion is not only a fashion trend but it’s a culture. Derived from the…
Jeans are as practical and stylish as they come in 2025, therefore every man should…
Ever notice how two persons who are around the same height seem to be different…
Whether you are a fan of the classic hairstyles or searching for a new look,…
For many years, fans and fashion-lovers have looked for fabulous and innovative Anime inspired hairstyles. …
In the world of styles, Dark Academia seems to me to be one of the…