Roaring Twenties Style Men: Unpacking The Iconic 1920s Look For Today

Step back in time, won't you? The allure of the 1920s, a decade often called the Roaring Twenties, still holds a special charm, especially when we think about how men dressed. It's truly a fascinating period, and many people, perhaps like you, want to bring a piece of that distinct style into their own lives, even now in late May of 2024.

This era, you see, was a time of great shifts. There were big changes in politics, money matters, and how people lived in the United States. This bubbling energy naturally found its way into fashion. Men's clothing, which had been quite stiff and formal, began to loosen up a bit, reflecting a new kind of freedom and confidence.

We're going to explore what men really wore back then, from their everyday suits to those special touches that completed an outfit. We'll look at what made "roaring twenties style men" so memorable, and how you can capture some of that classic vibe for your own wardrobe, whether for an event or just for fun. So, let's take a closer look.

Table of Contents

• Cultural Shifts and Style Beginnings
• The Signature Suit: More Than Just Fabric
  • Suit Jackets and Coats
  • Trousers and Waistcoats
  • Shirts and Collars
• Beyond the Suit: Casual and Sporty Looks
• The Finishing Touches: Accessories and Hair
  • Headwear
  • Ties and Pocket Squares
  • Shoes and Socks
  • Other Key Accessories
  • Hair Styles
• Iconic Inspirations: Gatsby and English Style
• Bringing the Twenties to Today
• Frequently Asked Questions About Roaring Twenties Style Men

Cultural Shifts and Style Beginnings

The 1920s were, in a way, a huge turning point. After a big global conflict, people were ready for something different. There was a sense of excitement and new possibilities. This feeling, naturally, seeped into everything, including how people presented themselves. You know, it's pretty much like a fresh start for everyone, and clothes often show that.

Men's fashion in the 1920s really saw a big change. Before this time, clothes were often quite stiff and formal, but now, a new kind of look started to take hold. It was still polished, but it had a bit more comfort and a more relaxed shape. This transformation defined the era, a kind of roaring period for style itself.

It was a time when men began to think about their appearance in a slightly different way. The idea of personal expression through clothing, while not entirely new, certainly gained more ground. This era helped set the stage for many fashion trends that followed, so it's quite important, actually.

The Signature Suit: More Than Just Fabric

When you think about roaring twenties style men, the suit is usually the first thing that comes to mind. It wasn't just one type of suit, though. Men generally wore suitcoats, and they came in various fabrics and cuts. For instance, you would want a wool option for winter, which makes a lot of sense, doesn't it?

The overall shape of the suit became a bit more relaxed than in earlier times. Shoulders were not as padded, and the fit around the body was less restrictive. This allowed for more movement and a feeling of ease, which was, you know, a pretty big deal for the time.

Double-breasted suits were quite popular, giving a broad, confident look. Single-breasted suits were also common, often with three or four buttons. The choice often depended on the occasion or personal preference, as a matter of fact.

Suit Jackets and Coats

Suit jackets, or coats, were usually made from wool, tweed, or flannel. Patterns like pinstripes, windowpanes, and subtle checks were very much in fashion. These patterns added visual interest without being too loud, making them suitable for many settings, really.

Lapels tended to be wider than they are today, often with a peak or notch style. The length of the jacket was also a bit longer, usually reaching to the middle of the thigh. This gave a longer, leaner silhouette, which many men liked, apparently.

For more formal events, a black or dark blue tuxedo with a silk lapel was the standard. These were often worn with a white shirt and a bow tie. It was, you know, the ultimate in evening wear for a man of that time.

Trousers and Waistcoats

Trousers in the 1920s were often wider at the leg, sometimes called "Oxford bags" if they were particularly roomy. They typically had a high waist and were worn with suspenders, or "braces" as they were called in some places. Belts were not as common for suits as they are today, which is kind of interesting.

The trousers usually had a cuff at the bottom, which helped them hang nicely over the shoes. They were designed to complement the suit jacket, creating a cohesive and polished look. You could say they just flowed well with the rest of the outfit, couldn't you?

Waistcoats, or vests, were almost always worn with suits. They added another layer of style and warmth, and they helped create that complete, put-together appearance. Many waistcoats had lapels, and some were double-breasted themselves, adding extra flair, so.

Shirts and Collars

Men's shirts in the 1920s were often white or light-colored, made from cotton or silk. They usually had stiff, detachable collars, which could be changed for cleaning or to suit different ties. This was a practical feature, as a matter of fact, making shirts last longer.

Collar styles varied, but pointed or rounded collars were common. Some shirts also featured pleated fronts for formal wear, adding a touch of elegance. The fit was generally comfortable, allowing for ease of movement under the suit jacket, you know.

Cuffs were typically French cuffs, requiring cufflinks. This detail added a bit of sparkle and sophistication to the overall look. It's a small thing, but it really made a difference, didn't it?

Beyond the Suit: Casual and Sporty Looks

While suits were a big part of men's attire, the roaring twenties weren't just about formal wear. Men had other options for more relaxed settings. For instance, sportswear became more common as leisure activities gained popularity, which is pretty much what you'd expect.

Knitted sweaters and cardigans were popular for casual wear, often paired with flannel trousers or knickerbockers for golf or other outdoor pursuits. These items offered comfort and a more relaxed silhouette than the typical suit, and they were, in a way, quite fashionable for the time.

Tweed jackets, often in a sport coat style, were also worn for less formal occasions. These had a rustic charm and could be paired with different trousers, offering versatility. It was a good way to look smart without being overly dressed up, you know.

For summer, lighter fabrics like linen and seersucker became popular for suits and separates. These materials were more breathable and comfortable in warm weather. Men also wore blazers, particularly for yachting or club activities, giving a very specific, rather, casual but polished feel.

The Finishing Touches: Accessories and Hair

Just like with women's fashion, the men's look had to be completed with the right accessories. These small details truly made an outfit, adding personality and polish. It's almost like the final brushstrokes on a painting, isn't it?

Headwear

Hats were an absolute must for men in the 1920s. A man rarely left the house without one. Felt fedoras were incredibly popular, offering a stylish and practical head covering. They came in various colors, but often in shades of grey, brown, or black, so.

Other popular hat styles included the trilby, a slightly narrower-brimmed hat, and the bowler hat for a more formal, traditional look. For casual or sporty outfits, the flat cap, or "newsboy cap," was a common choice, especially among younger men, you know.

The choice of hat often depended on the occasion and the overall outfit. It was a way to add a bit of personal flair and complete the silhouette, really.

Ties and Pocket Squares

Neckties were a standard accessory. Silk ties with geometric patterns, stripes, or small repeating motifs were very much in vogue. Bow ties were also popular, especially for formal wear or with certain casual outfits, and they added a touch of playful elegance, arguably.

Pocket squares, often made of silk or linen, were tucked into the breast pocket of the suit jacket. They added a splash of color or pattern, complementing the tie or providing a subtle contrast. It was a simple way to elevate an outfit, in a way.

Shoes and Socks

Men's shoes were typically leather oxfords or brogues, often in black or brown. Two-tone spectator shoes, with contrasting colors like white and brown, became quite fashionable, especially for leisure or semi-formal events. These shoes really stood out, you know.

Spats, fabric coverings worn over the shoes and ankles, were also seen, particularly with more formal attire. They protected shoes from mud and added an extra layer of formality. Socks were usually dark and plain, matching the trousers or shoes, as a matter of fact.

Other Key Accessories

Cufflinks and tie clips were important details that helped keep things neat and added a touch of shine. Pocket watches, often with a chain draped across the waistcoat, were still common, though wristwatches were gaining popularity. They were both practical and a sign of status, you know.

Gloves were worn for both warmth and style, particularly when out and about. Canes were less common than in previous decades but still seen as a stylish accessory for some. These items, more or less, helped complete the full picture of a well-dressed man.

Hair Styles

Men generally wore their hair neatly combed and often slicked back with brilliantine or pomade. A side part was very common, giving a clean and polished look. The hair was kept relatively short on the sides and back, with a bit more length on top to allow for styling, you know.

This slicked-back style was easy to maintain and presented a sophisticated appearance, fitting perfectly with the overall tailored look of the era. It was a simple, yet very distinct, part of the roaring twenties style for men, isn't that something?

Iconic Inspirations: Gatsby and English Style

When people think about roaring twenties style men, one name often comes to mind: Jay Gatsby. Inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald's famous character, many embraced this distinct style. Gatsby's portrayal, with his immaculate suits and refined demeanor, truly captured the essence of the era's sophisticated gentleman, you know.

Beyond fictional characters, real-life figures also set trends. The Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VIII, was a major style icon. This portrait from 1927 showed him in this attire, and he was, arguably, the epitome of the English style that men looked to in the 1920s. His influence helped shape fashion across the Atlantic, too.

English tailoring, with its emphasis on quality fabrics and precise cuts, had a significant impact. Many American designers and tailors drew inspiration from London's Savile Row, adapting those classic styles for the American market. This blend of British tradition and American innovation created a truly unique fashion landscape, as a matter of fact.

These influences meant that men's fashion wasn't just about following rules; it was about adopting a certain attitude of refinement and confidence. It was about looking sharp and feeling good in your clothes, which is pretty much what fashion is all about, isn't it?

Bringing the Twenties to Today

If you're thinking about attending a 1920s roaring twenties themed event, or just want to add some vintage flair to your daily wear, it's quite doable. Before we leave on our time travel trip back to the roaring 20s, men will want to bring clothes to help them fit in, and thankfully, you can find many options today, so.

You can find 1920s suits, shoes, and accessories both locally and online. Many vintage shops and specialty retailers offer authentic pieces or modern reproductions that capture the look perfectly. Websites dedicated to vintage fashion are also a great resource for where to buy items, you know.

For a complete outfit, start with a good suit. Look for suits with a slightly looser fit, wider lapels, and perhaps a waistcoat. Pinstripes or subtle checks are excellent choices. Remember that wool options work well for cooler weather, and lighter fabrics like linen are great for summer, too.

Don't forget the details. A fedora or flat cap can instantly transform your look. Add a silk tie with a geometric pattern and a matching pocket square. Oxfords or brogues are the classic shoe choice. And for that authentic touch, consider a pair of suspenders, which are quite easy to find, actually.

Even if you're not going for a full period costume, you can incorporate elements of roaring twenties style men into your contemporary wardrobe. A well-tailored waistcoat over a crisp shirt, a stylish fedora, or a pair of classic brogues can add a touch of vintage sophistication to your everyday outfits. It's about taking inspiration and making it your own, you know, just a little.

Learn more about classic fashion eras on our site, and link to this page for more on vintage accessories. These resources can help you explore even more about timeless style, so.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roaring Twenties Style Men

Here are some common questions people ask about this unique period in men's fashion.

What did men wear in the 1920s daily?

Basically, for everyday wear, men typically wore suits, often made of wool or tweed. These suits usually included a jacket, waistcoat, and trousers. Shirts were light-colored with detachable collars, and a tie was almost always worn. Hats, like fedoras or flat caps, were also a daily essential, you know.

How to get a 1920s haircut for men?

To get a 1920s haircut, men usually opted for a neat, slicked-back style. This involved keeping the sides and back relatively short, with a bit more length on top. The hair was then combed back or parted on the side and held in place with brilliantine or pomade. It's a very clean and polished look, you know, rather simple to achieve.

What accessories were popular for men in the 1920s?

Popular accessories for men in the 1920s included various hats like fedoras, trilbies, and flat caps. Neckties, often silk with patterns, and bow ties were common. Pocket squares, cufflinks, tie clips, and pocket watches were also essential. For shoes, oxfords, brogues, and two-tone spectator shoes were quite popular, too.