Fashion

How 1920s Men's Fashion Changed Business Attire Forever?

Any conversation on 1920s men's fashion needs to begin with some background on the era's cultural climate. The United States saw significant political, economic, and social upheaval during the decade known as the Roaring 20s. The end of World War I in 1918 signaled the beginning of a period of rapid social advancement. The people were given newfound liberties, and they were able to spend their money on things such as clothing, entertainment, and home items.

Before the 1920s, men's professional attire was rather stuffy and stiff. The norm was suited, which were typically constructed from uncomfortable materials like wool and polyester. Traditionally, a business person would wear a workwear shirt,  jacket, pants, and a vest. Typically, the jacket had one breast pocket, narrow lapels, and a high neckline. In most cases, the waistcoat was constructed from the same material as the suit.

1920s Men’s Fashion Trends That Change The Fashion Sense

Following is a list of 1920s men’s fashion trends is as follows:

Two Piece Suit

During this time, one of the most important changes to work clothes was the two-piece suit. This new style came with a jacket and pants, but there was no collar. A three-piece suit was more traditional. It made it easier to move around. The two-piece suit also had a lower collar and bigger lapels, which made it look more casual and relaxed.

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Lighter and more comfortable Clothes

The 1920s jackets were trimmed much closer to the body to emphasize the natural waist. Compared to a modern suit, they resemble a body garment much more today. The buttoning posture was somewhat lower than in the 1920s, and there were approximately two to three buttons.The cutaway fronts of some blazers were likely inspired by morning coats. The most common material was sheep's wool, but older versions of this cloth were much bulkier and had a rougher texture than modern versions.

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This is the most important revolution in the fashion of men during the age of 1920. They introduce lighter fabric clothes that are way better than the previous ones due to their comfort. Wool and cotton were still the most common materials used for business attire. But they were now being woven in lightweight with more natural fibers. This made the suits more comfortable and breathable to wear especially during the months of summer.

Lounge Suits

The other name of the lounge suit is the business suit. This suit became popular in 1920 due to a relaxed alternative to the formal morning coat and tails. This new style of suit was designed to be comfortable and versatile, suitable for a variety of occasions.

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The lounge suit typically consisted of a single-breasted jacket with notch lapels and a two or three-button front, paired with matching trousers. The jacket was often cut with slight waist suppression and a loner length than previous styles, giving it a more streamlined and modern look.

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This style of suit was embraced by the younger generation in the 1920s, who were looking to break away from the strict dress codes of their parent’s generation.

Shorter Jackets

In the 1920s, shorter jackets and looser silhouettes became increasingly popular. This trend extended to outerwear with the introduction of shorter, more practical, and functional jackets than the previous era's lengthier coats. In 1920s men’s fashion, so many men favored wearing these jackets.

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A bomber jacket is another item that gains widespread popularity among males during this era. The bomber jacket is favored by athletes, pilots, and other devotees.

Accessories

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In the 1920s, the fedora was one of the most commonly worn items by men. Typically, the fedora was made of wool and featured a plush brim and creased crown. It was a versatile accessory that could be worn with both formal and informal attire, and it soon became a symbol of sophistication and fashion.

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The pocket square was another accessory that men enjoyed wearing. To create pocket squares, small squares of fabric were folded and placed in the breast pocket of a garment. They were typically made of silk or cotton and featured vibrant colors or patterns that added a splash of color and flair to an outfit.

Conclusion

The 1920s were appropriately referred to as the Jazz Age or the Roaring 20s. They were a period of prosperity, transformation, and freedom for many Americans. Not only did men and women have greater access to disposable income, but they also had greater opportunities to manifest themselves through fashion.

The fashion of males in the 1920s was heavily influenced by the rise of gangsters such as the Peaky Blinders and various European trends. While many gentlemen continued to wear well-tailored suits, the decade saw an increase in a variety of attire, from leisure wear to athleisure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

In the 1920s, people also wore casual clothes. As men's clothes became less strict, relaxation wear and sportswear came onto the scene. This meant that people could wear sweaters, plus-fours, and other wide or baggy pants, work pants, jumpers, caps, and a wide range of other items to show who they were.

Tweed, Donegal, and herringbone—thick, durable fabrics—were popular. Because they were thick and warm, they were worn with long jackets in winter. Baker boy and flat headgear and ruffled pants were popular.

Depending on the season and status, men wore their hair short and covered with a hat such as a felt hat, fedora, trilby, flat cap, or straw boater. Men chose lower-cut oxfords or brogue over awkward lace-up boots.

Fredrick West

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