Following the Second World War, menswear experienced a dramatic shift. The 1950s marked a time of renewed prosperity and a burgeoning youth culture, leading to exciting changes in men’s style. This era witnessed the rise of casual wear, vibrant colors, and iconic trends that continue to influence fashion today.
The resurgence of hat-wearing in the 1950s allowed men to express their personal style. Fedoras remained popular, but boaters, Panama hats, and straw hats gained traction for summer attire. Flat caps offered a sportier, more casual look. A key development was the introduction of vibrant colors in hats, moving beyond the traditional black, gray, and navy. Hatbands also became more elaborate, featuring feathers and intricate pleats.
Hairstyles in the 1950s were voluminous and meticulously crafted using pomade. Popular styles included the pompadour, the jelly roll, and the slick-back. The pompadour, famously worn by Elvis Presley, was a high-volume style brushed backward from the forehead. The jelly roll involved curling the hair on the sides to a point in the front. The slick-back, often seen on Cary Grant, featured a side part and neatly combed hair.
Sunglasses became a symbol of status and cool in the 1950s, largely due to their association with Hollywood stars. Men favored thick-rimmed plastic frames, inspired by icons like Buddy Holly. Browline glasses, available in various colors, were also a popular choice.
Waistcoats, while no longer essential for business suits, were still worn by fashion-conscious men. Contrasting waistcoats, in different colors or materials, added a touch of individuality to outfits.
Shirts in the 1950s featured attached collars, with detachable collars reserved for formal occasions. The club collar with rounded corners saw a revival. Spearpoint and shorter point collars were also common. Bold shirt colors transitioned to pastels later in the decade.
Neckties were ubiquitous in the 1950s, showcasing a wide array of patterns, colors, and materials. Abstract, fantastical, and geometric designs were popular choices. Bow ties, initially large and wide, became slimmer and longer by the mid-50s. Pastel colors and unconventional patterns emerged in bow tie fashion.
Early 1950s suits were characterized by the American sack suit style: straight cut, baggy, with a center vent and minimal shoulder padding. Gray was the dominant color. Later in the decade, the Continental or Roman-style suit, pioneered by Brioni, gained prominence with its narrower silhouette, darts, and side vents.
Casual clothing flourished in the 1950s. Marlon Brando’s iconic undershirt look in “A Streetcar Named Desire” helped popularize the T-shirt. Hawaiian shirts, colorful casual shirts, and corduroy were also embraced. The gaucho shirt, a pullover with an open collar, was a distinctive style of the era.
Trousers in the 1950s were wider than contemporary styles, often featuring pleats and cuffs. Shorts, frequently pleated, mirrored the style of dress trousers but incorporated bolder patterns and colors. The Bermuda style, with shorts worn with over-the-calf socks, also gained popularity.
Classic Oxford and brogue shoes remained staples. Saddle shoes and the short-lived winklepickers, with their pointed toes, were notable footwear trends. Chukka boots, popularized in this era, continue to be a classic style today. Elvis Presley’s blue suede shoes became an iconic symbol of 1950s fashion.
Overcoats were typically wide, baggy, and made from heavy fabrics. Double-breasted styles with patch pockets were especially popular. The Ulster and Paletot overcoats were also prominent choices. Accessories like woven leather belts with unique buckles, colorful scarves, gloves, socks, and pocket squares allowed for personal expression.
