The roaring twenties evoke images of flapper dresses and jazz music, but what about the men? While formal attire dominated the era, understanding Casual 1920s Mens Fashion reveals a fascinating blend of practicality and evolving style. This guide delves into the nuances of everyday wear for men in the 1920s, from workwear to sportswear and everything in between.
Working Class Casual: Practicality and Durability
For the working class, casual meant durable and functional. Workwear consisted of sturdy trousers made from heavy fabrics, wool shirts, denim overalls, loose-fitting jackets, and caps for protection. These garments were worn day in and day out, reserved only for special occasions like church services or weddings.
The Rise of Denim: From Workwear to Wardrobe Staple
Denim blue jeans, now a casual staple, were strictly workwear in the 1920s. Dark blue denim jeans and overalls with turned-up cuffs were common. Today, this rugged look remains popular, often paired with chambray shirts, wool or heavy cotton tops, and sturdy work boots.
Casual Jackets: Crossing Class Lines
Certain jacket styles transcended class distinctions, blurring the lines between workwear and sportswear. The plaid flannel lumberjack jacket, often with a ribbed waistband and collar, was a popular choice. Similar styles were also crafted in durable horsehide leather.
Sportswear: Casual Attire for the Upper Class
For upper-class men, casual often translated to sportswear. Whether participating in or spectating sporting events, specific outfits were de rigueur.
Golfing in Style
The quintessential 1920s golf outfit featured plus-four knicker pants, tall socks, often two-tone Oxford shoes, and an eight-panel cap. This look extended beyond the golf course, adopted for various recreational activities.
Tennis Whites
The all-white tennis ensemble, comprising a long-sleeved shirt, trousers, and canvas or leather shoes, was another popular choice. The white V-neck tennis sweater with contrasting trim became a particularly iconic piece, often worn for other summer activities.
Nautical Style: Sailing and Boating
For yachting and boating, the navy blazer paired with white trousers was the epitome of summer elegance. Striped boating jackets offered a slightly more relaxed alternative for younger men.
Dressed-Down Suits: “Outing Clothes”
“Outing clothes” represented a more casual approach to suits for the upper class. Two-piece suits in lighter summer fabrics, paired with a dress shirt (sleeves often rolled up) and a tie, were considered acceptable for less formal occasions. Straw boaters or Panama hats completed the look.
Sweaters: A Versatile Casual Option
Sweaters provided another layer of casual style. Pullover sweaters, sweater vests, and cardigans, in both solid colors and patterns, were worn over dress shirts and ties, often with casual trousers or knickers.
Conclusion
Casual 1920s mens fashion reflected a society in transition, blending the enduring practicality of workwear with the evolving elegance of sportswear and dressed-down suits. From denim overalls to crisp tennis whites, the era’s casual attire offers a rich source of inspiration for modern menswear. By understanding the nuances of 1920s style, we can appreciate the evolution of casual dress and its enduring influence on contemporary fashion.
