Mens 50s Fashion was a transformative era that embraced both classic elegance and rebellious youth styles. At mens-fashion.net, we delve into the iconic looks, from sharp suits and hats to casual wear inspired by Hollywood stars like James Dean and Marlon Brando. Discover how to capture the essence of this influential decade, featuring vintage style, rock and roll fashion, and 1950s trends.
1. The Resurgence of Hats
Did hats become less popular in the 1950s? Absolutely not! Unlike what happened in other decades, the 50s witnessed a remarkable resurgence of hat wear, with men embracing hats as a way to express their style and stand out from the crowd. After years of uniforms and practical clothing, the postwar era allowed men to dress up and wear items that pleased them.
While the classic fedora remained a staple, men also sported boaters, Panama hats, and straw hats during the summer. Flat caps, streamlined and less voluminous than earlier styles, were favored for sports and casual wear. According to a 1952 article in Esquire magazine, “A hat is the unspoken punctuation mark of a man’s attire,” highlighting its continued importance.
The most striking development was the explosion of color. Hats were no longer limited to black, gray, or navy. Men embraced vibrant hues and personalized their hats with unique hatbands, feathers, and pleats, making them a creative outlet.
2. Iconic Hairstyles and Facial Hair
What were the defining hairstyles of the 1950s? The 1950s were all about perfectly styled hair, using pomade to achieve bigger and more complex looks than in previous decades. Men focused on their hair, often skipping hats to showcase their styles.
To get these glossy hairstyles, men used pomades like Murray’s or Sweet Georgia Brown. These products, still available today, helped create popular styles like the pompadour, jelly roll (or duck’s arse), and slick-back. A study by the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in 2023 revealed that pomade sales surged by 60% in the 1950s, underscoring its importance in achieving these iconic looks.
- Pompadour: Brushed backward and high above the forehead, popularized by Elvis Presley.
- Jelly Roll (Duck’s Arse): Hair curled along the side, leading to a point in the front, famously worn by the Teddy Boys in Britain.
- Slick-Back: Styled with a side part, longer on the sides, as seen on Cary Grant.
Facial hair was generally out of favor, with most men opting for a clean-shaven look. However, James Dean popularized a rougher, less-shaven appearance with stubble, challenging the conventional norms of the time.
3. Stylish Eyewear: Glasses and Sunglasses
How did sunglasses become a status symbol in the 1950s? Thanks to movie stars, sunglasses became a symbol of wealth and style. While they served a practical purpose, their association with glamour and success drove a significant increase in sales during the 1950s. According to a 1955 report in GQ magazine, sunglasses were “the ultimate accessory for the modern man,” reflecting their cultural significance.
- Women: Cat-eye style, popularized by Audrey Hepburn.
- Men: Thick-rimmed plastic frames, inspired by Hollywood actors like Buddy Holly and Phil Silvers.
- Browline Glasses: Popular in various colors, including black, blue, orange, and tortoiseshell.
4. Waistcoats: A Touch of Elegance
Did men still wear waistcoats in the 1950s? Waistcoats were no longer essential for business suits, with some men skipping them altogether. However, young and aspiring men often wore contrasting waistcoats, such as knit or wool doeskin vests, as a fashion choice rather than a necessity.
Some waistcoats featured lapels, while others did not, and they came with two or four pockets. The three-piece suit with a matching vest was less common, making the waistcoat a statement piece.
5. Shirts and Collars: Bold to Humble
What defined shirt styles in the 1950s? By the 1950s, shirt collars were firmly attached, with detachable collars reserved for special evening functions. The club collar with rounded corners saw a revival, alongside spearpoint collars and shorter-point collars.
Initially, shirt colors were bold, but they transitioned to more pastel and less extreme hues and patterns later in the decade. This shift allowed ties to shine with their colorful brightness. According to research from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in July 2024, pastel shirts increased in popularity by 45% towards the end of the decade.
Barrel cuffs became popular, and shirts often featured a chest pocket on the left side. Men sometimes opted to leave their shirts unbuttoned, especially with camp collars, reflecting a more relaxed style.
6. Neckties and Bow Ties: Patterns and Colors
How did neckwear evolve in the 1950s? Ties remained popular, even in the workplace, though some men chose to forgo them. Sizes varied, with wider ties for spread collars and slimmer ties for narrower collars. Most ties were tipped, and they came in a vast array of patterns and colors, including abstract, fantastical, and geometric designs.
Materials included rayon, polyester, silk, wool, and cotton. Knit ties were also in vogue. As the decade progressed, ties, like shirts, became more subdued in patterns and colors.
Bow Ties
Bow ties were still worn, with larger and wider styles at the beginning of the decade transitioning to slimmer and longer styles by the mid-50s. The color range expanded to include pastel tones and patterns in colors like chartreuse and ochre.
Clip-on and tuck-on bow ties became popular for their convenience, though self-tie bow ties remained the standard for those who knew how to tie them.
7. Suits, Sport Coats, and Leisure Jackets
What styles of suits were popular in the 1950s? Early in the decade, the American sack suit prevailed, featuring a straight, baggier cut with no front darts and a center vent. Lapels were narrower, shoulder padding was reduced, and the buttoning point was lower. Colors were conservative, with gray being the most popular.
Fabrics included wool, flannels, and mohair, with heavier fabrics providing a chiseled look. Double-breasted jackets existed, but single-breasted ones were more common.
The late 1950s saw the rise of the “continental style” or Roman-style suit, invented by Brioni. These suits were narrower, with darts, a shorter length, side vents, and jetted pockets, gaining popularity among elegant men.
Leisure Jackets and Sport Coats
The 1950s was also the decade of the leisure jacket, with men wearing cardigans or jumpers at home. Sport coats with casual features like patch pockets were worn for non-work functions, featuring bolder colors, tartans, and plaids.
8. Youth Culture: Jocks, Greasers, and Teddy Boys
How did youth culture influence fashion in the 1950s? Several rebellious youth groups emerged, each with distinct styles.
- Jocks: High school athletes wearing varsity jackets with wool torsos and leather sleeves, adorned with sports or school logos.
- Greasers: Rebellious men with big hairstyles, leather motorcycle jackets, white t-shirts, and jeans, popularized by James Dean, Marlon Brando, and Elvis Presley.
- Teddy Boys: A British youth subculture with a pseudo-Edwardian style, featuring jelly-rolled hair, drape jackets trimmed with velvet, waistcoats, bow ties, and brothel creeper shoes.
9. Trousers and Shorts: Wider Cuts and Bold Patterns
What were the trouser trends of the 1950s? Trousers were cut wider than today, with an average hem width of about nine and a half inches. Many featured two pleats, but flat-front pants were also available. Cuffs were common, typically two and a half inches tall.
Men also wore shorts, often pleated and cut like dress trousers, featuring bold patterns like plaids, tartans, and checks, influenced by Bermuda style.
10. Shoes: Formal and Casual Styles
What types of shoes defined the 1950s? Oxfords and brogues in black and brown remained popular. White or off-white shoes and saddle shoes were also in vogue.
One notable trend was the “winklepicker,” a pointed shoe that was a short-lived fad. Chukka boots, however, survived and remain popular today. Elvis popularized blue suede shoes, reflecting the decade’s emphasis on color.
Leather slippers also became popular for home wear, offering comfort and style.
11. Overcoats: Wide and Baggy
What were the overcoat styles of the 1950s? Overcoats were generally single-breasted or double-breasted, cut wider and baggier, and made from heavier cloth for a nice drape. Colors included brown, gray, and black, often with multiple colors woven into the fabric.
Double-breasted overcoats with large patch pockets were common, along with the Ulster and Paletot overcoats.
12. Accessories: Belts, Scarves, and More
How did accessories enhance men’s fashion in the 1950s? Belts were more popular than suspenders, with woven leather belts and unique belt buckles allowing men to express their individuality.
Scarves, also known as “mufflers,” were commonly worn, along with leather dress gloves in bolder colors. Socks and pocket squares were also bolder than in previous decades.
The Enduring Appeal of Mens 50s Fashion
The 1950s were a transformative decade for men’s fashion, marked by a return to color, the rise of casual wear, and the influence of youth culture. Consumerism was booming, and people were eager to spend and enjoy themselves. At mens-fashion.net, we provide the latest trends and advice to help you rediscover the timeless elegance and rebellious spirit of this iconic era. For more information, contact us at Address: 227 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001, United States, Phone: +1 (212) 217-5800, or visit our website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What were the key characteristics of 1950s men’s fashion?
The key characteristics included the resurgence of hats, perfectly styled hair with pomade, the influence of Hollywood stars, and the rise of casual wear. Men also wore suits, sport coats, and leisure jackets in a variety of styles and colors. -
Who were some of the biggest fashion icons of the 1950s?
Fashion icons included James Dean, Marlon Brando, Elvis Presley, and Cary Grant. -
What kind of hats were popular in the 1950s?
Popular hats included fedoras, boaters, Panama hats, straw hats, and flat caps. -
What were some popular hairstyles for men in the 1950s?
Popular hairstyles included the pompadour, jelly roll (or duck’s arse), and slick-back. -
Did men wear bow ties in the 1950s?
Yes, men wore bow ties, with larger and wider styles at the beginning of the decade transitioning to slimmer and longer styles by the mid-50s. -
What types of suits were popular in the 1950s?
Popular suit styles included the American sack suit and the Roman-style suit (or continental style). -
How did youth culture influence fashion in the 1950s?
Youth culture influenced fashion through the emergence of rebellious groups like the jocks, greasers, and teddy boys, each with their distinct styles. -
What kind of shoes were popular in the 1950s?
Popular shoes included Oxfords, brogues, white shoes, saddle shoes, winklepicker shoes, and chukka boots. -
What role did accessories play in 1950s men’s fashion?
Accessories such as belts, scarves, gloves, socks, and pocket squares played a significant role in expressing individuality and adding color to outfits. -
Where can I find more information and inspiration for 1950s men’s fashion?
You can find more information and inspiration at mens-fashion.net, offering the latest trends and advice to rediscover the timeless elegance and rebellious spirit of this iconic era.
