What Are The Best 1950s Fashion Styles For Guys?

The 1950s fashion for guys was a fascinating blend of post-war optimism, burgeoning youth culture, and Hollywood glamour. This guide, brought to you by mens-fashion.net, explores the key trends, iconic looks, and enduring styles of the era. From the resurgence of hats to the rise of casual wear and rebellious youth styles, we’ll provide you with insights and tips to incorporate 1950s menswear into your modern wardrobe. You will explore vintage styles, iconic fashion, and classic menswear that define the 1950s.

1. What Influenced 1950s Men’s Fashion Trends?

The main influences of the 1950s menswear trends include:

• Post-War Optimism: After World War II, there was a sense of hope and prosperity, which translated into brighter colors and more relaxed styles.
• Hollywood Glamour: Actors like James Dean, Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley set trends and defined the era’s cool, casual style.
• Emergence of Teen Culture: The rise of the teenager as a distinct demographic led to new, rebellious fashion trends like the greaser and the teddy boy styles.
• Fabric Innovation: The increasing availability and affordability of synthetic fabrics like polyester allowed for more diverse and accessible clothing options.
• Music: Rock and roll had a huge impact and artists such as Elvis spearheaded this movement.

2. How Did Hats Make a Comeback in 1950s Fashion for Guys?

Hats experienced a resurgence in popularity during the 1950s for men, a significant shift from the uniform-driven styles of the war years. Men were eager to express their individuality and dress up in ways that reflected their personal tastes. The fedora remained a staple, but the decade also saw the rise of various other styles.

• Summer Styles: Boaters, Panama hats, and straw hats were popular choices for warmer weather, offering both style and sun protection.
• Casual Options: Flat caps provided a more relaxed look for sports and leisure activities, with streamlined designs compared to earlier models.
• Color Revolution: Menswear embraced a broader color palette, and hats were no exception. Men sported hats in various hues, adding personality to their outfits.
• Hatband Upgrades: Hatbands became a canvas for creativity, with bird feathers and unique pleats adding individual flair to each hat.

3. What Were the Popular Hairstyles and Facial Hair Trends in the 1950s?

Hairstyles were a major focus in the 1950s. Men dedicated time and effort to achieving perfectly styled looks, often using pomades like Murray’s or Sweet Georgia Brown to maintain their hair’s shape.

• Iconic Styles: Pompadours, jelly rolls (duck’s arse), and slick-backs were among the most popular hairstyles. The pompadour, brushed high above the forehead, was popularized by Elvis Presley and the rock-and-roll scene.
• Jelly Roll: Jelly rolls involved curling the hair along the sides to a point in the middle front, famously sported by the Teddy Boys in Britain.
• Slick-Back: Slick-backs, often worn with a side part, were favored by sophisticated men like Cary Grant.

Most men were clean-shaven for a youthful and masculine appearance. James Dean popularized a rougher, stubbled look, challenging the clean-cut norms of the time.

4. How Did Sunglasses and Eyeglasses Evolve in 1950s Fashion for Guys?

Sunglasses became a symbol of wealth and style in the 1950s, largely thanks to Hollywood’s influence. They were not only practical for sunny climates but also a representation of glamour and success.

• Rising Popularity: The purchase of sunglasses increased significantly during the decade, fueled by movie stars and their on-screen appearances.
• Spectacle Shapes: Thick-rimmed plastic frames, inspired by icons like Buddy Holly and Phil Silvers, were favored. Browline glasses in various colors, including black, blue, orange, and clear frames, were also popular.

5. What Was the Role of Waistcoats in 1950s Men’s Fashion?

Waistcoats, or vests, became less essential in the 1950s, particularly with the rise of more casual business attire. While not a necessity, waistcoats were often worn as a fashion statement.

• Contrasting Vests: Young men often wore contrasting vests in different materials, such as knit or wool, to add visual interest to their outfits.
• Design Variations: Waistcoats came with or without lapels and featured varying numbers of pockets, allowing for personal style expression.
• Three-Piece Suits: Although less common, some men still wore three-piece suits with matching vests, maintaining a classic, formal look.

6. How Did Shirts and Collars Change in 1950s Menswear?

Shirts in the 1950s evolved to feature attached collars, with detachable collars reserved for formal evening events. The decade saw a revival of the club collar with rounded corners, alongside the continued popularity of spearpoint collars.

• Collar Styles: Soft, turn-on collars were common, often buttoned down or worn with collar clips or pins to maintain their shape.
• Color Trends: Early in the decade, shirt colors were bold, but they gradually transitioned to more pastel and muted tones, allowing ties to stand out.
• Cuff Details: While some men still wore cufflinks, the barrel cuff became increasingly popular. Shirts typically featured a chest pocket on the left side.
• Casual Options: Men sometimes opted to wear suits without a tie, leaving the top button of their shirt undone or choosing camp collar shirts for a more relaxed look.

6.1. What Characterized Casual Shirts in the 1950s?

The 1950s marked the beginning of casual wear’s rise. With more affordable fabrics like polyester, men could afford a wider variety of clothing, including casual shirts. Marlon Brando in “A Streetcar Named Desire” popularized the T-shirt as a standalone item, previously considered an undershirt.

• Patterns and Fabrics: Casual shirts featured stripes, colorful checks, geometric patterns, and even corduroy.
• Gaucho Shirts: The gaucho shirt, a pullover with an open collar, was a popular style, often fastened with a zip or button and loop.
• Camp Collar Shirts: Depending on the occasion, men wore camp collar shirts untucked, with a straight hem and sometimes side pockets.

7. What Were the Key Trends in Neckties and Bow Ties in 1950s Fashion for Guys?

Ties remained popular, even in the workplace, but it was also acceptable to go without one. Ties came in various widths, with wider options for spread collars and slimmer widths for narrower collars.

• Patterns and Materials: Fifties ties featured a huge variety of patterns and colors, including center medallions, abstract designs, and geometric patterns in rayon, polyester, silk, wool, and cotton.
• Knit Ties: Men also wore knit ties, and towards the later part of the decade, tie patterns and colors became more subdued.

Bow ties evolved in size and color during the 1950s.

• Size and Color: Early in the decade, bow ties were bigger and wider, but by the mid-50s, they became slimmer and longer. The color range expanded to include pastel tones and patterns in colors like chartreuse and ochre.
• Convenience: The concept of pre-tied neckwear became established, with clip-on and tuck-on bow ties offering convenience.

8. How Did Suits, Sport Coats, and Leisure Jackets Define 1950s Fashion for Guys?

Suits in the early 1950s were typically American sack suits with no front darts, a straight cut, and a baggier fit. Lapels were narrower, with less shoulder padding and a lower buttoning point.

• Suit Styles: Suits were generally conservative, with gray being the most popular color, along with black, brown, and navy. Fabrics included wool, flannels, and mohair.
• Double-Breasted Jackets: Double-breasted jackets were present, but single-breasted styles were more common. Lapels were often rounded.
• Roman-Style Suit: The late 1950s saw the emergence of the “continental style” or Roman-style suit, invented by Brioni. These suits were narrower, shorter, and featured darts, side vents, and jetted pockets.

8.1. Leisure Jackets and Sport Coats

The 1950s was also the decade of the leisure jacket. Men wore cardigans and sweaters at home, often in bright colors and knitted patterns.

• Sport Coats: For non-work functions, men wore sport coats with casual features like patch pockets. These jackets came in bolder colors, tartans, plaids, and various button styles.

9. What Were the Key Youth Subcultures That Influenced 1950s Fashion for Guys?

Several rebellious youth groups influenced fashion trends in the 1950s.

• Jocks: Jocks were high school athletes who wore varsity jackets, featuring wool torsos, leather sleeves, and school emblems.
• Greasers: Greasers sported big hairstyles, leather motorcycle jackets, white T-shirts, and jeans, symbolizing rebellion against the conformist 1950s lifestyle.
• Teddy Boys: In Britain, Teddy Boys adopted a pseudo-Edwardian style with jelly-rolled hair, drape jackets (sometimes trimmed with velvet), waistcoats, watch chains, bow ties or bolo ties, and brothel creeper shoes.

10. How Did Trousers and Shorts Evolve in 1950s Fashion for Guys?

Trousers in the 1950s were wider than contemporary styles, with an average hem width of about nine and a half inches.

• Pleats and Cuffs: Many trousers featured two pleats, though flat-front pants were also available. Cuffs were common, typically about two and a half inches tall.
• Sporting Trousers: Some sporting trousers had a cinch belt in the back.

Men also wore shorts, often pleated and cut like dress trousers, in bolder patterns like plaids, tartans, and checks. Influenced by Bermuda style, shorts were worn with over-the-calf socks.

11. What Were the Popular Shoe Styles in 1950s Menswear?

Oxfords and brogues in black and brown were still popular, and white or off-white shoes and saddle shoes were also common.

• Winklepickers: One notable, albeit short-lived, trend was the “winklepicker,” a very pointed shoe.
• Chukka Boots: The chukka boot, a style that has endured to this day, gained popularity in the 1950s.
• Color: Elvis Presley popularized blue suede shoes, reflecting the decade’s embrace of color.

12. How Did Overcoats Look in 1950s Fashion for Guys?

Overcoats in the 1950s were often single-breasted or double-breasted, cut wider and baggier, and made from heavier cloth.

• Colors and Fabrics: Colors included brown, gray, and black, with fabrics often incorporating multiple colors in the weave.
• Styles: Double-breasted overcoats with large patch pockets were common, as were Ulster coats and Paletot overcoats.

13. What Accessories Were Essential in 1950s Men’s Fashion?

Accessories added personality and individuality to men’s outfits in the 1950s.

• Belts: Belts were more popular than suspenders, with woven leather belts and unique belt buckles being common.
• Scarves and Gloves: Scarves (mufflers) and leather dress gloves in bolder colors were worn during the winter.
• Socks and Pocket Squares: Socks and pocket squares were often bolder in color and pattern than in previous decades.

14. Where Can You Learn More About 1950s Fashion for Guys?

For more in-depth information, style tips, and curated content on 1950s menswear and other classic styles, visit mens-fashion.net. We offer a wealth of articles, guides, and resources to help you elevate your style. Address: 227 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001, United States. Phone: +1 (212) 217-5800.

15. How to Incorporate 1950s Fashion Styles into a Modern Wardrobe?

Integrating 1950s styles into a contemporary wardrobe involves a blend of classic pieces and modern updates. Here are some practical tips:

• Start with Key Pieces: Invest in classic items like a well-fitted suit, a vintage-inspired sport coat, or a pair of chukka boots.
• Accessorize Smartly: Incorporate elements such as fedora hats, club collar shirts, and bold patterned ties to capture the essence of the 1950s.
• Color Palette: Embrace the decade’s color palette with pastel tones, vibrant hues, and geometric patterns.
• Youth Subculture Inspiration: Draw inspiration from youth subcultures like greasers or jocks, but adapt the looks to suit contemporary tastes.
• Balance and Modernize: Mix vintage-inspired pieces with modern items to create a balanced and relevant look.
• Fabric Choices: Opt for high-quality fabrics like wool, cotton, and mohair to maintain a classic feel.
• Attention to Grooming: Pay attention to grooming habits, such as classic hairstyles and clean-shaven looks, to complete the 1950s aesthetic.

By carefully curating your wardrobe and incorporating these elements, you can successfully blend 1950s fashion with your current style.

16. What Were Some of the Drawbacks of 1950s Fashion?

While the 1950s are remembered fondly for their iconic styles, some aspects were less appealing by today’s standards:

• Synthetic Fabrics: The widespread use of polyester, while affordable, often lacked the breathability and comfort of natural fibers.
• Hairstyle Maintenance: Achieving popular hairstyles required heavy pomades, which could cause skin issues and were difficult to maintain.
• Overly Formal Attire: Strict dress codes in some settings could feel restrictive, limiting personal expression.
• Pointed Shoes: Winklepicker shoes, with their extremely pointed toes, were impractical and uncomfortable.

17. How Did Social and Economic Factors Influence 1950s Menswear?

The social and economic landscape of the 1950s played a crucial role in shaping menswear trends:

• Post-War Prosperity: The economic boom after World War II led to increased consumer spending and a greater interest in fashion.
• Suburbanization: The growth of suburbs and a car-centric lifestyle influenced more casual and practical clothing choices.
• Youth Culture: The emergence of a distinct youth demographic drove new styles and challenged traditional norms.
• Media Influence: Hollywood and the rise of television heavily influenced fashion trends and popular culture.

These factors combined to create a unique fashion landscape, characterized by both conformity and rebellion.

18. How Did Footwear Evolve from Formal to Casual in 1950s Fashion for Guys?

Formal footwear was not the only choice of footwear. Casual footwear also evolved in the 1950s, reflecting a shift towards more relaxed lifestyles and fashion norms.

• Sneakers: Sneakers, formerly gym shoes, gained mainstream acceptance.
• Saddle Shoes: Saddle shoes were popular among younger crowds, symbolizing a more youthful, sporty style.
• Loafers: Loafers emerged as a versatile option, suitable for both casual and semi-formal settings.

19. What Enduring Lessons Can Modern Men Learn from 1950s Fashion?

Despite changing trends, many timeless principles from 1950s fashion remain relevant today. Here are some enduring lessons:

• The Importance of Fit: Well-fitted clothing is always in style, enhancing both comfort and appearance.
• Quality over Quantity: Investing in high-quality fabrics and construction ensures durability and a more refined look.
• Attention to Detail: Accessories and grooming can significantly elevate an outfit, showcasing personal style.
• Embrace Individuality: Expressing personal style through unique accessories and color choices adds character.
• Balance Formal and Casual: Knowing when to dress formally and when to embrace casual styles demonstrates versatility.
• Timelessness: Classic styles and well-crafted garments can transcend fleeting trends, remaining fashionable for years.

By embracing these lessons, modern men can draw inspiration from 1950s fashion and create a stylish, enduring wardrobe.

20. Where Can You Find Inspiration and Resources for Creating 1950s-Inspired Outfits?

Creating 1950s-inspired outfits requires a blend of vintage research and modern adaptation. Here are some resources to get started:

• Online Fashion Blogs and Forums: Fashion blogs and forums that provides articles, style guides, and community discussions focused on vintage and classic menswear.
• Vintage Clothing Stores: Visit local and online vintage clothing stores to find original 1950s garments and accessories.
• Fashion Magazines and Books: Magazines and books about fashion that provide insight into the styles, designers, and cultural context of the decade.
• Museums and Exhibitions: Fashion exhibits and museums offer detailed displays of clothing and accessories from various historical periods.
• Social Media: Instagram and Pinterest serve as platforms for discovering vintage style inspiration and connecting with like-minded enthusiasts.

By exploring these resources, you can gather inspiration and knowledge to create authentic and stylish 1950s-inspired outfits.

FAQ About 1950s Fashion For Guys

• What were the most popular colors in 1950s menswear?

  Popular colors included gray, navy, brown, and pastel shades, with bolder colors often used in casual wear and accessories.

• Did men wear jeans in the 1950s?

  Yes, jeans became increasingly popular, especially among youth subcultures like greasers, often paired with T-shirts and leather jackets.

• What types of hats were fashionable in the 1950s?

  Fedora hats, Panama hats, boaters, and flat caps were all fashionable, with a wide variety of colors and hatband styles.

• How can I incorporate 1950s style into my modern wardrobe?

  Start with key pieces like a well-fitted suit or sport coat, add accessories like hats and bold ties, and balance vintage-inspired items with modern pieces.

• What were the defining characteristics of 1950s suits?

  Suits were typically American sack suits with a straight cut, narrower lapels, and less shoulder padding, though the later part of the decade saw the rise of slimmer Roman-style suits.

• What kind of shoes were popular in the 1950s?

  Oxfords, brogues, saddle shoes, and chukka boots were popular, with some men also sporting winklepicker shoes and blue suede shoes.

• How did youth culture influence 1950s fashion?

  Youth subcultures like jocks, greasers, and Teddy Boys introduced rebellious styles with varsity jackets, leather motorcycle jackets, and Edwardian-inspired drape jackets.

• What accessories were essential in the 1950s?

  Belts, scarves, gloves, socks, and pocket squares were all important accessories, with bolder colors and patterns being common.

• Where can I find vintage 1950s clothing?

  You can find vintage clothing at specialized stores, online marketplaces, and vintage fairs.

• How did the end of World War II impact fashion?

  The end of the war brought a sense of optimism and prosperity, leading to brighter colors, more relaxed styles, and increased consumer spending on fashion.

Menswear in the 1950s was marked by a resurgence of style and individuality. The decade’s trends, influenced by Hollywood glamour, emerging youth culture, and post-war optimism, continue to inspire modern fashion. Visit mens-fashion.net to explore more about the enduring appeal of 1950s fashion.