The 1950s were a transformative decade in the world of fashion, particularly for men’s clothing. After the turbulence of the Second World War, the 1950s marked a return to stability and prosperity. This era was characterized by clean lines, elegance, and an emphasis on sharp, well-tailored outfits. From iconic movie stars like James Dean and Marlon Brando to rock ‘n’ roll legends like Elvis Presley, the 50s saw a variety of influential fashion statements that continue to inspire men’s clothing to this day.
If you’re interested in adopting a classic 50s male style, you’ll need to focus on the key elements of the era’s fashion. This guide will help you navigate through the quintessential pieces of men’s clothing from the 1950s and offer tips on how to incorporate them into your wardrobe for a timeless look.
Understanding the 50s Male Fashion Aesthetic
The essence of 50s fashion for men can be summed up in three words: clean, classic, and sharp. The clothing was less about flamboyance and more about creating a silhouette that was flattering, masculine, and sophisticated. The styles were influenced by a post-war optimism, with a focus on traditional tailoring, simple lines, and polished, elegant looks.
Key Fashion Influences of the 50s:
Post-War Optimism: The world had emerged from the chaos of the war, and men’s fashion mirrored this sense of recovery. Suits were made with more luxurious fabrics, shirts were crisp and clean, and ties were often bold and expressive.
Hollywood and Music Icons: Icons like James Dean, Marlon Brando, and Elvis Presley shaped much of the 50s male wardrobe. James Dean’s rebellious style in Rebel Without a Cause was defined by leather jackets and jeans, while Marlon Brando brought the rugged masculinity of the white t-shirt and biker jacket into the spotlight. On the other hand, Elvis Presley introduced a sense of glamor to everyday menswear with his polished looks.
The Birth of Casual Cool: While tailored suits and formalwear were the standard for many occasions, the 1950s also marked the rise of more casual clothing, such as the bomber jacket, denim jeans, and short-sleeve button-ups.
Now, let’s dive into the essential men’s clothing pieces that defined the 1950s look.
1. The Tailored Suit: A Signature Piece of Men’s Clothing
One of the most iconic pieces of 50s men’s clothing was the tailored suit. This era saw a revival of the sharply cut suit, which became synonymous with a clean, elegant appearance. The suit fit during this period was generally slim, but not as tight as the more modern cuts we see today.
Key Features of a 1950s Suit:
Single-Breasted Jackets: A single-breasted jacket was the norm in the 50s, with a two-button configuration being the most common. The jacket’s shoulders were often slightly padded, creating a structured and broad silhouette.
Narrow Lapels: The lapels of the jacket were slim but not overly skinny. The narrow lapel was often around 2.5 to 3 inches wide, giving the suit a sleek and contemporary look.
High Waist Trousers: The trousers worn in the 1950s had a higher rise compared to modern pants. They were often pleated and tapered, giving them a sharp, flattering line.
Fabric Choices: Wool was the most common fabric for suits, as it offered both durability and elegance. Tweed was also a popular choice for more casual suits, giving a rugged yet refined appearance.
The 50s suit was all about presenting a polished and composed image. While dark colors like navy, charcoal, and black dominated formalwear, lighter shades like grey and tan were popular for daytime looks.
2. The Button-Down Shirt: A Casual Essential
The button-down shirt became an essential item in the male wardrobe during the 1950s. This shirt was versatile, offering a smart-casual look that could be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Key Features of the 1950s Button-Down Shirt:
Slim Fit: The fit of the shirt was generally slim, giving the wearer a tidy, streamlined appearance. While not as tight as modern slim-fit shirts, the 1950s version hugged the body without being overly constricting.
Pointed Collar: Point collars were the standard during this period, offering a sharp, angular look. The collar was usually worn with a tie, which became a symbol of sophistication in this era.
Fabric Choices: Cotton was the primary fabric for shirts, offering both comfort and breathability. Gingham, checks, and stripes were common patterns, although solid colors like white, light blue, and pastel hues were also quite popular.
The button-down shirt could be paired with trousers for a more formal look or with jeans for a casual weekend outfit. The 50s man often wore his shirt tucked in, creating a crisp, polished appearance.
3. The Leather Jacket: The Rebel’s Wardrobe Staple
The 1950s introduced the leather jacket as an iconic symbol of rebellion and rugged masculinity. Worn by figures like James Dean and Marlon Brando, the leather jacket became synonymous with youthful defiance and cool confidence.
Key Features of the 1950s Leather Jacket:
Motorcycle Style: The most popular leather jacket style of the 1950s was the motorcycle jacket, featuring a front zipper, epaulets on the shoulders, and often a slightly asymmetrical cut. This design was practical for motorcyclists, but it became a fashion statement in its own right.
Black Leather: Black was the color of choice for most leather jackets, adding to their tough and rebellious image. However, some men opted for brown leather for a slightly softer look.
Fitted Style: The 50s leather jacket was generally more fitted than the looser styles we see today, helping create a sleek, streamlined appearance.
A leather jacket was typically worn over a simple t-shirt, often paired with denim jeans for a truly iconic 50s look.
4. Denim Jeans: The Rise of Casual Cool
While suits and shirts were essential for formal occasions, the 1950s also witnessed the rise of denim jeans as a casual fashion staple. Popularized by movie stars and musicians, denim jeans became a symbol of youthful rebellion and laid-back cool.
Key Features of 1950s Denim Jeans:
Straight-Leg Fit: Jeans in the 1950s were generally straight-legged, offering a clean and timeless silhouette. They were less form-fitting than today’s skinny jeans but still tapered enough to maintain a masculine shape.
High Waist: Much like trousers, denim jeans had a high waist, often sitting just above the navel. This helped elongate the legs and contributed to the overall sharp appearance of 1950s men’s clothing.
Raw Denim: Raw denim, which had not yet been pre-washed or distressed, was a common choice. These jeans would fade naturally over time, developing a personalized and unique patina.
Pairing denim jeans with a leather jacket or a simple button-down shirt was the go-to look for men in the 1950s, making it a classic combination that endures to this day.
5. The T-shirt: A Casual Classic
The 1950s marked the era in which the humble t-shirt began to emerge as a key piece of men’s clothing. Before this time, t-shirts were largely considered undergarments, but thanks to cultural icons like Marlon Brando and James Dean, they became a symbol of casual, effortless cool.
Key Features of the 1950s T-shirt:
Crew Neck: The classic crew neck t-shirt was popular during this period. It was simple, comfortable, and versatile, making it perfect for layering under jackets or wearing on its own.
Cotton Fabric: T-shirts were predominantly made from soft cotton, offering comfort for everyday wear. The fabric was lightweight and breathable, ideal for warmer weather.
Solid Colors and Prints: While solid colors like white, grey, and black were staples, graphic tees with bold prints or slogans were also becoming more common, particularly among the youth.
The t-shirt was often worn with jeans or tucked into high-waisted trousers, creating a sleek and youthful appearance.
6. The Polo Shirt: A Smart-Casual Staple
The polo shirt emerged as a popular alternative to the button-down shirt in the 1950s. Originally designed for tennis players, the polo became an essential item for men seeking a more casual yet refined look.
Key Features of the 1950s Polo Shirt:
Short Sleeves: The polo shirt had short sleeves, making it a more breathable and comfortable option for warmer weather.
Button Placket: Typically featuring a three-button placket, the polo shirt offered a slightly more formal look than the standard t-shirt.
Piqué Fabric: The classic polo shirt was made from piqué cotton, a textured fabric that added depth to the garment while keeping it breathable.
The polo shirt was a versatile piece, perfect for wearing with both trousers and jeans. It was also worn with a blazer for a smart-casual look, a combination that remains stylish to this day.
7. Accessories: The Finishing Touches
No 1950s outfit was complete without the right accessories. In the 50s, men used accessories to add personality and flair to their outfits, whether it was a tie, hat, or belt.
Essential 1950s Accessories:
Neckties: Ties were an essential part of men’s clothing in the 1950s. They were often bold in color, with patterns like stripes, polka dots, and geometric designs making regular appearances.
Hats: Fedoras and trilby hats were popular among men during this time. They added an element of sophistication and were often worn with suits for a polished look.
Pocket Squares: A well-chosen pocket square added a touch of refinement to a suit jacket, and it became a popular accessory in the 1950s.
8. Footwear: Classic and Comfortable
In terms of footwear, the 1950s were all about classic, stylish shoes that could take a man from the office to the dance floor with ease.
Key Footwear Styles:
Oxford Shoes: Oxford shoes were a staple in 1950s men’s clothing, worn both for formal and smart-casual occasions. They were sleek, comfortable, and versatile.
Loafers: Loafers, particularly the penny loafer, were hugely popular in the 1950s. They were comfortable yet stylish and could be worn with both suits and more casual outfits.
Boots: Leather boots, including the iconic engineer boot, were favored by rebellious icons like Marlon Brando and were often worn with denim.
Conclusion
Dressing like a 50s male is about embracing timeless elegance and sharp tailoring, while incorporating a sense of youthful rebellion and cool confidence. By focusing on key pieces like the tailored suit, button-down shirt, leather jacket, and denim jeans, you can recreate the iconic 1950s look that still resonates today. Whether you’re dressing for a formal event or a casual day out, the essence of 50s men’s clothing lies in simplicity, quality, and style.
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