Saturday, April 15, 2017

100 years of men fashion

The Jazz Age called for a new take on life, and the postwar optimism of society was reflected in everything from clothing to music. Suits were simpler and slimmer, and brighter, lighter colors replaced the black, charcoal, and navy of the previous decade. Shoulderpads disappeared, and men began wearing tighter-fitting jackets with sloping shoulders. Ties became more casual as silks were replaced with a variety of knits. Bow ties became quite “in” during the 1920’s, too. By the mid 20’s, new button-down shirts with attached collars and softer fabrics were introduced and made the norm. The white striped shirts of the previous decade were
replaced with an explosion of color. Men began tying Windsor knots with their ties, which meant that club collars were replaced with pointed spread collars to accommodate the style. It was a time of excitement, economic growth, and the birth of Hollywood. Every man dressed to the nine’s.
Front creases and cuffs started popping up on trousers, emphasizing a man’s overall shape and casting a strong, stern silhouette. New, lower-sitting, baggy trousers meant that men began wearing belts instead of suspenders. Originating at Oxford University, these trousers were referred to as “Oxford Bags,” and often  were quite wide in comparison to the tightly-fitted jackets of the era.
Finally, if you were anyone in the 20’s, you wouldn’t be caught dead leaving the house without a befitting hat. The summer months called for Panama straw and boater hats, while the colder months required felt fedoras. As automobiles grew in popularity and general affordability, cars became a major part of 1920’s culture. This resulted in the popularity of driving-specific attire, such as flat driving caps made of tweed or wool, leather jackets, and white silk scarves.

tl;dr: Postwar optimism, jazz music, and the birth of Hollywood inspired men to dress to the nine’s


Favorite Trend: Bow ties and fedoras

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