The 50's mens fashion trends with a complex tapestry of trends, patterns, and cultural influences. It combined post-war fashion nostalgia, rock 'n roll rebelliousness, movie icon grace, and music legend boldness.
This era created legendary looks, fashion revolutions, and styles that still influence modern style. The sartorial revolution is more than a historical curiosity. It shows fashion's ability to capture the spirit of the times, question social standards, and create our identity.
And while we explore the rich and colourful tapestry of 1950s men's fashion, remember that this isn't simply a walk down memory lane, but a voyage into a pivotal era in style and culture.
Whether you're a fashionista, history buff, or just interested about past styles, this is an instructive look at an age that continues to influence men's design.
Read also: Men’s Fashion in the 1940s: The Timeless Style
50's mens fashion trends A Approach Changing
Following the Second World War, men's clothes evolved towards simpler and informal styles. Sports coats, casual shirts, and the leather jacket with a white t-shirt—popularized by period films—were launched.
icons of young protest as rock n' roll music rose were greasine-back hair, jeans, and leather jackets. At the same time, the Beat Generation, lead by Jack Kerouac, adopted a distinct style. They liked turtlenecks, berets, and fitted suits for a more intellectual and bohemian look.
These alternative dress choices asked the standards and changed fashion.
Suits
A manly shape with clean lines defined 1950s suits. Over the decade, the straight sillouete grew more form-fitting and smaller, making shoulderpads that created a V-shaped torso less popular.
Double-breasted suits were remained popular, but single-breasted jackets with broader lapels and rounder tips were becoming more popular.The Brioni-invited Roman-style suit debuted. Its main contribution to modern style was the addition of side vents (one on each hip) instead of the single back vent in the American sack suit.
Fabrics were crucial, with polyester gaining popularity in 1950s men's design despite its 1940s invention. However, wool, flannel, and ultra-luxurious mohair remained popular for their durability and elegance. The colour palette was mostly grey, blue, and brown, although more brilliant colours and patterns were introduced by the conclusion of the decade.
Shirts
Early 1950s cotton or linen shirts have strong designs and bright colours. According to some, men's fashion of the 1950s liked pastel colours so that they could sport thicker ties. The shorter point collar, spread collar, and club collar (rounded edges) were the most popular types for formal and casual contexts. While detachable collars were common in the 1920s, men's fashion in the 1950s favoured connected collars for ease of use and comfort.
1950s men's fashion also introduced casual shirt styles like the polo shirt and Cuban collar shirt, showing a desire for leisure and comfort.
The basic t-shirt, inspired by Hollywood stars like Marlon Brando (in 1951's A Streetcar Named Desire), became a casual wardrobe staple throughout this decade and remains fashionable today.
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Pants
Following the poorer cut of previous decades, 1950s trousers stressed comfort and movement. Both jeans and trousers had bottom cuffs, which were trendy at the period. The cuff was 2-4 inches, depending on height and fitting.
Men's 1950s fashion favoured high-waisted, single- or double-pleated pants for a longer silhouette. Bermuda or knee-length shorts, cut like dress trousers or suit trousers, were also fashionable, with stronger colours and plaid patterns.
Inspired by Hollywood and the music industry, denim jeans became a popular casual wear option, especially among young people. Preppy fashion also popularised chinos and khakis for informal and semi-formal situations as a lighter, more adaptable alternative to wool pants.
Sweaters, weaves
Sweaters and knitwear were vital in 50s men's fashion, reflecting the era's trend towards more informal and flexible attire.
The comfort and utility of sweaters made them popular. Typically worn over shirts for a smart-casual appearance. Especially popular was the V-neck sweater. While wool was still used, new synthetic fibres made sweaters and knitwear more attractive and affordable for the average man.
Jackets, outerwear
A mix of fashion trends and innovation defined 1950s outerwear and men's coats, meeting both useful and stylish demands.
Cardigans, leisure jackets, and sport coats typified men's easygoing style. Hollywood influenced the decade's youthful revolt, which brought leather motorcycle jackets and new subcultures. The trench coat remained popular for wet weather, while the pea coat provided warmth and durability during colder months.
Outerwear of the 1950s allowed men to express their style and adapt to shifting social norms while providing utility and comfort.
Footwear
The 1950s fashion scene was mirrored in footwear's combination of normal and new styles. Oxford shoes, available in several materials and finishes, including patent leather for evening dress, were a formal staple.
Original casual shoes, loafers were renowned for their comfort and simplicity of wear. Finer leather made it formal. Desert boots and chukkas were casual but attractive, matching modern casual attire like chinos and jeans.Sneakers, like Converse (still famous), transitioned from sports wear to casual design, driven by young culture and celebrities like James Dean.
In the 1950s, men's fashion found a balance between following traditions and being comfortable, adaptable, and able to show who you are.
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Men’s Formalwear in the 1950s
Men's formalwear in the 1950s continue to focus on grace and class. Tailored suits and close attention to detail were what made formal events in that era what they were.
For evening wear, the tuxedo was still the best. It had a single-breasted jacket with a shawl or peak collar and was usually black or midnight blue. In lighter colours and materials, the dinner jacket was a slightly less traditional choice for evening events, especially in warmer places.
Most formal shirts were white and had a wingtip or turndown collar. A bow tie or a slim necktie was worn with them. The outfit was finished off with polished leather shoes and cummerbunds and waistcoats for an extra touch of class.
Bespoke sewing also became popular during this time, which let men customise their formalwear with custom fits and one-of-a-kind features. This shows how important personal style is even in the most formal settings.
Men’s Casualwear in the 1950s
"50's men's fashion trends casual" had a lot more casual clothes than "rock and roll" clothes. People wear plaid and checked button-down shirts a lot. With slacks or pants, these outfits were great for work or a night out.
The classic appeal of polo shirts
"1950s men's fashion casual" included polo shirts, which I love. Because it's light and can be dressed up or down, it's great for any event. The polo shirt looked clean and stylish whether it was worn with pants or jeans.
Read also: Stylish Mens Clothing On A Budget: High Style, Low Cost
Men’s Accessories in the 1950s
Hats
It was still important for men to wear hats in the 1950s, but their popularity started to drop as haircuts became more important in men's fashion.
As long as men wanted to look more put-together, the fedora, with its wide brim and curved top, was a popular choice. The trilby, a hat with a shorter cap, had a more laid-back look and could be worn to both business and pleasure events.
The flat cap, baseball cap, and newsboy cap added a touch of working-class chic to more casual events. These hats showed how people from different social classes mixed their styles during the decade.
Hats were still a sign of class and an important part of a well-dressed man's outfit, even though fewer people wore them by the end of the decade.
Shirts
In the 1950s, watches were more than just ways to tell time. They were also signs of style and social rank. The decade saw the rise of high-end Swiss names like Rolex, Omega, and Patek Philippe, which were the leaders in design and new ideas.
Most watches were mechanical and could be wound by hand or instantly. They had simple, beautiful designs and came with leather straps or metal bands. Dive watches and chronographs also became more popular, which shows that people are becoming more interested in sports and outdoor activities.
Ties
In the 1950s, ties were an important part of a man's wardrobe. They showed both business and uniqueness, since wild and bold designs on ties were still seen as professional. But it was becoming more common and still looked good to go to work or events without one. Wider ties with pointy tips were popular during this decade, which was a return to the bold styles of the pre-war era. They came in bright colours and lots of different designs, such as paisleys, stripes, and polka dots.
During that time, ties were made from silk, wool, rayon, polyester, and even cotton knit. They had a lot of structure and shine that went well with the fitted suits of the time. The bow tie was also very popular, especially ones that came already tied. It was a stylish and easier way to dress up than a standard necktie.
Shoulder straps and belts
Suspenders were still a practical and stylish way to keep pants in place, and people liked them because they looked good and were comfortable. Still, belts became more common as the 1950s went on. This was partly because men's dress became more casual.
Leather belts, in particular, were seen as more modern and useful because they came in a range of sizes and styles that went with both dressy and casual clothes.
Glasses
In the 1950s, glasses worn for reasons of function became a fashion statement. When horn-rimmed glasses came out, with their unique thick frames, they gave men's looks a more intelligent look. People also liked wearing glasses with metal rims and aviators, which gave them a sleek look.
It became more normal to wear sunglasses because movies and being outside are more popular. People who liked the cool, laid-back look of the time wore styles like the wayfarer and the aviator.
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Some trendy men's accessories in the 1950s
Beyond the basics, men's fashion in the 1950s included many items that men could use to make their clothes more unique and stylish. When it got colder, a lot of people wore scarves, which were usually tied and put under their coat collars.
Symbolic jewellery for men, like signet rings and chain bands, started to become more popular. This was the beginning of a larger trend in men's fashion towards accessorising. These items not only finished off the look, but they also let men show who they were and what their standing was in a society that was growing quickly and celebrating individuality.
Men’s Grooming Trends in the 1950s
Men's Hairstyles in the 1950s
There were many different hairstyles for guys in the 1950s, which showed how the decade was a mix of traditional and new, bold styles. The crew cut and the Ivy League style were very popular because they looked clean and neat, which was a sign of the return to traditional values after World War II. These styles were short, easy to wear, and appropriate for businessmen.
However, the pompadour and quiff, which were influenced by music and movie stars like Elvis Presley and James Dean, became signs of youth rebellion.
The ducktail was another famous style of the time. It looked like the back of a duck because the hair was pulled together at the back of the head. Even though this style wasn't worn as much in the workplace, it showed how rock 'n' roll was having a bigger impact on society and fashion.
Sideburns also came back and became more common towards the end of the decade. This is another example of how people are grooming themselves in more creative ways.
1950s Hair on the Face
In the 1950s, most people kept their facial hair short. Shaved faces were the most popular way to look good. At that time, people put a lot of value on being neat and following the rules, especially at work.
However, some groups became more interested in moustaches again. They wore them thin and neatly trimmed, which gave men an air of elegance or toughness.
The moustache and the Van Dyke beard were also popular among artists and free spirits, but not as much in regular people's lives. Within the limits of the time's grooming standards, these styles let people express themselves.
In the late 1950s, grooming rules started to loosen up a bit. This made room for the more creative and varied styles of the 1960s.
Trendy Outfits and Styles
There were many styles and clothes for guys in the 1950s that have stayed with us for a long time. During this time, coats went from having two breast pockets to having one breast pocket and suit jackets, which had a more modern and sleek look.
Colour was an important part of fashion in the 1950s. Suits in dark blue and dark brown were popular because they looked classy and elegant. Younger people who wanted to make a strong statement, on the other hand, loved bright colours.
During this time, pants also changed. For younger guys, boxy jeans became popular. For more formal events, grey slacks and khaki pants became popular. Adding bow ties, fedora hats, penny shoes, and pocket squares to clothes gave them a personal touch and made them look more put-together.
Fashion Icons and How They Affect Us
When talking about 1950s men's fashion, it's impossible to ignore the role that famous stars played in making certain styles popular, thanks to the legendary roles they played in movies and music.
In Rebel Without a Cause, James Dean played a rebellious kid. He set the style with a white t-shirt and the famous red raincoat jacket. This style became a great example of a cool, loungy look that people still like today.
Marlon Brando, who was also a big star at the time, liked the casual clothes style. Because of how he played the rough-and-tumble Johnny Strabler in "The Wild One," the black motorbike jacket became a sign of the brave and rebellious spirit.
King of rock and roll Elvis Presley also had a big impact on men's dress during this time. Presley brought a bold flair to men's clothing, showing that men's style could be both daring and expressive. He was known for his flashy stage outfits, including a high collar, bejewelled jumpsuits, and a sleek pompadour hairstyle.
By Looking at Age and Body Types
In the 1950s, people of different ages and body types had different fashion tastes. Men who were older tended to dress more formally, like wearing suits and other strict styles. People wore business clothes to professional events because they made people look confident and professional.
The casual and rebellious fashion styles, on the other hand, were welcomed by younger guys. They liked jeans, leather jackets, and styles that were less strict. Body type also played a part in choosing the right fit and shape.
People who are thinner did well in slim-fitting jeans and fitted clothes that emphasised their slim bodies. People who are bigger looked for comfort in clothes that didn't fit as tightly and had more open cuts.
Style and Social Change
The social and cultural feeling of a time has a lot to do with fashion, and the 1950s were no different. In the early years after World War II, the style was characterised by a sense of traditionalism and conservatism. This was mostly because people were trying to get back to normal after World War II, which made them put more value on family values and following the rules.
For men, the desired style was formal and polished, which fit with the idea of the man as the head of the family and the main source of income. People wore suits, ties, and hats every day, which showed a strict sense of business and style.
But as the decade went on, there was a growing sense of discontent and revolt among young people. Fashion changed when rock 'n' roll came along, movies became more famous, and culture icons like Marlon Brando came into being. Styles that were more formal and tried to fit in started to give way to more relaxed and unique clothes.
Blue jeans, leather jackets, and T-shirts became signs of defiance and not fitting in, showing how young people were losing faith in the rules and ideals of the previous age. These styles were more than just a fashion choice; they were a sign of a growing fringe that wanted to change the rules and standards of society.
In this way, the changes in dress in the 1950s show how society was changing at the same time. When we look at fashion in its larger cultural context, we can see it as more than just a matter of taste; it's a powerful way to show ourselves and find our identity. People's clothes could say a lot about their dreams, fears, and ambitions, giving us a unique look into the mood of the time.
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Why 1950s Men’s Fashion is Still Relevant
Most surprises me how "50's mens fashion trends" still influence modern designs. Still in demand are several 1950s items including classic suits, appropriate jeans, and leather jackets. The adaptability of these designs permits them to be appropriate for current trends, therefore proving that great fashion truly never goes out of style.
Wearing old clothes in today's style
Vintage clothes from the 1950s are becoming more popular again because they connect people to the past while still being on style. Knit sweaters with cardigans, denim coats, knee-high socks, and short jackets are some classic pieces that are back in style. One of the things that makes old clothing so appealing is that it can bring back memories.
Clothing from the 1950s, like white shirts, dress shirts, and plaid shirts, is also back in style today. They can be styled in a million different ways, whether you're wearing suits, jeans, or boots. Adding vintage style to any outfit with collars that can be taken off, white socks, and straw hats is easy.
The white suit has come back into style in a big way. It was once seen as risky. When worn with bright accessories and modern twists, the white suit oozes confidence and style. In the same way, navy blue suits have become a classic in men's fashion, providing a classy option to black suits.
Best Places to Buy 1950s Men’s Clothing Today
If you enjoy the "50's mens fashion trends" and find yourself thinking "where to buy 1950s Men clothing" today. Many vintage shops and internet merchants specialise in 1950s-style fashion. Specialised vintage stores, thrift stores, and internet markets like Etsy and eBay are some of my favourite sites to hunt for these things. Modern companies also include 1950s-inspired clothing like classic polo shirts, slim-fit trousers, and custom suits.
Conclusion
When we think about how the 1950s changed men's fashion so much, we see a rich fabric made of rebellion, grace, and changing social norms. Trends today clearly reflect the subtleties of this time of change, from the rise of casual clothing to the growing importance of movies and rock 'n' roll music.
We see a rise in vintage clothing not just as a nostalgic treat, but also as a celebration of the variety and creative power of clothes. The fashion scene of the 1950s had its own unique features, but it still has an impact on current style, which adds to its classic appeal.
Fashion is a story that is always changing, even though it has roots in the past. It always reinvents itself to represent the spirit and personality of the time it lives in. We're not putting away the style book just because the 1950s are over. The pages are just changing.
As the 1960s began, there was another change that shaped a new group of guys who cared about fashion. As we go through this development, we ask you to join us on a trip into the radical and revolutionary era of men's fashion in the 1960s, when the rules of style were rewritten and a fun shift towards more flashy, eclectic looks began to take hold.
FAQ's 50's mens fashion trends
What was the clothing style in the 50's for men?
Many men in the early 1950s sport loose, conservatively colored suits with thin ties. Men's outfits grew more textured, vibrant, and laid back as the decade went on. Men used light sports jackets and bright shirts along with pants for fun.
What do men wear to a 50s party?
Young men dressed for such a big event, therefore you will want a 1950s tuxedo. Most prom Kings donned white shawl collar tuxedo jacket over black tuxedo trousers and white tuxedo shirt with black bow tie. The finishing touch was a pink carnation or whatever color to complement the clothing your date wore.
What should a man in his 50s wear?
Go for a slim, two-button jacket with larger lapels and well-tailored, flat-fronted pants if you're not sure what to buy. Give your ties some freshness; if you're feeling brave, substitute a sleek rollneck sweater for those worn-out, old formal shirts.
How to look like a 50s man?
These are the must-have 1950s men's fashion items that characterize the time and still influence style today.
- Collared shirt from Cuba.
- Pleated Trousers.
- Men's shoes in the 1950s were penny loafers.
- Polo made from knitted threads.
- Sport coats and blouson jacket.
- Leather Journal.
Should men in their 50s wear jeans?
slim jeans are a fashion you have probably aged out of as you become older. You should not be shunning all slender designs, though, either. Comfortable, age-appropriate, and fashionable slim-leg pairs are among the best jeans available for older guys.
What type of jeans should a 50 year old man wear?
Generally speaking, an older guy would seem most suited in a straight leg with a mid-rise. Usually covering most height ranges, this kind of jeans.
What clothes should older men wear?
Stay away from too tight or baggy clothes. Customized items like pants and coats may really change things. Select Quality Textiles: Invest in comfortable, durable clothing created from premium fabrics including wool, cotton, and linen. Keep it straightforward. Choose subdued designs and plain hues.
Is 50 too old to wear ripped jeans?
Any age might be a stylish choice for distressed jeans, so you shouldn't allow them scare you. They provide an appearance more laid-back and informal and bring charm.
What is the fashion trend for older men in 2024?
Lock your closet if you're male and over 60; your children, grandchildren, and relations may plunder it for cardigans, vests, knitwear, tweed blazers and loafers. Since this is a gender-neutral fashion trend, everyone will be after your stuff! The "eclectic grandpa" fashion is hot in 2024.
what are the current trends in men's fashion?
- Oversized apparel: Jackets, shirts, and pants are all part of this style. Skateboarding and hip-hop are the main sources of inspiration for oversized coats.
- Streetwear: Emphasizing individualism and self-expression, this look is relaxed and comfortable. Statement accessories, shoes, hoodies, and graphic shirts are examples of streetwear.
- Heritage-inspired fashion: This easygoing, preppy look features sweaters, barn jackets, and topcoats.
- Denim jackets: The denim jacket has returned to popularity.
- Floral and tie-dye patterns are becoming more popular.
- Chinos: Chinos will remain in style since they are a very adaptable item of apparel.
- Tweeds from the 1990s: These weeds are becoming more popular.
what should you not wear in your 50s?
It's generally advised that you stay away from clothing that is too revealing, too tight, too short, or heavily trend-focused when you're in your 50s because these styles may not fit your body type and may seem out of place for your age group. Instead, focus on well-fitting, timeless pieces that complement your individual style while still looking mature.
will the 50s style come back
As much as we love the fashion trends of the '90s and early aughts, we've also been there and done that. It's time to embrace some of the more elevated styles from decades past, starting with '50s fashion. Out of all the decades, there's a reason outfits from the 1950s have remained relevant.