In this blog, we will get into the nitty gritty of trends that dominated 50s fashion for men.
The 1950s, the decade that came after the Second World War, was a breath of fresh air in regard to men’s fashion. Like several other facets of life, the war significantly impacted fashion, bringing in changes in material sourcing, color and pattern choices, and a lot of new fashion styles. In this blog, we will get into the nitty gritty of trends that dominated 50s fashion for men. So, whether you’re looking to recreate a specific 50s fashion style or add a bit of vintage flair to your wardrobe, we have got you covered.
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50s Fashion Explained
The post war era alleviated the spirits of people, who enjoyed dressing up in new ways. The use of synthetic materials, including nylon, acrylic, polyester, and spandex was prevalent, significantly reducing prices of staples. Famous fashion designers like Hubert de Givenchy, Christian Dior, and Coco Chanel returned, pulling strings of the decade’s style. Celebrities like James Dean and Elvis Presley were the key influencers.
The three-piece suit continued to rule formal menswear in the early 1950s. As the decade progressed, men’s summer fashion consisted of sports jackets, shirts, and pants made of madras or jersey materials in vibrant colors. The designer launched men’s suits in the continental style and featured short, fitted jackets with pointed shoulders and narrow lapels.
50s Style Clothes For Men
The 50s was a decade of transition for men’s fashion. After the initial austerity of the post-war years, men’s clothes became more colorful and stylish. Still, one of the most iconic outfits for men of the era was the tailored suit, as men didn’t give up on looking sharp. Slim-fitting pants, a jacket with small lapels, and a shirt with a streamlined style define this ensemble.
Jeans were also viewed more and more favorably as a choice for everyday attire, while casual clothing was growing in popularity. Whether you preferred the flannel outfits, a preppy look with a stylish sports coat, or a greaser style with a leather jacket, 50s was an inclusive era.
50s Fashion Men’s Shirts
For men in the 1950s, shirts were essential to any style or wardrobe. In particular, shirts crafted in the styles of the 1950s emphasized clean lines and tailored cuts, and a variety of different types of collars reflected the general trend towards a more streamlined aesthetic.
Whether you were going for a casual look or something dressier, there was a shirt for you. Whether it featured simple sleeves and collars or more intricate details like pleats or contrasting fabrics, shirts from the 1950s offered a timeless style that is still popular today. Examples include dress shirts with broad-spread collars and modified spread collars, knit polo shirts, Hawaiian shirts, and Cuban collar shirts.
50s Fashion Men’s Suits
In the 1950s, formal fashion for men was all about clothes tailored to perfection, with clean lines and sharp silhouettes that exuded sophistication and class. Men’s 1950s suits are classics in men’s vintage fashion. Loose and plain in shape and cut, they were made unique by the love of texture. Suit fitting gradually improved during the 60s men’s fashion.
Suits were generally somewhat conservative. Grey was perhaps the most common color. However, you may also find all-black outfits in suits. These perfectly polished suits featured classic elements like pinstripes, double-breasted jackets, and wide lapels. Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin were fashion icons who portrayed a classic look in the 50s.
50s Fashion Men’s Shorts
1950s men’s shorts outfits typically had a tailored look, with minimal details and clean lines that were pleated and pretty much cut like a pair of dress trousers. Still, they had bolder patterns – plaids, tartans, and checks in more daring colors. The iconic 1950s men’s shorts outfit ideas were influenced by “Bermuda style” Bermuda fashion, often worn with over-the-calf socks.
Chubbies are the OG men’s shorts, so they had to get a spot on this list. Hoochie daddy shorts were a raging trend, that you can dress up a little to wear to brunch with a nice top or throw them on for a summer happy hour.
50s Fashion Menswear Jeans And Pants
In the 50s, menswear was all about classic silhouettes. Popular styles at this time were jeans and pants – these pieces offered an easy, comfortable way to dress up or down, depending on the occasion. In the 1950s – Levi’s blue jeans became extremely popular among Hollywood bad boys like James Dean and Jeff Chandler, making the youth fascinated with their rugged look.
Men’s formal pants of the 1950s were traditional pleated pants with a distinct center crease. In the 1950s, slacks for men were available in rust, light blue, maroon, and teal. In the 1950s, textured fabrics were trendy.
50s Style Accessories For Men
- In the 1950s, it was common for men to wear hats daily. The most popular hat styles were fedoras, beanies, and baseball caps.
- The tie was an essential part of the 50s fashion. They were narrower in the decade but became wider in the 60s and 70s men’s fashion.
- Belts were worn both for function and fashion in the 1950s. Men typically wore belts that matched their shoes in color. You can find vintage-inspired belts that will give your outfit a 1950s look.
Ways To Rock The Famous 50s Fashion Trends In 2022
According to our roundup, these 1950s fashion trends will be popular in 2022.
Cuban Collars Shirt
50s-style men’s Cuban collar shirts are ruling the warm weather fashion. You can wear them with cropped black pants and sockless shoes to give off summer vibes
Pleated Pants
Pleated pants, with pleats, were a huge trend in the 50s. After that, the cool trend took a hit in the 80s fashion, and resurged later on once again in 90s fashion. In 2022, pleated pants are back—and they give the same unparalleled style as they did in the 50s.
Penny Loafer
The penny loafer evolved from its initial leather design, typical of black or brown leather. Since then, they’ve remained a classic, and prominent designers like Gucci, Fendi, and Prada have all came up with its variations.
Knitted Polo Shirts
Knitted polo shirts look dapper with the khaki pants. They are just as casual and versatile as T-shirts, but the collar gives you a more put-together appearance.
Blouson Jacket
Leather jackets and varsity jackets in blouson style, are a throwback 50s trend that is back with a bang. Leather jacket was a significant part of the greaser fashion from the 50s, and is still one of the best jackets to create a rugged look. On the other hand, varsity jackets, typical for jocks in the 50s, are also making waves in contemporary street style.
A boouson jacket, when paired with black jeans and a charcoal gray t-shirt, is like the cherry on top. You can opt for a black blouson jacket.
Fedora Hat
Fedora Hat remains a beautiful addition to your wardrobe. Although the fedora has different colors, it’ll serve you better to stick to neutral tones and medium widths to create a 50s look for guys.
Aesthetic 50s Outfits: How To Rock The Vintage Look in 50s Style
We all know how stylish the ladies of the 50s were. But what about the guys? Today, we’re looking at some of the best-dressed men of the 1950s. From Hollywood heartthrobs to rock and roll legends, these guys knew how to dress to impress. So whether you’re looking for some vintage inspiration or want to see some great old photos, keep reading!
50s Rock And Roll Fashion Men
Inspired by the music genre of the same name, the rock and roll fashion in the 50s was all about youth rebellion and flaunting convention. Dressed up in flashy printed shirts, slick leather jackets, skinny jeans, and sleek leather shoes, pop icon Elvis Presley had a huge impact on what men on the streets wore. These clothing options were ideal for showing off an image of confidence and freedom at a time when social norms still constrained people.
50s rock and roll fashion was about expressing individuality and forging a unique personal style. So why not try incorporating some 50s rock and roll fashion into your wardrobe today?
Rock And Roll Outfit
Cut the Elvis Presley figure in contemporary fashion with a well-fitted black leather jacket. Pair it with a white tee shirt and dark-wash jeans, and you’re good to go. Add a pair of sleek leather boots to complete the look.
Retro 50s Fashion Men
Retro 50s fashion for men encompasses a range of styles and silhouettes that capture the laid-back feel of the era. It typically includes sharply tailored clothing like fitted jackets, skinny ties, and slim-cut trousers. But it also involves more relaxed pieces like preppy polo shirts, printed cardigans, and slouchy jeans. Retro 50s fashion for men is the perfect way to style up a notch without looking overdone.
Retro Outfit for Men
You can easily style your outfit with a slight retro touch to make it a reminiscence of the 50s. All you have to do is choose a relaxed blazer, preferably with stripes or checks and pair it with a plain shirt. Wear slim-fit pants or bell bottoms, depending on whatever you are comfortable with. Also, add a bow tie in contrasting colors to complete your outfit with dress shoes.
Preppy 50s Fashion Men
Preppy 50s fashion for men was all about looking neat, put-together, and polished. Men typically wore tailored suits with muted colors and minimal details to achieve this look. Preppy staples like plaid vests, button-up shirts and cardigans complemented these sharp ensembles and other accessories like ties and pocket squares. Whether strolling down the street or heading to a formal event, preppy 50s fashion men always looked stylish and sophisticated.
Preppy Outfit
Perfectly capture the preppy image with a white button-down shirt layered under a sweater and khaki pants dressed up with loafers.
50s Inspired Outfits
Though it is a little hard to believe that we are currently saying this for an era that was 70 years back, 50s trends are definitely seeing the daylight once again. Many of the styles and subcultures have resurged, fused stylishly with the hints of the new age trends. Here are some more suggestions on how you can nail the 50s look.
Everyday 50s Fashion
Style-conscious men in this decade were known for wearing various classic clothing pieces, including tailored suits, dress shirts, slacks, and ties. Because men wore suits every day, it was necessary to look sharp at all times. To achieve this sleek aesthetic, men often opt for pieces in solid colors or classic patterns like stripes and checks. Men frequently added a pop of personality to their outfits with unique hats, stylish shoes, or traditional ties – all of which helped to elevate their everyday looks
50s Beach Fashion
Beach fashion in the 50s often meant choosing loose-fitting clothing from lightweight materials like cotton and linen. Some popular 50s beach fashion pieces included breezy button-up shirts, cropped pants or shorts, and comfortable sandals. Other key elements of 50s beach fashion were bright colors, simple patterns, and eye-catching details like embroidery. Whether you’re hitting the waves or just hanging out on the boardwalk, 50s beach men’s fashion keeps you looking stylish and confident!
50s Party Fashion Men
With their sartorial sensibilities, men looked quite dapper at the parties in the 50s. Typical 50s party fashions for men often featured classic silhouettes, such as tailored jackets and high-waisted pants. The choice of material was usually wool, tweed, and corduroy.
In addition to stylish shirts, jackets, and pants, 50s party fashion for men often incorporate fun accessories. For example, you might see guys wearing colorful bow ties or vintage-inspired hats at 50s parties.
FAQs
How Do You Look Like You’re From The 50s?
A simple way to look like you’re from the 1950s is to wear clothing appropriate for the era. For men, this means wearing slacks or khakis with a button-down shirt. You can also wear a sweater or cardigan over your shirt. You can dress in a blazer and striped shirt with tailored pants. To complete the look, add a pair of loafers or Oxfords.
What Do You Wear To A 50s Party?
Men’s fashion in the 1950s was all about looking sharp and stylish. For such a look, opt popular party clothing items: suits, dress shirts, and slacks. Ties were also trendy, as they helped to complete the look of a well-dressed man.
What Hairstyle Was Popular In The 50s?
The pompadour was a popular hairstyle for men in the 1950s. It involves combing the hair back from the forehead and then curling it over the top of the head. The pompadour is a timeless hairstyle worn with or without a fringe.
Are The 50s Trends Coming Back in 2022?
Watching the street fashion, celebrity appearances, and designer collections, it looks like some 50s trends are coming back! We’re seeing a lot of vintage-inspired fashion and classic 50s hairstyles.
Wrapping Up The 50s Fashion
We have reached the end of our 1950s male fashion tell-all. The 1950s were a significant decade for men’s fashion since many colors returned and many commonplace objects entered the fashion scene, both completely novel compared to earlier decades. The fact that consumerism was rising and people were eager to spend money and relearn how to have fun also helped. Extracting ideas from the blog post, you too can portray the stylish 50s look with perfection.
