The decade of the 1950s in America was a period of profound transformation and redefinition in many aspects of life, including the roles of men.
Following the return of soldiers after World War II, society grappled with a new peacetime identity, which included a shift in the perceptions of masculinity.
Men were widely expected to become providers and protectors of their nuclear families, serving as the bedrock of a rapidly suburbanizing country.
At the same time, we have witnessed an evolution in men’s fashion over the decade.
Post-war affluence allowed for a more diverse and expressive approach to male attire, balancing the formality of pre-war styles and burgeoning casualness.
From the boardroom to the backyard barbecue, men’s clothing reflected the times’ growing comfort and pragmatism.
The influence of media and entertainment could not be understated, as the images of Hollywood’s leading men and the dawning television age promoted and disseminated new ideals of style and behavior to become hallmarks of the 1950s male ethos.
Key Takeaways
- The 1950s saw a redefinition of male roles in American society influenced by post-war adjustments.
- Men’s fashion evolved to embrace a mix of formality and emerging casual styles.
- Entertainment and media played significant roles in shaping the period’s ideals of masculinity and style.
Post-War Society and Men’s Roles
In the post-World War II era, American society underwent notable transformations that reshaped the traditional gender roles and expectations of men. Adaptive economic growth and social dynamics fostered new workplace norms while the impact of the war lingered in the collective consciousness.
World War II Impact
The return of soldiers after World War II played a pivotal role in redefining masculinity and men’s societal roles. As service members reintegrated into civilian life, they confronted a wave of expectations to resume traditional gender roles as providers and heads of households. The combat experiences of these men also brought about changes in societal attitudes toward masculinity, emphasizing stoicism and resilience.
Workplace Norms
In the 1950s, the workplace became a central stage for expressing male identity.
Economic expansion facilitated a surge in white-collar jobs, solidifying the ideal of the male breadwinner with a stable career.
Blue-collar jobs, on the other hand, continued to celebrate the physical prowess and skillfulness associated with traditional masculinity. These norms held significant sway over the cultural perception of a man’s role within the family and the broader community.
Men’s Fashion Overview
The 1950s marked a defining era for men’s fashion, heavily influenced by cultural icons and witnessed a blend of classic styles with diverse, changing trends in menswear.
Influence of Cultural Icons
Cultural icons like James Dean and Elvis Presley shaped men’s fashion during the 1950s. These figures were emblematic of the era’s cool rebel in denim and leather and the polished rock and roll style that would come to define a generation.
Dominant Styles and Trends
The 1950s men’s fashion was characterized by:
- Casual Wear: Cuban-collar shirts, slacks, and penny loafers.
- Formal Attire: Sharp, tailored suits, often in wool and darker tones for business and lighter colors for leisure.
- Outerwear: Leather jackets, famously the Perfecto, worn by bikers and young adults.
Key elements such as high-waisted trousers and single-breasted jackets were staples in the everyday wardrobe.
Diversity and Change in Menswear
Throughout the decade, men’s fashion saw increased diversity and change. Post-war optimism fueled a desire for variety, with clothing becoming an expression of personal style. Designer Pierre Cardin was instrumental in introducing innovative designs that broke from traditional conservative dress, signaling a shift towards modernity in menswear.
Casual Clothing Revolution
The transformation of men’s fashion in the 1950s marked a significant shift towards more relaxed and colorful options, with casual wear becoming a staple in a man’s wardrobe.
Introduction to Casual Wear
The post-war era saw a noticeable increase in the variety of casual clothing. Leisure attire evolved rapidly as men favored comfort and style in their everyday wear.
During this period, one could witness a broad expansion of options, from boldly colored shirts to casual slacks.
This wave was partly due to decreased fabric costs, allowing men to embrace a more diverse closet that fit a casual lifestyle. Jeans also emerged as a symbol of youth rebellion, yet they soon established themselves as everyday apparel for men of all ages.
Advent of the T-Shirt
Central to this casual wear revolution was the rise of the T-shirt.
The U.S. Navy adopted it in the late 1910s as undergarments and T-shirts transitioned to mainstream casual wear in the 1950s. The white T-shirt, often paired with jeans, became an iconic ensemble, partly thanks to figures like James Dean and Marlon Brando. It served as a comfortable piece of casual wear and a blank canvas that reflected personal style and cultural affiliations.
The widespread acceptance of the T-shirt marked a pivotal moment in the American history of casual attire, signaling a new era in men’s fashion where comfort did not compromise style.
Formal Attire and Suits
In the 1950s, men’s formal attire symbolized elegance and professionalism, characterized by tailored suits during business hours and sophisticated tuxedos for celebratory events.
Evolution of the Business Suit
The 1950s business suit saw a departure from the broader shoulders of the 1940s, moving toward a narrower cut that emphasized a natural waistline.
The introduction of lighter fabrics and a more relaxed fit reflected an evolution of the work environment and aesthetic preferences.
Brands like Brioni led the way in refined tailoring, offering a sleek silhouette without sacrificing comfort. Men often complemented their suits with vests, adding a layer of formality.
Tuxedos and Formal Events
Regarding tuxedos and black-tie events, the 1950s embraced the classic elegance established in prior decades.
The tuxedo epitomizes men’s formal wear, with a shawl lapel or a peaked lapel being popular choices. Tuxedos were typically black and worn with a white dress shirt, often featuring a pleated front and accessories like a bow tie and cummerbund. This era celebrated a sleek and elegant style essential to men’s eveningwear for formal events and gatherings.
Everyday Men’s Apparel
The 1950s marked a distinctive period for men’s fashion, characterized by a shift towards more casual styles for daily wear without sacrificing sartorial elegance.
Shirts and Collars
Men of the 1950s often donned shirts with various collars suitable for different occasions. The prevalent choice was button-down shirts, which provided a polished look while maintaining comfort.
Plaid shirts also gained popularity, particularly for more casual settings. Their patterns ranged from subtle to bold, making them versatile for various social situations.
Trousers and Pleats
Trousers during this era were designed with comfort and style in mind. Many trousers featured pleats at the front, allowing for greater freedom of movement and a sharp, tailored appearance.
Men’s slacks often came in gabardine, flannel, and wool, with tweed being a favored choice for winter months. The breadth of colors expanded this decade, including more vibrant shades alongside traditional neutrals.
Outerwear and Accessories
In the 1950s, men’s outerwear and accessories combined practicality with the flair of the era, featuring structured jackets, tailored coats, statement hats, and distinctive eyewear that underscored a man’s personal style.
Jackets and Coats
Men of the 1950s often donned jackets that were as much about fashion as they were about function. Inspired by Marlon Brando and James Dean, leather jackets became iconic symbols of youthful rebellion. In contrast, the double-breasted overcoat conveyed a more mature and refined sensibility, often constructed from wool for warmth and durability. For example, popular styles included:
- Leather motorcycle jackets, also known as Perfecto jackets, identified by their asymmetrical zippers and wide lapels.
- Wool coats, such as the Chesterfield, with a velvet collar and concealed buttons for a sleek silhouette.
For a deeper dive into the variety of jackets Gentleman’s Gazette offers profound insights.
Hats and Eyewear
The 1950s were a time when hats were an essential part of a man’s attire, with the Panama hat and straw boater representing the quintessential summer looks. During the cooler months, the fedora reigned supreme, often made of felt and featuring a wide brim. Spectacles also evolved from purely functional items to fashion statements. Sunglasses with horn-rimmed frames became popular, not just for sun protection but as a mark of sophistication.
Notable hat styles included:
- Fedora hats, commonly found in various shades and adorned with a ribbon around the crown.
- Panama hats, preferred for their lightweight and breathable material, ideal for the summer heat.
Among eyewear, these trends were prominent:
- Horn-rimmed glasses, embraced by the likes of Buddy Holly, creating a look that transcended prescription needs.
- Sunglasses, such as the classic aviator style, catering to both practicality and the cool factor.
For an overview of men’s hats from the era, consider visiting historical fashion repositories like Fifties Web.
Shoes and Footwear
In the 1950s, men’s footwear branched into diverse styles that not only signified their social status and style choices but also complemented the vibrant fashion of the era. Shoes weren’t just a practical necessity but a fashion statement.
Popular Shoe Styles
Penny loafers became essential to the 1950s man’s wardrobe. Known for their casual elegance, these slip-on shoes featured a distinctive leather strip with a diamond-shaped cutout across the saddle. Their versatility made them suitable for various occasions, from everyday wear to more semi-formal settings.
Among the distinctive styles of the decade were saddle shoes, recognized by their contrast-colored saddle-shaped panel. Predominantly seen in black and white, these shoes were a popular choice among the younger crowd, who paired them with rolled-up jeans or slacks for a sharp, clean look. For more formal occasions, men leaned towards two-tone wingtip oxfords, which exuded sophistication.
Bowling as a social sport surged in popularity, and along with it, bowling shoes gained prominence. They were characterized by their leather uppers and notable sliding sole, blending functionality and style seamlessly.
The Rise of Sneakers
Sneakers began to gain momentum in the 1950s as symbols of rebellion and youthful energy. Influenced by the rock and roll culture, young men adopted sneakers as a part of their everyday attire, embracing comfort without sacrificing their edgy style. Unlike the athletic purpose they served prior, sneakers transitioned to become staple leisure footwear.
[Men’s 1950s shoes styles](https://vintagedancer.com/1950s/mens-1950s-shoes-styles
Materials and Textiles
The 1950s marked an era where a diverse array of fabrics were in vogue, each serving specific style functions for both day-to-day wear and more formal attire.
Common Fabrics of the 1950s
- Cotton: Ubiquitous and versatile, cotton was a staple for casual shirts, favored for its breathability and comfort.
- Wool: Predominantly used for suits, wool provided durability and warmth. Different weaves, such as tweed, contributed to its versatility.
- Silk: Often reserved for finer garments, silk added a touch of luxury and was commonly seen in accessories like ties and pocket squares.
- Flannel: Due to its softness and warmth, flannel was especially popular for winter attire.
- Linen: Lightweight linen was preferred for summer clothing, balancing elegance with practicality.
- Polyester: Emerging in this era, polyester began to gain traction for its wrinkle-resistant properties.
- Rayon: Appreciated for its shiny appearance, rayon was also sought after for a variety of clothing items.
Trends in Materials
- Diversification: A move towards practical yet fashionable choices saw materials like polyester and rayon become more common.
- Texture and Pattern: Textile choices were often influenced by the desired pattern, such as the bold plaids in wool or the sleekness of rayon in men’s fashion.
- Casual vs. Formal: While materials like tweed and wool were popular for formal wear, casual styles often employed cotton and blend fabrics.
Youth Movements and Subcultures
In the 1950s, young men in America and Britain formed distinctive groups with their own styles and attitudes. These movements were not only a way to express their identities but also a reflection of the social and cultural changes of the era.
The Greasers
Greasers were one of the most recognizable youth subcultures in the United States. They drew their name from their slicked-back hair, which was often styled using pomade or grease. This group typically wore leather jackets, T-shirts, blue jeans, and boots or Converse sneakers. The greasers were considered rebellious and were often associated with a love for rock ‘n’ roll music and American muscle cars.
The Ivy League Look
The Ivy League Look, also known as Preppy, was another significant trend among American youths. It was inspired by the attire of students attending Ivy League colleges. This clean-cut style included chino pants, button-down oxford shirts, polo shirts, and penny loafers. In contrast to the rebellious nature of greasers, the Ivy League look embodied a more conservative and well-groomed aesthetic.
The Teddy Boys
In Britain, the Teddy Boys emerged as a distinctive group with a style that was a throwback to the Edwardian era. Their fashion included drape jackets, velvet-trimmed collars, and high-waist tapered trousers. The Teddy Boys were known for their love of rock ‘n’ roll, and they had a reputation for being involved in some of the 1950s’ youth disturbances, making them a controversial group of the time.
Influence of Entertainment and Media
In the 1950s, entertainment and mass media played pivotal roles in shaping the ideals of masculinity and men’s lifestyles, impacting their choices in fashion and personal style.
Men’s Fashion in Movies
James Dean catalyzed a cultural phenomenon in how men approached fashion. His look in “Rebel Without a Cause”, including the iconic red jacket and white T-shirt, projected a timeless sense of cool that resonated extensively with young audiences. This visual styling echoed throughout the decade, with men emulating the effortless rebellion that Dean’s wardrobe symbolized.
Music’s Impact on Style
Elvis Presley‘s impact on men’s fashion was similarly invigorating. The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll was more than just his music; his bold clothing choices and unique sense of style became a blueprint for the fashion statements of the era.
From his signature pompadour to the flash of his sequined jackets, Elvis’s influence permeated men’s fashion sensibilities, making a mark on the culture of style that transcended the borders of music.