The Classic 1950s Gentleman Look
Many grown men in the 1950s dressed in business clothing on a daily basis. The 1950s Fashion common outfit was a grey flannel suit. The suit consisted of a simple, single-breasted jacket with basic shoulders, with smooth lines, and a matching pair of trousers. The shirt, however, was typically white or light blue, and the tie was thin and neat. Shoes were black or brown leather oxfords.
A fedora hat completed the look. The men wore the hat everywhere on the bus, to work, to dinner, even when running errands. This style sounded clean, calm, and professional.
The Sport Coat and The Weekend Look
Not every man wore a full suit. Many favored sport coats in fun patterns. Flecked fabric, checks, small plaids, and textured weaves got very popular. These jackets were worn with high-rise trousers and a slim belt.
For shirts, men opted for soft-knit styles, such as a camp collar shirt or a short-sleeve button-up. Bowling shirts were one of the most iconic items of 1950s mens clothing. They had 2 tones, bold vertical panels, and simple pockets. These shirts were worn on casual days, parties, and nights out.
The Rockabilly and the Rebel Look
Younger men of the 1950s had a very different style. Inspired by Elvis Presley and James Dean, they looked cool, relaxed, and a little bit rebellious with their clothes. This version of 1950s fashion for men included the following:
- Faded, straight leg, dark jeans
- A plain white T-shirt
- A black leather jacket
- Suede shoes or boots
- Sunglasses that have thick frames
This “greaser” outfit became famous in the movies and music videos. Simple, clean pieces became a powerful fashion statement that is still inspiring the modern style.
Letterman Jackets and Youth Style
Letterman jackets were popular with high school and college boys. These jackets were of wool bodies with leather sleeves, striped cuffs, and a large letter on the chest. They made a school pride statement and were worn with jeans or pressed khaki pants.
Teenagers also favored bright shirts, plaid jackets, and fun accessories. Chunky “nerd” glasses with bold frames became a fashionable favorite.
1950s Men’s Shirts
Shirts were a really important aspect of men’s dress. Dress shirts were in simple colors and featured pointed collars. Casual shirts featured exciting fabrics like stripes, checks, and geometric prints.
The most popular shirts were:
- Camp-collar shirts
- Bowling shirts
- Striped knit polo shirts
- Western shirts that have embroidery
- Plain white undershirts
These shirts helped to create both business dress with a clean look, and also a playful rockabilly look.
1950s Pants
Men’s pants in the 1950s were at a high waist with a straight or slightly tapered leg. Some suits featured plaited pants, while casual pants featured things like chinos, twill pants, and wool blends. Colors included grey, brown, navy, and tan.
For the youth and the relaxed outfits, denim jeans became very popular. Jeans were worn cuffed at the bottom with boots or casual shoes.
Jackets in the 1950s
Men wore various jackets depending on their taste. The most loved choices were:
- Leather motorcycle jackets
- Letterman jackets
- Wool bomber jackets
- Gabardine sport coats
- Harrington jackets
- Lightweight zip-up jackets for spring
These jackets gave personality and gave each and every man their own look.
1950s Footwear for Men
Shoes played an important part in men’s clothing in the 1950s. Formal shoes were black or brown oxfords and two-tone dress shoes. Casual shoes included suede loafers, moccasins, saddle shoes, and simple sneakers. Elvis had made blue suede shoes quite popular, and they became a fun trend for boys and young men.
Accessories Men Used in the 1950s
Men tended to complete their outfits with:
- Fedora hats
- Slim belts
- Tie clips
- Pocket squares
- Thick-frame glasses
- Leather gloves
- Simple watches
These small details contributed to completing a finished 1950s look.
Why Guys In The ’50s Still Dress Well
Many 1950s looks are making a comeback because they are clean, simple, and easy to wear. A man could dress sharply by wearing a suit and a fedora, or dress casually with jeans and a white T-shirt. Rockabilly outfits, bowling shirts, and two-tone shoes are all on the charge, too, as retro trends.
People enjoy these styles because they are a combination of comfort and class. They are working for parties, daily life, vintage events, and even modern fashion photos.
How to Wear 1950s Style Today
To create a modern 1950s-inspired outfit, you should pick a few classic pieces:
- A fitted sports coat
- Trousers high at the waist, or dark jeans
- A camp-collar or a bowling shirt
- A fedora or flat cap
- Loafers, oxfords, or suede shoes
Mixing and matching these items is a surefire way to give you an easy, vintage-looking outfit without feeling too old-fashioned.