Why the Low Pocket was Popular
This low pocket was the most useful part of the shirt. Men could grab things quickly without having to stretch or bend awkwardly. Workers who climbed ladders, worked on cars, or lifted heavy objects liked having their pockets high up close to the waist. It also helped to hold in things falling out when leaning forward.
Most shirts had a single low pocket, but some had two matching ones, which were both lower than normal. Today, this is a big part of the vintage look.
Fabrics Used in 1950s Work Shirts
Work shirts had to be tough. The most common fabrics were:
- Cotton twill – soft and thick, strong
- Chambray – Light blue fabric (good looking even when worn out)
- Denim – blue and durable in color
- Flannel – warm for cold factories and for outdoor jobs
Chambray was one of the most popular choices. A light blue chambray shirt with a low pocket was an iconic look in men vintage workwear. It was the same color as nearly every set of pants and jackets that men wore.
1950s Men’s Work Shirts With Low Pockets
Colors and Patterns
Work shirts were primarily a simple color, so they would not show dirt and stains. The most common shades were:
- Light blue
- Navy
- Grey
- Khaki
- Dark green
Some shirts were of a plaid pattern, particularly in the late 1940s and early 1950s, but it was more common for shirts to be a solid color. The low-pocket work shirt was typically unadorned with contrast stitching in a lighter shade.
Fit and Style
The fit of a 1950s work shirt was not skinny, but roomy. Men needed room to move around, to lift, and to stretch. The sleeves were also wide so that they could be rolled up easily.
Some of the main style details included:
- Low chest pocket
- Button front
- Pointed collar
- Long sleeves with basic cuffs
- Stitching on the shoulder and sides (Strong)
A couple of pockets had a small button flap to hold things in place. Others remained open for speedy access.
Credit: Getty Images – Frank Sinatra was the 50’s coolest cat
In the 1950s, the work shirt was worn with numerous other pieces of men vintage workwear. A typical outfit included:
Work Pants
Men wore heavy denim jeans, wool pants, or cotton twill trousers. Blue jeans with a high rise were extremely popular. They had wide legs early in the decade and had become slimmer in the late 1950s.
Suspenders or Belt
Suspenders were also still common for work clothes, especially with dirty jobs. Belts became more popular after the mid-1940s.
Work Jackets
Men wore chore jackets, denim jackets, or short uniform jackets. These coats had large pockets, simple buttons, and tough fabric.
Work Boots
Leather boots were a given. The colours of brown and black were only. Toes changed shape over the years; however, boots always covered the ankle for safety.
Caps and Hats
The most common hats were:
- Flat caps
- Newsboy caps
- Engineer caps (railroad workers)
It was not unusual for farmers to wear wide-brim hats for sun protection.
Who Wore the Low-Pocket Work Shirt?
Many jobs need this shirt. The most common low-pocket shirts worn by workers were:
- Mechanics
- Farmers
- Railroad workers
- Shop workers
- Factory workers
- Delivery drivers
- Oil and gas workers
The low pocket made sense for anyone who needed to grab tools, papers, or work items quickly.
Why the Style Is Back Today
Men’s vintage workwear is once again gaining popularity as it is simple, strong, and timeless. Modern versions of the 1950s low-pocket work shirt are worn in many ways:
- With jeans for a casual look
- Over a white tee
- With boots and a cap
- As part of a vintage event costume
- For photoshoots, car shows, or themed parties
The look is clean and classic. It also has a sense of honesty and hard work, which is why so many people like to wear it now.
How to Style It Today
If someone wants the full vintage look, he or she can pair a chambray low-pocket shirt with:
- Dark blue straight-leg jeans
- Brown leather boots
- A flat cap
- A canvas belt
- A denim chore jacket
This simple outfit is the same as what many men wore on a daily basis in the 1950s.