1950s-Era Men's Fashion

In the 1950s men's fashion was about conformity. Women wore poodle skirts and pearls and men resorted to drab suits, identically matching the neighbors. Casual looks for men were slacks and a cardigan or a basic, short-sleeve, button-up worn tails out.

Workplace Choices

Basic ties went with basic suits.

Workplace clothing choices consisted of a suit. Dark blue, dark brown or charcoal were the standard. "Even the ties, traditionally men's flamboyant touch, were uniform and dark," according to the Fifties Web website.

Casual Wear

There was some flexibility and creativity to casual outfits, but preppy was the look. Cardigan sweaters were popular from the college athlete who proudly displayed his varsity letter, to a hard-working father relaxing for the weekend. Button-up shirts worn casually, and western wear were other options. Greasers were not too common, but their denim jeans and white T-shirts are iconic of the era.

Hats

Men wore hats.

Although there was some variation in style from fedoras to derby hats, men wore hats in the 1950s for function and style. An outfit was not complete unless you were wearing a hat.

References

• Fifties Fashions: Men
• The Art of Manliness: Men's Hats

Resources

• Fashion-Era