How to Make a 1920s Costume for a Man

A fedora hat is an integral part of a 1920s look.

When creating a costume reflecting the Roaring Twenties, keep these things in mind. The 20s were a time of gangsters, flappers, jazz music and speakeasies. Men were cool and reminiscent of Al Capone, and alcohol was forbidden. Silent movies were all the rage, and Bugsy Siegel was a style icon. The time period has a definite style element, and you can create that by adding a few touches to a 20s-style suit or coming up with your own period idea.

Things You'll Need

• Zoot suit or pinstriped double-breasted suit jacket, black shirt and black pants
• White tie
• Black shoes with spats
• Hair gel
• Razor
• Fedora hat
• Prop gun (optional)

Instructions

1. Find or create your vintage suit. Men in the 20s popularized the zoot suit, which you may be able to find at a costume or vintage store. Alternately, create your own look with a double-breasted suit coat (preferably pinstriped), a black shirt and black pants. Add a white tie to complete the look.

2. Slick back your hair with hair gel, and shave your face. Men of the 20s were very clean cut and elegant.

3. Add some black shoes with spats. Purchase spats or make your own (see the Resources).

4. Top it off with a fedora hat. Most men of this period accessorized their looks with a gangster-style fedora hat.

5. Procure a prop gun if you are going to a party dressed as an Al Capone-style gangster.

References

• Dinner and a Murder: 1920s Theme
• Online Costume Ideas: 1920s

Resources

• Cut Out and Keep: How to Make Spats