In the 1950s, the way men picked their clothes changed a lot. It was a time when the world was becoming a happy place again. Men wanted to look neat and tidy, but they also wanted to feel good. Before this time, almost every man wore the same boring, dark suit every single day. But in the fifties, things got much more fun. Men started to wear bright colors and shirts that were easy to move in. This guide will show you every part of how men dressed back then, from their big hats to their shiny shoes.
The 1950s mens fashion was all about looking clean and put together. Men wore nice suits, cool hats, and shiny shoes. But something new was happening too. For the first time, men started wearing more casual clothes. This was a big change from the past.
Today, many guys love the 1950s style. You see young men wearing clothes that look like they came from that time. The styles are back and better than ever. Let's take a simple look at what men wore in the 1950s and why it still matters today.
Hats Were a Big Deal in the 1950s
Men in the 1950s loved their hats. You might think hats went away after the 1940s, but that is not true. Hats actually became more popular in the 50s. Men could finally dress up again and wear what they liked.
The fedora was still a favorite for many guys. But men had lots of other choices too. In the summer, they wore straw hats, boaters, or Panama hats. These light hats kept their heads cool when the sun was hot. Flat caps were also around for a more casual look. Men wore them for sports or just hanging out with friends.
The best part about 1950s hats was the color. Before the 50s, hats were mostly black, gray, or navy blue. But in the 50s, men started wearing hats in all sorts of colors. Brown, green, tan, and even light colors became normal. The hatbands got fancy too. Some had bird feathers or different pleats. This was a fun way for men to show their own style.
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Hair and Facial Hair Styles
Hair was very important to men in the 1950s. Some men did not wear hats, and that was okay. They spent more time on their hair instead. The hairstyles were bigger and more fancy than before.
To get those shiny, wavy hairstyles, men used pomade. This was a waxy product that kept hair in place all day. Brands like Murray's and Sweet Georgia Brown were very popular. Men always carried a comb with them. They could fix their hair anytime, anywhere.
The most famous 1950s hairstyles were:
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The pompadour – This style was brushed back and stood up high on the forehead. Elvis Presley made this look famous. It was big with the rock and roll crowd.
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The jelly roll – This style had hair curled along the sides that met in a point in the front. People also called it the "duck's arse." The Teddy Boys in Britain loved this look.
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The slick-back – This was a simple style with hair combed back smoothly. Cary Grant wore his hair this way. It often had a side part.
Most men in the 1950s were clean shaven. A smooth face made them look young and sporty. Older men sometimes kept beards or mustaches. But James Dean started a new trend. He would go with a bit of stubble, which was very new for that time.
Suits and Jackets for Every Day
Suits in the 1950s were a bit different from what we see today. At the start of the decade, many men wore the American sack suit. This suit had no darts in the front. It was cut straight and a little baggy. The lapels were not too wide, and there was less padding in the shoulders. The buttons sat lower on the jacket.
Gray was the most popular color for suits. Men also wore black, brown, and navy blue. They paired these suits with white shirts for a clean look. The fabrics were heavy, like wool or flannel. Some men liked mohair too. This fiber is shiny and does not wrinkle easily. It was great for fancy events.
In the late 1950s, a new style came from Italy. It was called the continental style or Roman-style suit. Brioni, a brand from Rome, made it famous. This suit was narrower than the American sack suit. It had darts to shape the body. The jacket was shorter and had side vents instead of a center vent. Most jackets today still use this style.
For casual times, men wore sport coats. These jackets had patch pockets and came in bold colors. Plaids and tartans were common. At home, men liked to wear cardigans and sweaters. These were comfortable and often had bright colors.
Shirts, Ties, and Collars
Shirts in the 1950s went through some changes. By this time, collars were attached to the shirt. Detachable collars were hardly used anymore. Only fancy events like Black Tie called for them.
The club collar with rounded corners made a comeback in the 50s. The spearpoint collar was still around too. Because collars were softer than before, many men wore collar pins or clips to keep them in place.
At the start of the decade, shirt colors were bold and bright. But as the years went on, shirts became quieter. Pastel colors took over. This change let the ties stand out more. Ties in the 50s were colorful and fun. They had abstract patterns, geometric shapes, and bold colors. Some ties were three and a half inches wide for wider collars. Others were just two inches wide for narrower collars.
A big change in the 1950s was that men could go without a tie. They could leave their shirt unbuttoned at the top. This was very new and casual for the time. James Dean took it even further by buttoning his shirt lower down.
Casual Clothing Takes Off
The 1950s was when casual clothes really took off for men. Fabric prices went down, so men could buy more clothes. They did not have to stick to just dress shirts anymore. My favorite 80s men's fashion trends.
The T-shirt became a big deal in 1951. Marlon Brando wore just an undershirt in the movie "A Streetcar Named Desire." People were shocked. It was like seeing someone in their underwear back then. But this started a trend that is still going strong today.
Hawaiian shirts became popular for fun times. They had bright colors and bold prints. Gaucho shirts were another casual option. These were pullover shirts with open collars. They closed with a zipper or a button and loop. Some men wore their casual shirts untucked. These shirts had straight hems and sometimes side pockets.
For pants, men wore trousers that were cut wider than today. Many had two pleats in the front. Cuffs were very common, usually about two and a half inches tall. Flat-front pants also started to appear. Some men even wore shorts, inspired by Bermuda style. They wore them with knee-high socks, just like in Bermuda.
Shoes and Accessories
Shoes in the 1950s came in many styles. Oxfords and brogues in black and brown were still around. White or off-white shoes became popular too. Saddle shoes were a common choice for casual wear.
The chukka boot was a new style that started in the 50s. It is still popular today. Clarks made a version that became very well known. Elvis Presley made blue suede shoes famous with his song. This showed how much color mattered in the 50s.
Some shoe trends did not last long. The winklepicker was a very pointed shoe that looked strange. People say it was good for digging holes in the garden, but not much else. This fad ended quickly.
Accessories helped men show their personality. Belts became more popular than suspenders. Woven leather belts in interesting colors were common. Belt buckles were unique and eye-catching. In winter, men wore scarves called mufflers and leather gloves in bold colors. Pocket squares and socks also got brighter and more fun.
Youth Culture and Style
The 1950s saw the birth of the teenager as we know it today. Young people wanted their own style. They did not want to dress like their parents.
In America, there were two main youth groups. The jocks were the cool kids in high school sports. They wore varsity jackets with leather sleeves and wool bodies. These jackets had school logos and were badges of honor.
The greasers were the rebels. They had big, shiny hairstyles. They wore leather motorcycle jackets, white T-shirts, and jeans. Marlon Brando in "The Wild One" and James Dean in "Rebel Without a Cause" made this look famous. Elvis Presley wore this style too. On their feet, greasers wore Converse shoes or leather biker boots.
In Britain, the Teddy Boys had their own look. They wore big jelly roll hairstyles. Their jackets were long like old-fashioned frock coats, sometimes with velvet trim. They added waistcoats, watch chains, and bow ties. On their feet, they wore brothel creeper shoes with thick crepe soles.
1950s Men’s Fashion Casual
This look was all about relaxing at home or hanging out with friends. Men stopped wearing suits all the time and started wearing "leisure" clothes. This included short-sleeve shirts with fun patterns, like stripes or flowers. They also loved polo shirts and light jackets called Harrington jackets. For pants, they wore "chinos" or slacks that were not as stiff as suit pants. It was a comfortable style that made men feel like they were finally on vacation.
1950s Men’s Fashion Formal
When it was time for a very fancy party or a wedding, men went all out. The formal look usually meant a tuxedo. These were black or very dark blue with shiny lapels on the jacket. Men wore a crisp white shirt with a bow tie and a "cummerbund," which is a wide fabric belt that hides the waist. Everything had to be perfect, from the gold cufflinks on their wrists to the shiny black patent leather shoes on their feet.
1950s Men’s Fashion Rock and Roll
This style was for men who loved the new music of the time. It was a mix of looking neat and looking a bit wild. They often wore "drape" jackets that were long and had velvet collars. Some wore bright colors like pink or red shirts with thin "slim jim" ties. This look was inspired by famous singers and was meant to stand out on the dance floor. It was all about having high energy and showing off your personality through bold choices.
1950s Men’s Fashion Greaser
The Greaser look was for the "tough guys" and rebels. The outfit was very simple: a plain white or black t-shirt with the sleeves rolled up to show off muscles. They wore dark blue jeans with big cuffs at the bottom and heavy black boots. The most important part was the black leather motorcycle jacket. They used a lot of hair grease to comb their hair back into a shiny "ducktail." This style was meant to look cool, fast, and a little bit dangerous.
1950s Men’s Fashion Suits
The suit was the "uniform" for every man who worked in an office. In the fifties, suits were very big and boxy. The jackets had wide shoulders and the pants were baggy with high waists. Most suits came in "safe" colors like charcoal grey, navy blue, or brown. Men always wore a hat, like a Fedora, and a tie to finish the outfit. It was a very tidy look that made every man look like a serious and successful businessman.
1950s Mens Fashion Rock Roll
The rock and roll look was all about energy. Young men wore bright colors and cool jackets to dance to new music. They liked "drape" jackets that were long and had dark collars. Many wore thin ties and shirts with patterns. It was a style that made them stand out when they were on the dance floor.
1950s Mens Fashion Casual
Casual style was for relaxing at home or at a BBQ. Men wore soft polo shirts and short-sleeve button-down shirts. They stopped wearing ties and chose comfy pants called chinos. These clothes were made of light cotton to keep them cool. It was the first time men really dressed just to feel good and have fun.
1950s Mens Fashion Formal
For big parties, men wore very fancy clothes. This usually meant a black tuxedo with a white shirt. They wore a bow tie and a special cloth belt called a cummerbund. Their shoes were always black and very shiny. This look made men look very grand and polite for weddings or special dinners at night.
Formal 1950s Mens Fashion
Looking formal meant following strict rules. Men wore dark suits with white shirts and nice ties. Every piece of clothing had to be pressed flat with an iron. They also wore leather shoes that had no scratches. This style showed that a man was serious and had very good manners when he was around other people.
Greaser 1950s Mens Fashion
The greaser style was for the "tough" young men. They wore plain white t-shirts and dark blue jeans with the bottom parts folded up. The most famous part was the black leather jacket. They used a lot of hair oil to comb their hair back. It was a simple look that made them look like rebels.
1950s Mens Fashion Suits
Suits in the fifties were big and boxy. The jackets had wide shoulders to make men look strong. The pants were baggy and sat very high on the waist. Most suits were grey, blue, or brown. Men always wore a hat and a tie with their suit to look like a professional businessman.
Rockabilly 1950s Mens Fashion
Rockabilly style mixed country music looks with rock and roll. Men wore "Western" shirts with snaps and fancy stitching. They also liked blue jeans and sturdy boots. Some wore cuffed pants and bowling shirts with two colors. It was a fun, loud style that looked great for playing guitar or hanging out at a diner.
1950s Mens Fashion Greaser
This look was all about being a "cool guy." Men wore heavy boots and denim jeans that lasted a long time. They almost always had a comb in their pocket to fix their shiny, greasy hair. The leather jacket was their favorite thing to wear. It was a look that showed they liked motorcycles and fast cars.
Casual 1950s Mens Fashion
Being casual meant wearing clothes that were not stiff. Men wore "Gabardine" shirts that felt soft like silk. They chose light colors like tan or soft blue. Instead of heavy work shoes, they wore loafers that they could just slide onto their feet. It was a very neat but relaxed way to dress for the weekend.
Casual 1950s Mens Fashion Casual
This style was perfect for a family trip or a walk. Men wore shirts with collars but kept the top button open. They liked to wear sweaters over their shirts if it was a bit chilly. Their pants were usually held up by a simple leather belt. This look was all about being a friendly dad or neighbor.
1950s Mens Fashion Rock & Roll
Rock and roll fans wanted to look like their favorite singers. They wore jackets with bold patterns like checks or small dots. Their pants were often a bit tighter than the baggy work suits. They wore shoes called "creepers" that had very thick rubber soles. It was a style made for moving and having a great time.
Late 1950s Mens Fashion
Near the end of the decade, clothes started to get skinnier. Suit jackets were not as boxy, and ties became very thin. This was called the "Slim Look." Colors became a bit darker again, and the big, baggy pants started to go away. It was the start of a new style that would lead into the next decade.
Rockabilly 1950s Mens Fashion Rock Roll
This look combined the best of both worlds. It had the tough feel of the greasers but the bright colors of rock singers. Men wore shirts with animal prints or flame designs. They wore blue jeans with big cuffs and sometimes a bolo tie. It was a very flashy way to show they loved fast music.
Greaser 1950s Mens Fashion Rock Roll
This was the ultimate rebel outfit. It was built for speed and looking cool under streetlights. With a black leather jacket and a tight white shirt, these men looked like movie stars. They wore heavy boots that were good for riding bikes. Their style was simple, strong, and very popular with the young crowd.
1950s Mens Fashion Suspenders
Not every man liked wearing a belt. Some chose suspenders to hold up their high-waisted pants. These were straps that went over the shoulders and clipped onto the trousers. They were often hidden under a suit jacket or a sweater. It was a classic way to make sure pants stayed in the right place all day.
1950s Mens Fashion Trends
The biggest trends were things like "atomic" patterns on shirts and the move toward casual clothes. Everyone wanted to look like the stars they saw on TV. Men started wearing more color than ever before. Wearing a hat was still a huge trend that almost every man followed until the very end of the fifties.
Retro 1950s Mens Fashion Rock Roll
Today, people call this "retro" when they dress up like the old days. They wear the same bowling shirts and cuffed jeans. They use hair wax to get that shiny fifties look. It is a style that people love because it reminds them of a fun time with great music and very cool cars.
Formal 1950s Mens Fashion Formal
This was the highest level of dressing up. For a grand ball, a man wore a white tie and a long coat with "tails" in the back. This was for the most important nights of his life. Everything was black and white, and he looked very sharp. It was the most elegant a man could ever look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What did regular men wear every day in the 1950s?
A: Regular men in the 1950s wore suits to work most of the time. A typical work outfit was a gray suit with a white shirt and a colorful tie. At home, they changed into more comfortable clothes like cardigans, sweaters, and casual pants. On weekends, they might wear sport coats with bold patterns or even Hawaiian shirts for fun outings. Hats were common for going out, and shoes were always polished and clean.
Q: How is 1950s fashion different from today's men fashion?
A: The biggest difference is that men in the 1950s dressed up much more than men do today. Wearing a suit was normal for everyday activities, not just for fancy events. Hats were a must-have accessory. Colors and patterns were bold and fun. Today, men dress more casually. But many 50s styles are coming back, like nicer shoes, fitted suits, and vintage-inspired haircuts. The 50s focus on looking sharp is something modern men are learning to love again.
Q: What should I wear if I want a 1950s inspired look?
A: Start with a well-fitted suit in a classic color like gray or navy blue. Add a white or pastel shirt and a bold patterned tie. For shoes, choose Oxfords or brogues. If you want a casual 50s look, try a plain white T-shirt with jeans and a leather jacket, like James Dean. Or go for a sport coat with patch pockets and casual pants. Finish your look with a fedora or flat cap. Remember, the key to 50s style is looking put together and confident.
Conclusion
The 1950s was a huge decade for men's fashion. Color came back in a big way after the war years. Casual clothes became normal for the first time. Men could finally dress for fun, not just for work.
The 50s gave us so many great styles. From sharp suits to cool casual wear, there was something for every man. The youth culture brought new ideas that still influence fashion today. Whether you like the clean look of a gray suit or the rebel style of a leather jacket, the 1950s has something for you.
Today, many of these styles are coming back. Men are rediscovering how good it feels to dress well. The 1950s remind us that fashion can be both fun and classy. So next time you put on a nice shirt or a cool hat, think about the guys from the 50s who started it all.
