The 1920s was a revolutionary decade for men’s fashion. Known as the Roaring Twenties, it was a period defined by economic growth, jazz culture, and cultural transformation. The style of the era reflected confidence, sophistication, and a sharp attention to detail. Today, learning how to dress like the 20s male is not only a way to recreate a classic vintage look but also an opportunity to channel timeless elegance into modern wardrobes.
From three-piece suits and double-breasted blazers to bow ties, fedoras, and polished shoes, the 1920s male wardrobe is both iconic and versatile. Whether you want to embody Jay Gatsby’s dapper charm or simply add 1920s elements to your contemporary style, this guide explores everything you need to know about how to dress like the 20s male—from suits and accessories to fabrics, patterns, and social settings.
The Rise of Men’s Fashion in the 1920s
The 1920s were a period of style evolution. After World War I, men moved away from heavy Victorian fashion and embraced lighter, more relaxed clothing while maintaining sharp tailoring. Fashion became more accessible, and middle-class men adopted styles that were once reserved for the wealthy.
Key influences included:
- Hollywood Films: Stars like Rudolph Valentino and Cary Grant inspired everyday fashion.
- Jazz Culture: Musicians influenced bold patterns and accessories.
- Economic Boom: Men could afford more stylish, ready-to-wear suits.
Understanding this context is crucial when exploring how to dress like the 20s male because fashion reflected both cultural identity and social class.
Core Elements of Dressing Like the 20s Male
1. The Three-Piece Suit
At the heart of 1920s men’s fashion was the three-piece suit—jacket, trousers, and waistcoat.
- Colors: Navy, charcoal, beige, and pinstripes were popular.
- Fit: Slimmer, more tapered than previous decades.
- Patterns: Checks, herringbone, and pinstripes added flair.
2. Double-Breasted Jackets
These jackets conveyed authority and style. Often paired with peak lapels, they were considered the height of sophistication.
3. High-Waisted Trousers
Unlike today’s low-rise styles, 1920s trousers sat high on the waist and were often pleated for comfort. Cuffs at the hem added extra weight for a clean drape.
4. Waistcoats (Vests)
Waistcoats were an essential element, completing the three-piece suit. They could be single or double-breasted, often in matching fabric or a contrasting pattern.
5. Dress Shirts
Shirts in the 1920s were crisp and formal, typically featuring detachable collars. Striped and pastel-colored shirts were common for daytime wear.
Accessories: How to Dress Like the 20s Male with Details
Accessories defined the polished look of the 1920s.
Ties and Bow Ties
- Neckties featured geometric patterns and bold stripes.
- Bow ties were essential for evening wear.
Pocket Squares
Always neatly folded, pocket squares added refinement to jackets.
Suspenders (Braces)
Suspenders replaced belts for holding up trousers. They were often made of silk or elastic fabric.
Hats
No 1920s male outfit was complete without a hat.
- Fedora: Worn for business and leisure.
- Boater Hat: Popular for summer and casual wear.
- Newsboy Cap: Favored by working-class men.
Shoes
- Oxford Shoes: Sleek and versatile for formal settings.
- Two-Tone Spectator Shoes: White and black, these shoes added flair.
- Boots: Sturdy and practical, especially in rural areas.
Watches and Jewelry
Pocket watches with chains were common. Cufflinks and tie pins reflected wealth and style.
Fabrics and Patterns in the 1920s
Understanding fabric choices is key to knowing how to dress like the 20s male.
- Wool: Dominated suits and trousers.
- Tweed: Popular for country wear.
- Cotton: Used in shirts and summer garments.
- Silk: Luxury fabric for ties and waistcoats.
Patterns included pinstripes, windowpane checks, and houndstooth, each reflecting different occasions and levels of formality.
Casual Wear: Dressing Down in the 1920s
While suits dominated formal life, casual clothing also flourished.
- Knitted Sweaters: Worn with collared shirts and ties.
- Plus-Fours: Baggy knee-length trousers for golf and leisure.
- Casual Jackets: Lighter fabrics like linen were popular in summer.
This casual evolution allows modern men to adapt how to dress like the 20s male without committing to full formal attire.
How to Dress Like the 20s Male for Different Occasions
Business Attire
- Three-piece suit in navy or grey.
- Crisp white shirt with detachable collar.
- Fedora and polished Oxfords.
Evening Wear
- Black tuxedo with satin lapels.
- White bow tie and pocket square.
- Patent leather shoes.
Casual and Leisure
- Plus-fours with long socks.
- Newsboy cap and knitted vest.
- Two-tone shoes for style.
Special Events
- Double-breasted suits in bold pinstripes.
- Silk tie and cufflinks.
- Wide-brimmed fedora for dramatic effect.
Hairstyles and Grooming in the 1920s
A key part of learning how to dress like the 20s male is grooming.
- Hairstyles: Short, slicked-back hair with pomade.
- Facial Hair: Mostly clean-shaven, though thin mustaches gained popularity.
- Grooming: A polished, well-kept appearance was essential.
How to Incorporate 1920s Style into Modern Fashion
You don’t need a time machine to dress like the 20s male. Here’s how to adapt elements today:
- Pair a modern tailored suit with a waistcoat for vintage flair.
- Add suspenders instead of a belt to trousers.
- Wear a newsboy cap with casual outfits.
- Choose two-tone shoes for a bold retro vibe.
Mixing 1920s details with modern fashion keeps your look fresh while nodding to history.
Pop Culture Influence on 1920s Male Fashion
The popularity of how to dress like the 20s male owes much to film, TV, and pop culture.
- The Great Gatsby (2013): Showcased the glitz and elegance of 1920s menswear.
- Peaky Blinders: Inspired resurgence of newsboy caps, three-piece suits, and vintage tailoring.
- Jazz Music Icons: Their flamboyant accessories set trends still admired today.
Modern Brands Offering 1920s-Inspired Fashion
Men today can find 1920s-inspired clothing in many modern brands.
- Brooks Brothers: Classic suits and shirts.
- Allen Edmonds: High-quality leather shoes.
- Harris Tweed: Authentic tweed fabrics for jackets.
- Vintage Boutiques: Offer true-to-era pieces for authenticity.
The Social Message Behind 1920s Male Fashion
Fashion in the 1920s was more than clothing—it was social identity. Dressing sharp symbolized ambition, success, and modernity. When exploring how to dress like the 20s male, it’s important to understand that fashion represented freedom after wartime austerity.
Building a 1920s Capsule Wardrobe Today
For those serious about recreating the look, here’s a modern capsule wardrobe inspired by the 1920s:
- Navy or grey three-piece suit
- Tweed sports jacket
- High-waisted trousers
- Oxford shoes and two-tone spectators
- Fedora and newsboy cap
- Suspenders, bow ties, and pocket squares
This selection gives you endless outfit possibilities that embody 1920s style.
Confidence: The Final Ingredient
Ultimately, the secret to how to dress like the 20s male is confidence. The men of the 1920s wore their suits and accessories with pride, embodying sophistication and charm. To master this style today, focus on fit, details, and the self-assurance that brings your look together.
FAQs About How to Dress Like the 20s Male
Q1: What kind of suit should I wear to look like a 1920s gentleman?
A three-piece suit is the foundation of 1920s men’s fashion. Choose a tailored jacket, high-waisted trousers, and a matching waistcoat. Dark shades like navy, grey, and charcoal work well, while pinstripes or checks add authenticity.
Q2: Did men in the 1920s always wear hats?
Yes, hats were considered essential. Whether it was a fedora, boater hat, or newsboy cap, men rarely went outside without one. A stylish hat completed the outfit and reflected social status.
Q3: How can I incorporate 1920s fashion into a modern wardrobe?
You don’t need to dress head-to-toe in vintage. Adding a waistcoat, suspenders, pocket square, or two-tone shoes to a modern suit is a subtle way to channel the 1920s look.
Q4: What shoes were most popular for men in the 1920s?
Oxford shoes were the standard, but two-tone spectator shoes became a fashion statement. Polished leather shoes in black or brown were everyday staples.
Q5: Were casual clothes common for men in the 1920s?
Yes, but they were still smart by today’s standards. Men wore plus-fours, sweaters, and sports jackets for leisure activities, often paired with caps and patterned socks.
Q6: What grooming style fits a 1920s male look?
Hair was typically slicked back with pomade, while faces were clean-shaven. Some men opted for thin mustaches, but the polished, well-groomed style was most common.
Q7: Can 1920s style be worn for modern weddings and parties?
Absolutely. Many themed weddings and events embrace 1920s style. A tuxedo, bow tie, and patent leather shoes create the perfect evening look. For daytime, a lighter three-piece suit with suspenders and a fedora works beautifully.
Conclusion
Mastering how to dress like the 20s male is about more than wearing vintage clothing—it’s about embracing an era of sophistication, confidence, and timeless elegance. The 1920s man was polished, well-groomed, and always sharply dressed, whether for business, leisure, or special occasions.
From three-piece suits and fedoras to pocket watches and spectator shoes, every detail mattered. By understanding the history and style of the Roaring Twenties, you can recreate this iconic look with authenticity or adapt it for modern wear. Whether you’re preparing for a themed event, adding vintage elements to your wardrobe, or simply inspired by classic fashion, the 1920s offers endless style inspiration.
In short, when you learn how to dress like the 20s male, you’re not just dressing the part—you’re embodying an era of glamour, charm, and refined masculinity that never goes out of style.