Men’s 1920s Fashion

In the 1920s, colour was kept to a minimum. Suits were typically neutral in colour but any garments in shades of cream were usually a sign of extreme wealth and suaveness. Accessories such as pocket squares, pocket watches and boutonnières remained monochromatic, with a clear emphasis on the whole outfit rather than any individual aspect.

Jackets were usually single-breasted and tended to have wide, peak lapels, which would finish towards the breast rather than higher up – like most modern counterparts. Underneath, double-breasted vests were often paired with an accompanying pocket watch; a combination that many contemporary style icons, as well as designers like Hackett and Ralph Lauren Purple Label, have been utilising recently to great effect.

Pinstripe was a popular choice of pattern at the time and its existence among the elite of society was perhaps the source of its negative connotations today. Matt Allinson has already detailed how to bring the pinstripe suit up to date, and with the strong vertical lines giving off the impression of power and confidence, it is a pattern that works well for men who embody the same characteristics.

Club collar shirts in white or light blue were often anchored by ties with small geometric patterns, completing the top half of a customary 1920s outfit.

Wide-legged trousers, known as ‘Oxford bags’ at the time, have been gently tapping at the door of the fashion community in the past couple of years. David Gandy was snapped looking particularly striking in a pair at London Fashion Week, with the broad silhouette helping to add a touch of masculinity and confidence:

When trying to introduce wide-legged trousers into your own wardrobe, it is worth noting that those with longer legs will be able to pull off this look most successfully. Those who are shorter in height should instead opt for slim and tapered cuts, which will help lengthen the appearance of your legs.