1930s Men’s Fashion: A Timeless Guide To What Guys Wore

1930s men’s fashion was a delicate balance between the necessity of the times and a desire for elegance and escapism. Amidst the backdrop of the Great Depression, fashion found a way to flourish, with gentlemen’s attire taking on new levels of sophistication and refinement.

The 1930s was a decade where the suit became an emblem of dignity despite economic hardships, and casual wear began to emerge as a distinct category, reflecting a growing interest in leisure and sport. This was also a time when Hollywood’s golden age was in full swing, with the silver screen offering the public a glimpse into a world of glamour and style, setting trends that would spread far and wide.

Keep reading to discover what men wore in the 1930s, along with fashion icons from the decade and how to wear 1930s men’s fashion today.

Key Takeaways

• 1930s men’s fashion was a blend of elegance, sophistication, and practicality, reflecting the socio-economic conditions of the time.
• Style essentials from the era include suits, shirts, pants, sweaters, knitwear, jackets, outerwear, and footwear, each bearing distinct characteristics.
• Formalwear and casualwear evolved, introducing new trends and accessories that have since become staples in men’s fashion.
• Men’s grooming, including hairstyles and facial hair, played a crucial role in the overall aesthetic of the 1930s gentleman.

1930s Men’s Fashion: A Brief Background

Amidst the backdrop of economic turmoil, the 1930s emerged as a pivotal decade in menswear, marked by an evolution from the roaring twenties’ flamboyance and a further departure from the Edwardian era to a more refined, understated elegance.

Men’s fashion in the 1930s was characterized by its pragmatic approach to style, where functionality and affordability became as important as aesthetics. Men’s attire was influenced by societal shifts, technological advancements, and the cinematic glamour of Hollywood, which played a significant role in popularizing trends.

The introduction of synthetic fabrics like rayon offered a cheaper alternative to silk, making new styles more accessible to the masses.

Despite the hard times, or perhaps because of them, there was a marked effort to maintain a well-groomed appearance, with men donning suits as a standard, albeit with more conservative colors and patterns.

The 1930s also saw the rise of the ‘drape cut’ or ‘London drape’ suits by tailors like Frederick Scholte, which allowed for more movement and comfort, reflecting a continued shift towards prioritizing personal comfort alongside style.

Our Favorite 1930s Men’s Fashion Staples

Men’s Fashion in the 1930s: Style Essentials

Suits

Men’s suits in the 1930s were masterpieces of tailoring, offering a stark contrast to the looser fits of the previous decade. Emphasis was placed on creating a silhouette that was at once masculine and elegant, with a focus on enhancing the natural shape of the body.

1930s men’s fashion saw the rise of the three-piece suit as an emblem of sophistication, incorporating a vest that matched the jacket and trousers for a cohesive look. Suit jackets often featured a nipped waist, single back vent, and high armholes to accentuate the chest and slim the midsection, with trousers remaining wide-legged but more tapered than in the twenties. The overall look was a distinctly v-shaped silhouette.

Fabrics, though more subdued in color to reflect economic conditions, were rich in texture, including herringbone, tweed, and flannel.

Shirts

Shirts in the 1930s were predominantly made from cotton and featured a range of collar styles, including the classic point collar, the spread collar, and the rounded club collar. The latter, often worn with a tie pin, added a touch of distinction. Detachable collars, which allowed for easier laundering and a way to economize on shirts, were still in use but becoming less and less popular.

Colors were generally solid, with white being a staple for formal occasions, while stripes and subtle patterns added variety for everyday wear.

Pants

Men’s pants in the 1930s continued the trend of high-waisted trousers but with a leaner line that flattered the male figure. The fit was generous through the hip and thigh, tapering slightly towards the cuff, offering a longer leg silhouette that was central to the decade’s style.

The introduction of pleats improved comfort and added a touch of elegance, and the 1930s also saw the beginnings of flat-front trousers in more casual settings, signaling a shift towards varying degrees of formality in menswear. The smoother front silhouette was furthered by the rise of zipper fly by companies like Talon in the mid-1930s, who provided a modern alternative to buttons on men’s pants.

Remaining stylish, the cuff was a functional detail on men’s pants in the 1930s, helping to weigh down the wider leg opening and protect the hem from wear while maintaining the trouser’s shape and drape.

Sweaters & Knitwear

As casual wear gained popularity, sweaters and knitwear became indispensable in a man’s wardrobe for their versatility and comfort. The 1930s saw an expansion in knitwear styles, including the argyle pattern, which became synonymous with leisurewear, thanks in part to the influence of the Duke of Windsor.

Cable knits and chunky Fair Isle patterns also emerged as favorites for their intricate designs and colorwork, offering a way to incorporate personality into everyday attire. The cardigan, with its button front, provided a practical yet stylish alternative to the blazer for informal gatherings.

Jackets & Outerwear

Jackets and outerwear in the 1930s were designed not only for warmth but also as an integral part of a man’s ensemble.

The decade saw the refinement of the sports jacket, often in tweed, as a staple for the well-dressed man’s weekend wardrobe. For more formal occasions, the Chesterfield coat, distinguished by its velvet collar and single-breasted design, offered a sleek silhouette.

Leather jackets, inspired by aviators and motorcyclists, continued to shed their purely functional origins, evolving into symbols of adventure and rebellion. The pea coat and duffel coat also gained traction for their military origins and practicality during 1930s men’s fashion.

Footwear

Men’s footwear in the 1930s reflected the decade’s balance between tradition and innovation. The Oxford shoe remained the gold standard for formal occasions, with patents and polished leathers ensuring a high shine. The brogue, with its perforated detailing, offered a less formal option, suitable for business and leisure.

For the first time, athletic shoes began to make their way into the casual wardrobe, influenced by the growing interest in sports and outdoor activities. The white buck shoe, with its suede upper and red rubber sole, became a summer favorite, epitomizing the casual elegance of the era.

Men’s Formalwear in the 1930s

The 1930s formalwear was a showcase of elegance and refined taste, epitomizing the glamour of evening attire. The tuxedo maintained its status as the quintessential piece for formal events, with a shift towards a more tailored fit that highlighted the wearer’s silhouette. Jackets were predominantly black or midnight blue, featuring satin or grosgrain lapels that contrasted with the jacket’s material for a subtle play on textures.

The white dinner jacket, popularized in tropical locales and summer soirées, broke the monotony of dark suits. Trousers remained high-waisted, with a stripe of satin or braid down the side to complement the jacket’s lapels.

Waistcoats were either single or double-breasted, often in white or black to match or contrast with the rest of the ensemble. Formal shirts embraced the pleated front, offering a textured backdrop for bow ties, which themselves became slimmer and more refined. The cummerbund emerged as an alternative to the waistcoat, introduced for its comfort and the sleek line it offered under the jacket.

Footwear was mostly patent leather Oxfords with a high shine that mirrored the night’s elegance.

Men’s Casualwear in the 1930s

Casualwear in the 1930s began to emerge as a distinct category, reflecting the era’s leisure activities and a more relaxed approach to dressing.

Polo shirts, introduced by Rene Lacoste in the late 1920s, gained popularity for their comfort and sporty elegance, becoming a staple for casual outings. The introduction of the zipper made windcheaters and other casual jackets more practical and popular for everyday wear. Trousers took on a slightly looser fit for ease of movement, with materials like khaki and linen becoming favored for their breathability and casual appeal.

Knitwear played a significant role in casual attire, with lightweight jumpers and cardigans allowing for layering in unpredictable weather. The casual ensemble was not complete without a pair of soft, suede brogues or the newly popular deck shoes, which offered comfort and a nod to the growing interest in nautical activities.

The ensemble was a mix of functionality and style, allowing men to transition smoothly from activity to leisure without sacrificing their appearance.

Men’s Accessories in the 1930s

These accessories underscore the 1930s approach to menswear – a balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal, where every element of an outfit was chosen with care and consideration.

Hats

Hats were an indispensable part of a man’s wardrobe, with the fedora leading the charge as the decade’s most iconic style. Made from felt and featuring a wide brim with a pinched crown, the fedora was both functional and stylish, offering protection from the elements while complementing the sharp lines of the suits.

The homburg, with its slightly softer silhouette, was preferred for more formal occasions, while the flat cap and newsboy cap became synonymous with casual and working-class attire.

Watches

Wristwatches solidified their place in men’s fashion in the 1930s, transitioning from military utility to a symbol of sophistication and punctuality. Designs favored simplicity and elegance, with rectangular faces (such as the Cartier Tank) becoming particularly popular for their modern, art deco-inspired aesthetic.

Watches in the 1930s were often gold or silver, with leather straps for everyday wear and metal bracelets reserved for formal occasions.

Ties

Ties in the 1930s saw an explosion of patterns and colors, with geometric designs, stripes, and polka dots adding a playful element to the otherwise conservative suits. The tie became a key accessory for expressing individuality, with silk and rayon being the materials of choice for their sheen and drape. The bow tie remained a staple for formal wear, with black for tuxedos and brighter colors or patterns for less formal occasions.

Suspenders and Belts

While the high waist of trousers in the 1930s often necessitated the use of suspenders for practical reasons, they also became a fashion statement, with options in silk, wool, or leather to complement any outfit. Belts, though less common due to the style of trousers, began to emerge as a casual alternative, often in brown or black leather with simple buckles.

Glasses

Eyeglasses in the 1930s were characterized by round frames made of tortoiseshell or metal, offering a scholarly touch to a man’s appearance. Sunglasses grew in popularity, driven by Hollywood’s influence, with aviator styles and large, round frames shielding the eyes of the era’s style icons from the glare of the spotlight and the sun alike.

More Popular Accessories for Men in the 1930s

Beyond the basics, men’s fashion in the 1930s embraced a variety of accessories to complete an outfit.

• Pocket squares add a pop of color or pattern to a suit’s breast pocket, aligning with the tie or offering a contrasting statement.
• Cufflinks in gold, silver, or with precious stones, added a touch of elegance to a shirt’s French cuffs, becoming a marker of attention to detail and personal style.
• The walking stick also saw a resurgence, not just as a support but as an accessory that complemented the elegance of formal attire, often crafted from fine wood and adorned with decorative handles.
• Gloves, in leather for driving or white for formal occasions, protect the hands while adding a refined touch.
• Scarves, too, became popular for their practicality and ability to add a dash of color to an outfit, worn loosely around the neck or tucked into a coat.

Men’s Grooming Trends in the 1930s

1930s Men’s Hairstyles

The 1930s was a decade where grooming and personal appearance were taken very seriously by men, with hairstyles reflecting the era’s penchant for clean lines and refined elegance.

Men’s hair in the 1930s was kept short on the sides and back, with more length on top to allow for styling. The side part was ubiquitous, often accentuated with a slick of pomade to achieve a glossy, controlled look.

The 1930s also saw the rise of the back-swept wave, a style that required precision grooming and was a hallmark of Hollywood’s leading men. Barbershops played a crucial role in the community, not just as places for haircuts and shaves but as social hubs where men could gather and converse.

1930s Facial Hair

Facial hair in the 1930s was largely kept to a minimum, with a clean-shaven face being the most common look for men. This was in part due to the emphasis on hygiene and neatness, as well as the desire to present a youthful, vigorous appearance.

Mustaches, when worn, were finely trimmed and styled, often resembling the pencil mustache made famous by celebrities like Clark Gable. This era’s grooming was about subtlety and precision, with every detail meticulously maintained to present a polished exterior.

Big Names in 1930s Men’s Fashion

The 1930s in America was a transformative period for menswear, marked not only by the designs and trends that emanated from the tailors and fashion houses but also significantly shaped by the public figures who wore them.

1930s fashion icons were paragons of style, blending classic elegance with a touch of Hollywood glamour, setting trends that would endure for decades.

Clark Gable

The “King of Hollywood,” Clark Gable, was a monumental figure in 1930s American menswear. Gable’s style was a mix of rugged masculinity and tailored sophistication, a combination that made him a style icon both on and off the silver screen.

His role in “Gone with the Wind” (1939) saw him donning sharp, double-breasted suits that became a hallmark of the era’s fashion. Gable was also responsible for popularizing the casual, yet sophisticated look of not wearing an undershirt, which became a trend after his appearance in “It Happened One Night” (1934).

Fred Astaire

Perhaps no other American icon epitomizes the elegance and grace of 1930s menswear quite like Fred Astaire. Known for his impeccable style both on and off the screen (beginning in the late 20s), Astaire had a knack for tailoring that fit his dancer’s physique perfectly, allowing for unparalleled movement and style.

His on-screen outfits often featured tailored suits, lightweight trousers, and beautifully cut jackets that emphasized his fluid dance movements. Astaire was also a fan of accessories, frequently seen wearing neckties, pocket squares, and the occasional boutonnière, each adding a personal touch to his ensembles.

Gary Cooper

Gary Cooper’s style was synonymous with the American spirit of the 1930s, blending Western influences with the era’s tailored aesthetic.

Cooper’s tall frame was often adorned in bespoke suits that showcased the decade’s preference for clean lines and a fitted silhouette. Off-screen, his personal style leaned towards a more relaxed, yet equally refined wardrobe, often incorporating sports jackets, knitted sweaters, and the occasional leather flight jacket, reflecting his adventurous spirit and understated elegance.

Duke Ellington

Jazz legend Duke Ellington was not only a musical innovator but also a style icon of the 1930s. His distinctive approach to fashion mirrored his creativity in music, often seen in bold, eye-catching suits that set him apart from his peers.

Ellington’s style was characterized by a blend of flamboyance and sophistication, incorporating vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and luxurious fabrics that reflected his artistic persona. His influence extended beyond the stage, inspiring a generation to embrace individuality and personal expression through fashion.

How to Wear 1930s Men’s Fashion Today

Incorporating 1930s style into today’s wardrobe is about embracing the era’s emphasis on tailoring, quality fabrics, and attention to detail.

Start with a well-fitted, double-breasted suit in a classic fabric like wool or tweed, paying attention to the silhouette to ensure a modern fit. Pair it with a crisp, collared shirt and a vintage-inspired tie to add a touch of 1930s elegance. Footwear should be classic and polished, with brogues or Oxfords in leather or suede.

Accessorize with a fedora or flat cap, a leather belt or suspenders, and a pocket square to add personality to your ensemble. The key is to blend elements of 1930s fashion with contemporary pieces for a look that is both timeless and modern.

Final Verdict

The 1930s were a landmark decade for menswear, introducing styles and grooming standards that have endured to this day. The era’s emphasis on tailored elegance, quality craftsmanship, and a clean, polished appearance offers valuable lessons for the modern man. By incorporating elements of 1930s style into contemporary fashion, we can pay homage to a time when dressing well was not just a matter of personal pride but a reflection of one’s character and standing in the world.