Vintage style men’s clothes are a timeless representation of past fashion eras that continue to influence contemporary wardrobes. From the early 20th century to the more recent mid-century decades, vintage clothing offers unique styles and a chance to wear clothing with a story. These garments are crafted with meticulous attention to detail and made from quality materials, often showcasing exceptional craftsmanship. Whether you are drawn to the sharp, elegant tailoring of the 1920s or the relaxed vibe of the 1970s, vintage men’s fashion has something for everyone.
The History of Vintage Style Men’s Clothing
The Early 20th Century: Tailoring and Class
The 1900s marked the beginning of modern men’s fashion, with a heavy emphasis on structured, formal clothing. The early part of the 20th century saw a focus on high-quality tailoring, with tailored suits becoming the norm for both business and social occasions. This period was characterized by heavy wool fabrics, double-breasted suits, and wide lapels, often associated with upper-class society.
By the 1920s, the trend shifted towards a more relaxed silhouette. The rise of Hollywood and the flapper movement led to a more sophisticated yet casual approach to men’s fashion. Suits became slightly more streamlined, with shorter jackets and narrow trousers replacing the broad, heavily structured silhouettes of the previous decade. The ‘Jazz Age’ brought bold patterns, colors, and accessories, influencing the fashion of the time.
The 1930s and 1940s: Elegance and Functionality
The Great Depression in the 1930s influenced fashion, with more practical, cost-effective clothing being favored. The slim-fit suit with narrow lapels came into prominence, reflecting the desire for simplicity and modesty. However, in the 1940s, the constraints of wartime material shortages led to the introduction of military-inspired clothing in everyday fashion. Bomber jackets, military trousers, and functional designs like the trench coat became essential items in men’s wardrobes. After World War II, American and European fashion houses began to incorporate more relaxed styles, blending both the formality of earlier decades with the utilitarian ethos of wartime.
The 1950s and 1960s: The Rise of Youth Culture
The 1950s were a pivotal time for men’s fashion. The decade brought an explosion of youthful styles, influenced heavily by rock-and-roll culture, movies, and television. The iconic greaser look, popularized by figures like James Dean and Marlon Brando, featured leather jackets, white t-shirts, and jeans. At the same time, the preppy style emerged with tailored suits, crisp shirts, and slim ties.
The 1960s saw the advent of mod fashion, a movement that embraced sharp tailoring and bold patterns. The slim-cut suits, thin ties, and stylish footwear of the period created an iconic look. The decade also saw the rise of casual menswear, with items like cardigans, knit polo shirts, and bell-bottom pants becoming increasingly popular.
The 1970s and 1980s: Free Spirit and Excess
The 1970s were a time of rebellion and self-expression, with men’s fashion becoming more diverse and experimental. The disco movement popularized wide lapels, brightly colored suits, polyester fabric, and flamboyant shirts. Men embraced flared trousers, bell-bottom jeans, and vibrant patterns, showcasing a more free-spirited approach to dressing. The bohemian look, with its loose-fitting garments, ethnic prints, and suede jackets, also gained momentum during this time.
In the 1980s, fashion took a more structured and excessive turn, with men wearing power suits and tailored jackets with broad shoulders. The introduction of hip-hop fashion also began to influence mainstream trends, with oversized jackets, baggy jeans, and baseball caps becoming widely accepted.
Key Elements of Vintage Style Men’s Clothes
Fabrics and Materials
Wool
Wool has always been a dominant material in vintage men’s clothing, especially for suits, trousers, and coats. Its warmth, durability, and versatility make it an ideal fabric for classic menswear. In the early 20th century, wool was used for everything from formal suits to military jackets. Wool tweed, often seen in British country jackets, was especially popular in the 1930s and 1940s, prized for its durability and distinctive texture.
Cotton and Linen
Cotton and linen, often used in lighter garments like shirts and summer suits, played a key role in vintage men’s fashion. Linen, in particular, was popular during the 1920s and 1930s for its breathable, lightweight properties, ideal for hot climates. Cotton was favored for shirts, trousers, and casual wear, providing comfort and flexibility without sacrificing style.
Leather
Leather has been a staple material in men’s fashion since the early 20th century. Leather jackets, particularly bomber jackets and biker jackets, have become iconic in vintage fashion. The rugged, durable nature of leather has made it a symbol of rebellion and toughness, as seen in the rise of the greaser and biker subcultures.
Denim
Denim, once considered workwear, became a fashionable choice for everyday attire in the mid-20th century. The rise of jeans in the 1950s and 1960s, particularly Levi’s, helped popularize denim as a mainstream fabric. Vintage denim jackets and jeans from the 1960s, especially those with a more faded or distressed look, are highly sought after today for their authenticity and character.
Cut and Silhouette
Vintage men’s clothes are known for their distinct cuts and silhouettes, which differ significantly from modern, slim-fit designs. In the early 20th century, clothing was generally more structured and formal. Suits featured wide lapels, long jackets, and trousers with a high rise. The 1920s saw a shift to a more natural shoulder and narrower fit, making clothing more comfortable and less restrictive.
In the 1940s and 1950s, the silhouette became more relaxed, with trousers featuring pleats and jackets becoming less stiff. The 1960s and 1970s introduced more casual and laid-back fits, with wider pants and shorter jacket lengths. Meanwhile, the 1980s saw the rise of the oversized silhouette, particularly with power suits and outerwear, offering a bold, dramatic look.
Details and Embellishments
Vintage men’s clothing often features distinctive details and embellishments that are rare in modern fashion. Items like double-breasted suits, wide lapels, pocket squares, and cufflinks were common in earlier decades, adding a touch of elegance to everyday attire. In addition, many vintage garments feature unique stitching, patterns, and fabric textures, reflecting the high-quality craftsmanship that was often a hallmark of earlier fashion.
Patches and embroidery also played a significant role in vintage clothing, especially in the 1940s and 1950s when military-inspired garments, such as bomber jackets, were prevalent. These jackets frequently featured patches indicating military units, squads, and ranks, and they were worn as both a badge of honor and a statement of style.
Types of Vintage Style Men’s Clothes
Vintage Suits
1920s and 1930s Suits
In the 1920s, men’s suits were characterized by wide lapels, high-waisted trousers, and long, tailored jackets. The 1930s suit continued this trend but featured a more streamlined cut with narrower lapels and a slightly more relaxed fit. According to VintageQQ, tweed suits were also popular in this era, particularly in England, for their durability and stylish appearance. The 1930s saw the rise of the “Power Suit,” which had broad shoulders and a sleek, tailored fit.
1940s Suits
During the 1940s, the suit underwent significant changes due to wartime shortages. Fabric rationing meant that suits were designed to be more practical and functional. However, after the war, men’s suits became more elegant again, with a return to structured cuts and wide lapels. The double-breasted suit became iconic during this era, symbolizing wealth, power, and refinement.
1950s Suits
The 1950s saw a shift toward a more youthful, relaxed style. The traditional suit became more streamlined, with slimmer lapels and shorter jacket lengths. The Ivy League look, characterized by tailored suits worn with a relaxed shirt and tie, was the dominant fashion trend during this time. This look is still revered today for its clean, preppy aesthetic.
Vintage Outerwear
Trench Coats
The trench coat, originally designed for soldiers in World War I, became a classic piece of vintage men’s fashion in the 1930s and 1940s. Made from durable cotton twill, the trench coat was typically belted and featured a double-breasted front. Its military heritage made it both functional and stylish, and it remains an iconic outerwear piece in both men’s and women’s wardrobes.
Leather Jackets
Leather jackets, particularly bomber jackets and biker jackets, are synonymous with vintage style. The 1940s and 1950s saw the rise of military-inspired jackets like the A-2 bomber and the G-1 flight jacket. These jackets, made from thick, durable leather, were worn by soldiers and aviators but soon became popular among civilians. In the 1950s, greasers and rockabilly subcultures embraced leather jackets as part of their rebellious style.
Denim Jackets
Denim jackets became a symbol of youth rebellion in the 1950s and 1960s, largely due to the influence of figures like James Dean. The classic denim jacket, often worn with a pair of jeans, created a rugged and cool aesthetic. Vintage denim jackets from the 1960s and 1970s often feature faded or distressed fabric, making them highly sought after by collectors today.
Vintage Casual Wear
T-Shirts and Polos
Vintage t-shirts, often adorned with logos, band prints, or humorous slogans, are a staple in casual men’s wardrobes. The simple t-shirt, first popularized in the 1950s, became synonymous with youth rebellion and Hollywood stars like Marlon Brando and James Dean. Polo shirts, particularly those with a slim fit and button-down collars, gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s as part of the preppy look.
Sweaters and Cardigans
Sweaters and cardigans have always been a key element in vintage men’s fashion. The 1950s and 1960s saw the rise of V-neck sweaters and cardigans, often worn with shirts or turtlenecks. Cable-knit sweaters, made from thick wool, became popular for their cozy and practical appeal, especially in colder weather. Today, these vintage styles remain staples in men’s wardrobes for their warmth and classic style.
Jeans and Trousers
Vintage jeans, particularly those from the 1950s and 1960s, have a distinct character due to their raw denim and workwear-inspired designs. The fit of jeans in the mid-20th century was more relaxed compared to the slim-fitting designs of today. Vintage trousers, such as pleated pants from the 1940s and 1950s, often had a higher waist and wider leg, contributing to a more relaxed, comfortable fit.
How to Style Vintage Men’s Clothes
Casual Vintage Look
For a casual vintage look, start with a classic denim jacket, worn over a simple t-shirt or polo. Pair it with jeans or chinos, and add casual footwear such as sneakers or loafers. Accessorize with a vintage watch, belt, or cap to complete the look. Vintage leather jackets can also work well with t-shirts and jeans for a more rugged appearance.
Smart-Casual Vintage Look
For a smart-casual vintage look, try pairing a tailored vintage suit with a modern shirt and tie. Alternatively, a vintage blazer or sports jacket can be worn with trousers and a slim-fit shirt. Accessories like pocket squares, cufflinks, and vintage ties can elevate the ensemble and add a personal touch.