Menswear Styles of the 1940's

THE 1940′S

The 1940's served as a paramount pivot point for menswear; the practical styles due to the war were replaced by an extravagant fashion aesthetic that celebrated the end of the strict mindset of wartime.  The end of the 1940's is the beginning of what many refer to as the Swing Era which brought the Zoot Suit and high styling aesthetics that world had never seen before.

THE TRENDSETTERS

Trendsetters of the 1940's ranged from Hollywood stars like Humphrey Bogart, James Stewart, and Elvis to mob bosses like  Frank Costello and Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel.

THE SUIT

The menswear suit was the most popularized and reinvented during the 1930′s. These suits celebrated the appearance of the larger torso and the unspoken fashion motto was: Bigger is better.  Jackets were designed with shoulder pads to create a broad, square shape.

THE NECKWEAR

The tie in the 1940s became shorter and wider to compliment the high-cut trousers! They were brightly + boldly colored to make a big impression. Red ties were hugely popular!

The Decorative Handkerchief

The decorative handkerchief was a must of the 1940's. The two most popular options were paisley patterned pocket squares and solid colored pocket squares that were monogrammed.

THE HAT

Everyone wore the fedora in the 1940's from Hollywood movie stars to mob bosses to Untied States Presidents.

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