1910s Mens Fashion A Style Retrospective

Overview of 1910s Men’s Fashion

1910s men fashion – The 1910s marked a distinct era in men’s fashion, characterized by a blend of formality and practicality. The silhouette was leaner and more streamlined compared to the previous Edwardian era, reflecting a shift towards a more athletic and modern aesthetic. Key influences included the ongoing popularity of tailored suits, evolving military styles, and a burgeoning sense of modernism that subtly impacted clothing choices.

This decade saw a gradual move away from the fuller, more ornate styles of the late Victorian and early Edwardian periods, paving the way for the more streamlined fashions of the roaring twenties.

Suits and Tailoring: 1910s Men Fashion

The suit remained the cornerstone of men’s wardrobes in the 1910s. Typical characteristics included a high-waisted, slightly longer jacket with a more fitted silhouette compared to earlier decades. Trousers were generally high-waisted and straight-legged. Fabrics favored included worsted wool, flannel, and gabardine, in dark colors such as navy, charcoal grey, and brown. Expert tailoring was crucial; the precision of the cut and the quality of the construction were paramount in achieving the desired sharp, refined look.

The skilled tailor’s ability to create a flawlessly fitting suit was highly valued.

Suit Style	Description
Lounge Suit	A less formal suit, often made from lighter fabrics and featuring less structured tailoring. Suitable for casual daytime wear.
Business Suit	The standard suit for professional settings, typically made from dark-colored worsted wool with a more structured fit.
Dinner Suit (Tuxedo)	A formal evening suit, usually black or midnight blue, featuring satin lapels and often paired with a bow tie.

Shirts and Accessories

Shirts in the 1910s were typically made from cotton or linen, often featuring a high collar that could be buttoned or pinned. Common styles included the classic button-down collar and the wing-collar shirt for more formal occasions. Accessories played a significant role in completing the overall look. Ties, often made from silk or wool, were worn in a variety of styles, including the four-in-hand knot and the bow tie.

Pocket squares added a touch of personality and sophistication, while cufflinks provided a subtle detail of elegance.

• Shirt Materials: Cotton, linen, silk
• Shirt Patterns: Plain, striped, checked
• Tie Materials: Silk, wool, knitted fabrics
• Tie Patterns: Stripes, dots, paisley
• Pocket Square Materials: Silk, linen
• Cufflink Materials: Gold, silver, enamel

Outerwear and Headwear

Outerwear choices reflected both practicality and style. Overcoats were common, often in dark colors and made from heavy wool. Chesterfield coats, with their velvet collars, were particularly popular for formal occasions. Other options included the reefer jacket, a shorter, more casual style, and the trench coat, gaining popularity due to its practicality. Headwear was an essential part of the 1910s male wardrobe.

The fedora was a ubiquitous choice, along with the bowler hat for a more formal look, and various styles of caps for more casual wear.

The Chesterfield coat, with its luxurious velvet collar, offered warmth and sophistication, while the more practical reefer jacket provided protection from the elements without sacrificing style. The trench coat, initially designed for military use, was quickly adopted for its versatility and rain-resistant qualities.

Footwear and Hosiery

Footwear choices varied depending on the occasion. Oxfords and Balmorals were popular choices for formal occasions, while spats were often worn over shoes to add a touch of elegance. For more casual settings, loafers and boots were common. Hosiery was typically made from wool or cotton, in plain colors such as black, navy, and grey. The choice of footwear and hosiery helped to complete the overall look, reflecting the level of formality of the occasion.

Formal events often called for polished leather Oxfords, while everyday wear might feature sturdy leather boots or more comfortable loafers. The choice of hosiery coordinated with the overall outfit, maintaining a cohesive and stylish appearance.

Illustrative Examples of 1910s Men’s Fashion

A typical 1910s businessman might be seen in a dark grey worsted wool suit, impeccably tailored with a high waist and straight-legged trousers. A crisp white cotton shirt with a high collar and a neatly knotted silk tie in a subtle pattern would complete the ensemble. He would likely carry a leather briefcase and sport a fedora hat, adding a touch of sophistication to his professional look.

A working-class man in the 1910s might wear a more practical outfit, perhaps a sturdy cotton shirt and trousers, possibly in darker colors due to their practicality. A heavier wool jacket or coat would provide protection from the elements, and his footwear would likely be more robust, perhaps leather work boots. A simple cap would serve as his headwear.

Attending a formal event, a man might opt for a black dinner suit (tuxedo) with satin lapels, a crisp white wing-collar shirt, and a black bow tie. Patent leather shoes would complete the elegant look, along with perhaps a stylish top hat.

Impact of World War I on Men’s Fashion

World War I significantly impacted men’s fashion. The war effort led to shortages of certain fabrics and a simplification of styles. More utilitarian designs emerged, reflecting the needs of soldiers and the overall austerity of the times. The use of certain fabrics, like wool, was prioritized for military use, leading to changes in civilian clothing production. Pre-war elegance gradually gave way to a more functional and less ornate style.

Post-war fashion reflected a shift towards a more relaxed aesthetic, yet the underlying influence of military styles remained evident.

Question & Answer Hub

What were popular hat styles for men in the 1910s?

Fedora hats, bowler hats, and homburgs were extremely popular, reflecting varying levels of formality.

How did the fit of suits change from previous decades?

Suits became slimmer and more tailored, moving away from the fuller, more padded silhouettes of the Victorian era.

What types of fabrics were commonly used in 1910s men’s clothing?

Wool was dominant for suits and outerwear, with cotton and linen used for shirts and some lighter garments. Silk was also used for accessories.

Were there any significant color trends in 1910s menswear?

Darker, more subdued colors like navy, gray, and brown were prevalent, although lighter shades were seen in shirts and accessories.