The Evolution of Men's Fashion
When it comes to the evolution of fashion, many might argue that women's styles have historically developed at a much quicker pace than men's. But that's not to say that men's fashion hasn't taken its leaps and bounds as well. Over the decades, men's fashions have evolved significantly, not only with regard to stylistic "looks" of the eras, but also to how specific items of clothing were – and now are – worn.
For instance, the 1920s was an era of formal fashions, when collared shirts and tweed blazers were the norm for everyday wear. In fact, "casual" clothing as we know it today – consisting, for example, of jeans and t-shirts - would not even develop for several decades afterwards (at the time, t-shirts were considered to be underwear or work wear). Evening wear in the 20s was usually remarkable, consisting of tail coats and top hats. However, with the economic downturn of the 1930s, fashion – like many other things – downsized considerably. Men's suits became more casual, and plaid patterns became popular. It was common to see more economical materials used in fashion, rather than some of the more lavish fabrics seen in the few previous decades. The trend continued into post-war fashions of the 1940s; however, the 40s also saw a revolt from the uniformed look of matching trousers and jackets. Instead, the decade saw an influx of coloured, casual button down shirts, as well as graphic print ties – an avenue for creativity in men's fashion.
The 1950s brought about casual, narrow trousers and short-sleeved shirts, which were commonly worn without ties on weekends. However, one of the most significant developments in fashion during this decade was that of "streetwear" – led, of course, by the rising popularity of denim jeans (another type of clothing that was originally worn for manual work). Denim would later prove to become one of the more enduring elements of fashion, still among the most popular items to wear today.
The 1960s likely saw the most colourful explosion in men's fashion, with tighter fitting styles, more feminine colours, and paisley or floral prints present everywhere. Velvet was a very popular fabric for the time, seen in everything from jackets to trousers. What's more, men's shoes suddenly became pointier and more eye-catching than ever before. However, these trends evolved throughout the 1970s, taking a turn towards athletic clothing as daywear. Sneakers and t-shirts were commonly worn by younger males, but were also picked up by older crowds as well. And perhaps one of the more iconic articles of clothing from this decade was the bell bottom trouser, which was worn in both casual and formal styles and fabrics.
The 1980s saw the first emergence of couture fashion for men, with designers such as Anne Klein and Jean Paul Gaultier presenting the "power suit" – which would, of course, quickly move into mainstream fashion. Casual menswear was also heavily influenced by women's fashion in the 80s, with leather, studs, and embellishments commonly seen on all types of articles designed for men. Pastel coloured clothes and bright prints both took off in the world of 80s fashion, appealing to conservative men and younger males, respectively. While the 1990s saw a mixture of styles come and go, one of the more notable fashions included the "grunge" look – consisting of band t-shirts, jeans, and leather boots or "hi-tops". The late 90s also experienced fashion revivals from previous decades, ranging from the "mod" look of the 60s to the 70s colour fad. Finally, fashion today is perhaps most highly influenced by hip hop culture (for younger males), and classic, tailored looks for older men. But above all, fashion now - more than ever – is a way for men to express their personal style. From tailored men's suits to a distinctive range of "streetwear", the industry abounds with countless fashion possibilities for men.
For instance, the 1920s was an era of formal fashions, when collared shirts and tweed blazers were the norm for everyday wear. In fact, "casual" clothing as we know it today – consisting, for example, of jeans and t-shirts - would not even develop for several decades afterwards (at the time, t-shirts were considered to be underwear or work wear). Evening wear in the 20s was usually remarkable, consisting of tail coats and top hats. However, with the economic downturn of the 1930s, fashion – like many other things – downsized considerably. Men's suits became more casual, and plaid patterns became popular. It was common to see more economical materials used in fashion, rather than some of the more lavish fabrics seen in the few previous decades. The trend continued into post-war fashions of the 1940s; however, the 40s also saw a revolt from the uniformed look of matching trousers and jackets. Instead, the decade saw an influx of coloured, casual button down shirts, as well as graphic print ties – an avenue for creativity in men's fashion.
The 1950s brought about casual, narrow trousers and short-sleeved shirts, which were commonly worn without ties on weekends. However, one of the most significant developments in fashion during this decade was that of "streetwear" – led, of course, by the rising popularity of denim jeans (another type of clothing that was originally worn for manual work). Denim would later prove to become one of the more enduring elements of fashion, still among the most popular items to wear today.
The 1960s likely saw the most colourful explosion in men's fashion, with tighter fitting styles, more feminine colours, and paisley or floral prints present everywhere. Velvet was a very popular fabric for the time, seen in everything from jackets to trousers. What's more, men's shoes suddenly became pointier and more eye-catching than ever before. However, these trends evolved throughout the 1970s, taking a turn towards athletic clothing as daywear. Sneakers and t-shirts were commonly worn by younger males, but were also picked up by older crowds as well. And perhaps one of the more iconic articles of clothing from this decade was the bell bottom trouser, which was worn in both casual and formal styles and fabrics.
The 1980s saw the first emergence of couture fashion for men, with designers such as Anne Klein and Jean Paul Gaultier presenting the "power suit" – which would, of course, quickly move into mainstream fashion. Casual menswear was also heavily influenced by women's fashion in the 80s, with leather, studs, and embellishments commonly seen on all types of articles designed for men. Pastel coloured clothes and bright prints both took off in the world of 80s fashion, appealing to conservative men and younger males, respectively. While the 1990s saw a mixture of styles come and go, one of the more notable fashions included the "grunge" look – consisting of band t-shirts, jeans, and leather boots or "hi-tops". The late 90s also experienced fashion revivals from previous decades, ranging from the "mod" look of the 60s to the 70s colour fad. Finally, fashion today is perhaps most highly influenced by hip hop culture (for younger males), and classic, tailored looks for older men. But above all, fashion now - more than ever – is a way for men to express their personal style. From tailored men's suits to a distinctive range of "streetwear", the industry abounds with countless fashion possibilities for men.
