1950s Men's Suits: The Ultimate Guide To Retro Style

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When it comes to men's fashion, few eras are as iconic as the 1950s. The decade that brought us rock 'n' roll, drive-in movies, and suburban bliss also gave us some of the most stylish and enduring men's fashion trends. At cofashion.vn, we're celebrating the classic charm of 1950s men's suits, which continue to inspire modern fashion today. In this article, we'll delve into the defining features, popular fabrics, and iconic styles that made 1950s men's suits a staple of men's fashion.

Defining Features of 1950s Men's Suits

The Double-Breasted Look:

You know how sometimes you want to wear a jacket but it feels too plain? Well, in the 1950s, men loved double-breasted suits! It was like they were saying, "Look at me, I'm stylish and put-together!" A double-breasted suit has extra buttons and fabric that overlap, giving it a more formal look compared to a single-breasted suit. Think of it as a jacket that's got a little extra "oomph." The double-breasted look added a touch of sophistication and made men feel like they were part of the "in-crowd."

Why were double-breasted suits so popular in the 1950s?

Think about the 1950s – everyone was getting more modern and stylish. Double-breasted suits were a symbol of that new era. It was a way to show you were part of the cool crowd and had good taste. Remember that movie "Grease?" Well, those guys rocking the double-breasted suits? They were the epitome of 1950s style!

The Three-Button Closure:

Speaking of buttons, another cool thing about 1950s men's suits was that they often had three buttons. It's like a magic number! It's a classic detail that gives the suit a timeless look. If you see a suit with three buttons, you're probably looking at a 1950s style. This three-button closure was a big departure from the older suits that often had more buttons. It was a sign that fashion was changing, and men were embracing a more streamlined and modern look.

The Notch Lapel:

Now, let's talk about the lapels. It's like the collar of the jacket, but it's on the front. In the 1950s, men's suits often had a notch lapel. It's just a small V-shaped cut on the lapel, but it makes a big difference! The notch lapel added a touch of elegance and sophistication to the suit, making it look sharper and more refined. If you want to add a touch of 1950s style to your own wardrobe, try wearing a suit with a notch lapel. It's a classic detail that will never go out of style.

What's so special about a notch lapel?

You know how you can tell if someone is wearing a nice shirt? It's the collar! A notch lapel is like the collar of a suit jacket. It's a small detail, but it makes a big difference in how the suit looks. The notch lapel gives the suit a more relaxed and casual look compared to a peak lapel, which is more formal.

Popular Fabrics and Textures of 1950s Men's Suits

Okay, so we've talked about the cool features of 1950s men's suits, right? But what about the fabrics? They were just as important! Imagine a suit made of super soft and comfy wool. That's what men wore back then. It was all about looking sharp and feeling good, and wool was the perfect fabric to do both. It was like a warm hug for your body, especially in colder weather.

But wool wasn't the only fabric on the scene. Linen was also a big hit, especially in the summer. It's lighter and breathable, so it kept men cool and comfortable even when the sun was blazing. Think about wearing a linen suit on a hot summer day. It's like a gentle breeze on your skin, keeping you cool and looking sharp at the same time.

And let's not forget about the textures. Pinstripes were everywhere! It was like a subtle way to add a touch of sophistication to your suit. Think about a pinstripe suit as a secret code that says, "I'm stylish and know my fashion."

And then there were the textured wools. They had a little bit of a rough feel, which added a bit of personality to the suit. It's like the suit has a bit of a story to tell.

So, when you think about 1950s men's suits, remember that it wasn't just about the cut, but also about the fabric and texture. They were all part of creating that timeless and sophisticated look.

Iconic Styles of 1950s Men's Suits

Now, let's talk about the cool styles of 1950s men's suits. Imagine a suit that's both sharp and stylish, like a cool cat strutting down the street. That's what 1950s suits were all about! They were all about looking good and feeling confident, and they had some really unique features that made them stand out.

One of the most popular styles was the "slim-fit" suit. It was a big change from the baggier suits of the past, and it showed that men were embracing a more modern and sleek look. It was like they were saying, "I'm not afraid to show off my figure!" And it's not just about the fit, but the details. You'd often see suits with narrow lapels, which gave them a more sophisticated look. It was like a little touch of class that made the suit stand out.

Another classic style was the "double-breasted suit." Remember those cool guys in "Grease" with their jackets that had extra buttons and fabric that overlapped? That's a double-breasted suit! It was a way to add a touch of formality to your look and make you feel like you were part of the "in-crowd." It's like a suit that's saying, "I'm here to make a statement!"

And let's not forget about the "pinstripe suit." It was a subtle way to add some pattern and texture to your outfit. The thin stripes were like a secret code that said, "I know my fashion!" It was like a little bit of personality that made the suit stand out.

• Slim-fit suit
• Double-breasted suit
• Pinstripe suit

So, when you think about 1950s men's suits, remember that it wasn't just about the fabric or the cut, but also about the style. They were all about making a statement and showing off your personality. And that's what makes them so timeless and cool!

Vintage 1950s Men's Suits: A Timeless Investment

You know, I'm a sucker for vintage clothing. There's something special about owning a piece of history. And when it comes to men's suits, 1950s suits are in a league of their own. They're like a time capsule, taking you back to a time when men dressed to impress.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "Finding a vintage suit in good condition is like finding a needle in a haystack!" But trust me, it's worth the effort. Think about it, you're not just buying a suit, you're buying a story. You're buying a piece of fashion history. You're buying something that's going to last a lifetime.

• You can find vintage 1950s suits online
• Check out vintage clothing stores in your area
• Attend vintage clothing markets or fairs

And don't worry about the price. You can find some great deals on vintage suits, especially if you're willing to do a little digging. You might even stumble upon a hidden gem at a thrift store!

I remember finding a beautiful double-breasted suit at a flea market a few years ago. It was made of a gorgeous wool fabric, and it fit me like a glove. I couldn't believe how well it was preserved. I felt like I was stepping back in time when I put it on.

So, if you're looking for a unique and timeless piece of clothing, a vintage 1950s suit is the way to go. It's a statement piece that's sure to turn heads, and it's a conversation starter. Plus, it's an investment that's sure to last a lifetime. Just make sure to get it tailored to fit you perfectly.

And remember, if you're looking for more fashion inspiration or tips on how to style your vintage 1950s suits, check out our other articles on 1950s men's fashion and 1950s men's casual wear.

In conclusion, 1950s men's suits are a testament to the power of classic style and timeless elegance. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast, a vintage collector, or simply a man looking to elevate your wardrobe, the iconic styles and fabrics of 1950s men's suits are sure to inspire. So, take a cue from the fashion icons of the past and invest in a quality suit that will stand the test of time. Visit cofashion.vn for more fashion inspiration and tips.