Clean lines, tailored fits, and optimism about the post-war future define the men’s fashions of the 1950s. The sharp cut of the suit with narrow lapels and slim trousers is polished, confident, but still an image of style. Casual wear also came into prominence: from the leather jacket and jeans of the rebellious youth to the polo shirt and cardigan offering a relaxed yet refined atmosphere.
For in this decade, there seemed to be a balancing act between the prevalent tradition and the emerging more youthful, bold attitude in fashion and readiness for future style revolutions. The following 32 Ideas about 50s Men Fashion evoke the flavor of this stylish decade by celebrating diverse trends in fashion.
1. Rockabilly Rebel Vibe
The 50s rockabilly style blended vintage flair with rebellious energy. Tight-fitting denim jeans and leather jackets were staples. A slicked-back pompadour or a quiff gave the look a sharp edge. Men also favored high-waisted pants to create that smooth, clean silhouette.
Top: Slim-fit white or graphic T-shirt, leather jacket with silver zippers
Bottom: High-waisted jeans, often cuffed at the ankles
2. Ivy League Elegance
Ivy League fashion in the 50s was all about sharp tailoring. Button-down shirts, chinos, and cardigans became wardrobe essentials. Collegiate-inspired looks often included striped ties or v-neck sweaters layered over collared shirts. Blazers with elbow patches were a sign of intellectual sophistication.
Top: Button-down Oxford shirt, V-neck sweater or cardigan
Bottom: Tailored chinos or pleated trousers
3. Greaser Grit
Greaser style was rough, rebellious, and undeniably cool. Leather jackets in black or brown were a must-have, often adorned with zippers or studs. Men sported slick, dark hair with plenty of pomade for a shiny, controlled look. Tight jeans, usually cuffed at the bottom, showed off rugged boots or Converse sneakers.
Top: Plain or striped T-shirt, rugged leather jacket
Bottom: Dark denim jeans, usually cuffed
4. Full Suit Sophistication
A full suit during the 50s exuded masculinity and sophistication. Wool suits in dark shades like navy or charcoal were worn with crisp white shirts. Skinny ties were the signature accessory, usually paired with pocket squares. A well-tailored fit was paramount; trousers were sharply creased for added polish.
Top: Suit jacket with a crisp dress shirt and skinny tie
Bottom: Matching tailored trousers with a sharp crease
5. Casual Weekend Vibe
For weekends or laid-back outings, men in the 50s embraced the casual chic look. They wore well-fitted polo shirts, usually in stripes or solid colors, with chinos or casual trousers. Lightweight cardigans were often worn over a shirt for comfort. Moccasins or loafers completed the relaxed yet stylish vibe.
Top: Polo shirt, light cardigan or casual bomber jacket
Bottom: Chinos or relaxed-fit trousers
6. Mod Culture Madness
The mod movement of the late 50s influenced fashion heavily. Men in the mod scene wore slim-cut suits with narrow lapels, often in bold checks or stripes. Neat haircuts like the flat top or side part were common. Slim ties added a touch of sharpness to the look, while brogues or Chelsea boots were the shoes of choice.
Top: Slim-cut, tailored blazer over a fitted shirt
Bottom: Narrow, slim-fit trousers
7. Blue Collar Swagger
In the 50s, working-class men showcased rugged, durable fashion. They wore tough denim jeans and button-up shirts for everyday work. Overalls or suspenders were often added for both function and style. Work boots, usually worn with thick socks, were a common accessory.
Top: Denim or flannel work shirt
Bottom: Durable, loose-fitting work jeans or trousers
8. Turtleneck Cool
Turtlenecks in the 50s were a chic, understated addition to a man’s wardrobe. Worn under blazers or sweaters, they created a sleek, streamlined appearance. Men favored them in neutral colors like black or gray. A turtleneck paired with a well-tailored suit was often seen as an effortlessly stylish look.
Top: Slim-fit turtleneck sweater
Bottom: Tapered slacks or high-waisted trousers
9. Suburban Dad Style
Suburban dad fashion of the 50s was neat, practical, and charmingly dapper. Men often wore pleated pants with simple button-down shirts or knit polo shirts. Sweaters or cardigans added extra warmth and coziness. Loafers or dress shoes kept the look polished.
Top: Knit polo or button-down shirt with a light sweater
Bottom: Pleated trousers
10. Sweater Vest Sensibility
Sweater vests were a crucial part of 50s men’s fashion. Worn over a collared shirt, they added a layer of sophistication without overwhelming the outfit. The look was often completed with a tie or bow tie, contributing to a preppy vibe. Patterns like argyle were popular, adding a playful touch.
Top: Argyle or solid-color sweater vest over a collared shirt
Bottom: Dress trousers, often pleated
11. Hawaiian Shirt Heat
Hawaiian shirts brought a burst of color and fun into 50s fashion. These brightly colored, floral button-downs were worn by men on vacation or during casual outings. They paired well with Bermuda shorts or casual trousers. The lightweight fabric kept things cool and breezy.
Top: Bright, printed Hawaiian shirt
Bottom: Bermuda shorts or light, casual trousers
12. Fedora Flair
Fedoras and trilby hats were signature accessories in the 50s. Worn tilted slightly, they added an air of mystery and sophistication. Often paired with suits or casual jackets, the fedora completed the sharp look. Materials like felt or wool were typical for colder months, while straw was favored during summer.
Top: Crisp collared shirt with a suit or sport coat
Bottom: Tailored trousers
13. Vintage Leather Bomber
The leather bomber jacket became an iconic part of 50s fashion. Originally designed for pilots, this jacket was now worn by the everyday man. A snug fit around the waist with a zippered front created a sleek, no-nonsense silhouette. Wool-lined collars and cuffs added warmth and style.
Top: Fitted leather bomber jacket over a plain T-shirt
Bottom: Straight-leg jeans or trousers
14. High-Waisted Trousers
High-waisted trousers were the defining silhouette of 50s menswear. Often paired with pleats or a cuffed hem, they created a long, lean look. Belts were essential for keeping these trousers in place, often adding a touch of flair with bold designs.
Top: Tucked-in collared shirt or sweater
Bottom: High-waisted pleated trousers
15. Charcoal Gray Classic
Charcoal gray suits were a timeless choice in the 50s. Paired with a crisp white shirt and a skinny tie, this was the epitome of sophisticated masculinity. The fit was always sharp, with trousers often featuring a subtle break. This color worked for both formal occasions and business settings.
Top: Charcoal gray suit jacket, dress shirt, skinny tie
Bottom: Matching tailored trousers
16. Checkered Chic
Plaid and checkered patterns were a popular trend in the 50s. Men wore checkered shirts with jeans or trousers for a more casual look. Plaid suits also made appearances, especially for evening wear or semi-formal events. The pattern was bold but never overwhelming, often in muted shades of red, green, or blue.
Top: Checkered button-up shirt or plaid blazer
Bottom: Solid-colored slacks
17. Pleated Perfection
Pleats in trousers and shirts were an essential part of 50s fashion. Pleated pants offered a sharp, creased look that was both stylish and comfortable. Shirts often featured pleats along the cuffs or collar for added texture. The pleated aesthetic allowed for freedom of movement while maintaining an air of sophistication.
Top: Well-fitted dress shirt or blazer
Bottom: Pleated dress trousers
18. Cashmere Comfort
Cashmere sweaters were highly prized for their softness and warmth in the 50s. Men wore these luxurious garments under jackets or over collared shirts for a refined look. The lightweight material made it ideal for layering during colder months. Colors like pastel pink, light blue, and classic gray were common choices.
Top: Soft cashmere sweater
Bottom: Fitted trousers or chinos
19. Bow Tie Brilliance
Bow ties were a key accessory for men in the 50s, worn mostly for formal or semi-formal occasions. Paired with tuxedos or dinner jackets, they added an air of dapper sophistication. The look was polished and playful, providing a fun alternative to the standard necktie. Bow ties were often worn with crisp white shirts and suspenders.
Top: White or light-colored dress shirt with a bow tie
Bottom: Suit pants, often pleated
20. Mad Men Influence
The Mad Men aesthetic of sharp suits and sleek, polished appearances defined men’s fashion in the 50s. Men wore slim suits with narrow lapels and matching trousers, all meticulously tailored. Skinny ties and pocket squares added an extra touch of class. For men over 5o hairstyle was carefully styled in neat side parts or slicked back.
Top: Slim-cut suit jacket, classic dress shirt, skinny tie
Bottom: Matching tailored suit trousers
21. Moccasin Shoes
Moccasin-style shoes became a popular footwear choice in the 50s. Often worn with casual outfits, they were known for their comfort and laid-back vibe. These shoes featured soft, flexible leather and often had a beaded or fringe detailing. They were ideal for weekend wear, whether paired with jeans or chinos.
Top: Knit or collared shirt with cardigan
Bottom: Casual trousers or chinos
22. Canvas Sneakers
Canvas sneakers were an everyday go-to for many men in the 50s. The classic white canvas sneaker became synonymous with casual cool. Worn with jeans or shorts, they were an effortless and stylish choice for outdoor activities. Their lightweight design made them comfortable and perfect for active lifestyles.
Top: Polo shirt or casual T-shirt
Bottom: Rolled-up jeans or relaxed chinos
23. The Slim Tie Revolution
Skinny ties dominated men’s fashion in the 50s, adding a sleek, sharp edge to any outfit. Worn with suits or casual jackets, they became the ultimate accessory for modern men. Often paired with thin lapels, these ties offered a more streamlined, youthful look.
Top: Crisp dress shirt with a slim tie
Bottom: Tailored trousers with a slight break
24. V-Neck Vision
V-neck sweaters and shirts became a staple for a laid-back, stylish vibe. These tops were worn under jackets for a more casual appearance or on their own for a relaxed look. The V-neck design accentuated the neckline and added an element of sophistication. Men often paired these with fitted trousers or chinos. Colors like navy, burgundy, and charcoal were popular choices.
Top: V-neck sweater over a collared shirt
Bottom: Fitted slacks or chinos
25. Bomber Jacket Swagger
The bomber jacket, originally designed for military pilots, became an iconic part of 50s fashion. Made from leather or nylon, these jackets were worn for both style and practicality. Bomber jackets offered warmth while maintaining a tough, masculine appeal. Often paired with jeans or chinos, they became a staple of casual wear.
Top: Leather bomber jacket with a T-shirt underneath
Bottom: Straight-leg jeans or fitted trousers
26. Cardigan Cool
Cardigans were the perfect addition to any 50s wardrobe. Often made from wool or cashmere, these button-up sweaters offered warmth and style. Worn over shirts or even turtlenecks, they added a cozy, refined touch. Cardigans were ideal for layering in the cooler months. With a neat, tailored fit, they brought an air of sophistication to casual outfits.
Top: Button-up cardigan over a collared shirt
Bottom: Chinos or wool slacks
27. Duffle Coat Days
Duffle coats, often made from wool, became a winter favorite in the 50s. These coats featured toggle closures and a cozy, oversized fit. They were often paired with wool trousers or jeans for a warm, stylish winter look. The duffle coat’s practical design, along with its timeless appeal, made it a go-to during colder months. Men embraced its functionality while still maintaining an elegant air.
Top: Wool duffle coat over a knit sweater
Bottom: Heavy-duty trousers or jeans
28. Chukka Boots
Chukka boots, with their low ankle cut, became a popular footwear choice for men in the 50s. Made from suede or leather, these boots were versatile and stylish. Often worn with both casual and semi-formal outfits, they were perfect for everything from workdays to weekends.
Top: Casual button-down shirt or Henley
Bottom: Jeans or relaxed-fit trousers
29. Tuxedo Style
Tuxedos were worn with the utmost formality during the 50s. The iconic black tuxedo was often paired with a white shirt and a black bow tie. Satin or grosgrain lapels added an extra level of elegance. Men wore them for galas, formal dinners, or wedding events. Polished black shoes and a pocket square were key finishing touches.
Top: Tuxedo jacket with a satin-lapelled shirt and bow tie
Bottom: Black tuxedo trousers
30. Plaid Shirts
Plaid shirts were a comfortable yet stylish choice in the 50s. Often worn by men in casual settings, they added a bit of rugged charm. These shirts came in various color combinations, with red and blue being the most popular. They were paired with jeans or chinos for an easy-going look.
Top: Plaid button-up shirt
Bottom: Jeans or casual slacks
31. Henley Shirt Style
The Henley shirt was a popular choice for its minimalist style and casual flair. Worn with buttoned plackets, these shirts were simple yet stylish. Men often wore them in neutral colors like white, gray, or navy. The Henley was great for layering or wearing alone for a relaxed look.
Top: Neutral-colored Henley shirt
Bottom: Relaxed jeans or chinos
32. Military Inspiration
Military-inspired fashion made its way into 50s menswear. Green khaki jackets, cargo pants, and combat boots took on civilian roles. These garments were functional and rugged, evoking strength and discipline. Men embraced utility-style jackets with multiple pockets, often paired with jeans. Military-style watches and accessories completed the look.
Top: Green khaki jacket, utility shirt
Bottom: Cargo pants or dark jeans