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Early 1900's
Most suits in the early 1900s consisted of three pieces: the jacket, the trousers, and the waistcoat. Men wore morning coats during the day ( a jackets with a curved asymmetrical tailcoat from front to back). These coats were often paired with matching or subtly striped trousers. Additionally, men had evening suits in darker colors and richer fabrics. -
1910
In the 1910s, lighter fabrics and simpler suits grew in popularity. Pastel and striped patterns were popular in button-down shirts with a round-edge collar and a tie. Collars, it should be noted, were detachable because of frequent cleaning. -
1920
Postwar optimism caused suits to be simpler and slimmer, and brighter. Lighter colors replaced the black, charcoal, and navy of the previous decade. Shoulder pads faded, and men began wearing tighter-fit jackets. Bow ties were quite in! -
1929
The “Superman” silhouette became popular. Men’s suits were fashioned to illuminate extra broad shoulders - with shoulder pads, thin waists, and tapered legs.
Men’s suits had thin waists in order to conserve fabric and back to dark and neutral colors because bright colors were viewed as distasteful due to the hard times.
Men’s trousers sat about 3 inches above the naval–and hung down in long, straight columns. They were adorned with strong, pressed pleats running down the center. -
1930
Zoot suits became popular during the 'swing' era. They were characterized by excessive fabric and sleeves with pants worn tight at the waist. Jackets were long, and the suit came with a keychain accessory that extended to the knees, as well as a hat traditionally adorned with a feather. -
1940
With the severity of the war hanging over society, strict fabric rationing, and a prevailing demand for practicality over style. Suits were made without vests, pocket flaps, and trouser cuffs.
Wider, shorter ties in colorful patterns were a hot item, and men would wear them with decorative tie pins for self-expression. -
1950
Most businessmen adhered to a uniform of dark flannel suits, and conformity became ideal. Suits no longer worn shoulder pads, ties were slimmer, and shirt collars were less pronounced