- 1930’s
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Increased unemployment crated more leisure time…led to more sporting activities
which in turn led to v-shaped chests and clothing design to accentuate this fact
or create the illusion through design. The spread of fascism lead to the pursuit
of mega-masculine ideals to show strength. Shoulders were padded, waistlines trimmed
and trousers were baggy; Double breasted peak lapel clothing arose to mimic this
v shape. Three button coats also helped to accentuate this style of fitness. Fashion
reigned. Three piece suits worn by Louis Armstrong.
Influence: Polo shirts, zipper tops, and blazers of today owe their existence
to the style of the 30’s.
- 1940’s
With manufactures attention turned towards producing uniforms, fashion took a back
seat. Fabrics were rationed, socks were shortened to conserve fabric, cuffs disappeared
from trousers. After the war, men adopted items from there service days…T-type shirts
(T shirts), duffle coats and after years of cloth rationing men celebrated again
with double breasted clothing with full leg trousers and cuffs again on the bottom
reappeared. Sam Shendow, founder of Bell’s, showed his gratitude to the Men who
supported his business launch in 1931 by contacting them in advance of placing the
limited supply of shirts, due to rationing, on the shelf.
Influence: T-Shirts
- 1950’s
The Ivy League and Button Down decade. Three button Sack suits (un-darted at the
waistline for a fuller appearance) and skinny silhouettes with a high-two-button
suits first appeared to offer a contrasting fashion statement. President Eisenhower
broke with tradition and wore a business suit and homburg hat instead of the customary
top hat and cutaway formal attire. Khakis were the craze and sport coats became
the rage along with light weight suits. White buck shoes and penny loafers and regimental
stripe ties. The 50’s were the beginning of our fascination with sportswear.
Influence: Sportswear, Sport Coats and Button Down shirts
- 1960’s
President Kennedy’s reliance upon a back brace caused him to favor two-button suits.
Sportswear continued to grow and the rock-n-roll phenomenon influenced the clothing
of the youth. American clothing designers Bill Blass, Ralph Lauren and John Weitz
joined Frenchman Pierre Cardin who launched the first men’s wear collection and
ves Saint Laurent in reinventing clothing style.
Influence: The two-button-suit, and the emergence of clothing designers.
- 1970’s
The decade found the public concerned with war and rebellious towards the fashion
establishment and thus shunned political fashion influences and looked to develop
a look uniquely its own. Logo tennis shoes began their ascension prior to working
their way up to the clothing itself. Double knit polyester suits and designer jeans
were the rage. At the close of the decade Calvin Klein, Perry Ellis, Jeffrey Banks
and Armani helped to salvage the decade with their collections.
Influence: Denim.
- 1980’s
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The decade of the designer. Soft fabrics, Pleated pants, unfitted jackets and loose
jacket armholes all attempted to make clothing feel like a second skin to help men
feel at ease. Designers trained men to wear clothes for the entertainment of others.
Thus exclusive, original designs began to compete with one another for attention.
The media’s impact began to gain momentum with the movie industry heavily influencing
the public’s wants and likewise in the music industry with the launch of MTV.
Influence: Exclusivity in design and originality.
- 1990’s
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Low maintenance dressing became the rage. Fashion took a back seat and was reduced
to a bare minimum. As ‘Friday wear” attempted to reduce the burden of dressing in
style men turned towards a dark color palate and the importance of accessories was
reduced. Men’s dress codes began to blur and those men who wanted to differentiate
themselves from the pack began to blend dress and casual clothes to form a unique
an invigorating style.
Influence: the blending of dress and casual styles into one unique style unto
itself.
- 2000 to Present
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The influence begun in the 90’s carried forward to start the new millennium with
the addition of a new influence beginning to take hold, casual elegance. Men sought
comfort and style in the same breath. Fabrics not only had to look great, they had
to feel better than ever. An evening out may mean pairing a fun sport shirt with
a sport coat and a pair of jeans and stylish shoes. Dress apparel, however, was
far from dead. When the occasions warranted men began to “dress to the nines” again.
Dressy suits in three button side-vented styles with exquisite shirting fabrics
and beautiful silk ties adorned the look.
Influence: Style with comfort continued with the ground work laid by the designers
of the 1980’s.