The technological and scientific evolution of human beings over the past ten decades have been so fast. It is most reflected on the change in fashion over the years. A lot can be learnt from how a person dresses up and the characteristics of every generation throughout the century can be determined by looking at the way they dressed up. On the 9th of July last year, The YouTube channel Mode uploaded a video to their already existing playlist of ‘100 years series’. Let us take a look at the 100 Years of Fashion: Men and quickly review how men’s fashion has changed over the century.
1915: The Sherlock Cap and Tweed Coat
Source: Mode (YouTube)
The world under the storm of the Great War did not stop men from experimenting with their looks. The hat culture still existed but was for a short while replaced by the Sherlock cap made popular by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s fictional character who went by the same name. The tweed coat and the bow tie matched well with the cap and the creased pants. The classic mustache and glasses proved to be the style statement of the era.
1925: The Jazz Era
Source: Mode (YouTube)
The roaring twenties saw a complete overhaul in men’s fashion as we know it. Opting for lighter shades, double-breasted coats with stripes came into prominence during this era. The cap to hat transition came to existence, and the shoes of lighter shade were chosen with white being the favorite as shown in the video. Bow tie and creased pants remained the same in the accessory, and it saw an increase in men partying and dancing over some of the classic jazz tracks of the time.
1935: Fancy Shoes and Socializing
Source: Mode (YouTube)
This decade saw the west recovering from the aftermath of the Great Depression. Even though everything was affected by the depression, the increase in the number of social gatherings and parties saw and uproar in fashionable styles in the men’s category. In addition to the change from bow ties to neckties, the decade saw an update in the shoe section.
1945: Back to Basics
Source: Mode (YouTube)
The 1940s saw things take a turn and get back to the basics as the world shock at the events following World War II. Sleeveless vests and sweaters took the place of elaborate coats. Leather shoes came back to the equation and rolling up shirt sleeves up to the elbow became a thing. Creased pants, neckties and hats still remained in the outfit. The time when men started to lean towards the casual side from the previous formal self.
1955: Dean and Presley
Source: Mode (YouTube)
The caption says it all. Enough said! The era was dictated by the style quotient brought out by the late style icons – James Dean and Elvis Presley. The cultural impact he had on the generation with the angry but carefree and rebellious young man was phenomenal. From the slicked hair to the canvas shoes and the half sleeve vest to the leather jacket. But the most notable up gradation in this generation would be the introduction of jeans to the mainstream.
1965: Geeky and Confident
Source: Mode (YouTube)
‘Twist and shout’ proved to be the mantra of this generation. The time when Beatlemania hit the shores of the United States and swept away every soul with them. Well, fit full sleeve sweater with Buddy Holly style geeky glasses expressed what this era was all about. A change from jeans to pants and canvas shoes to leather ones is something that should be noted.
1975: Hippie Culture
Source: Mode (YouTube)
The flamboyant shirts and messy hair must have been an outcome of the emergence of disco culture. High waist pants with bell bottoms were a mainstay during the time. Flashy bracelets, watches and other accessories came along with style. The carefree, nomadic attitude which came from the hippie culture dictated the shaping of the outfits during the decade with a lot of emphasis on psychedelia.
1985: A Blend of Everything
Source: Mode (YouTube)
Long hair, flashy shades, tacky shoes and accessories were part of this decade. Taking inspiration from all the pop culture at the time, the 80s saw a blend of everything from the past. The canvas shoes from the 50s, flashy accessories from the 70s and light shade for the outfits from the 20s. The launch of MTV brought the new trends like the one brought forward by The Wham to all the living rooms. This helped people to adapt to what they see and popularize the fashion of blending styles from previous decades.
1995: All about Personal Preference
Source: Mode (YouTube)
The 90s saw a shift from flamboyant, flashy outfits to more comfortable fits. Pants were replaced by loose fitting jeans, half sleeve shirts and thick sole shoes. It was the time when everyone chose to wear what they found comfortable. With the emergence of punk rock and the culture related to that, people preferred to go out wearing the same outfit they wear at home. The 90s saw a change in style to a more casual one.
2005: Boy Band Fashion
Source: Mode (YouTube)
Moving away from the loose fitting jeans and half sleeve shirts, the 2000s saw the emergence of Indie style but still keeping the casual elements. Semi-formal shirts rolled up to the elbow became an important part of this style coupled with jeans and formal shoes. The shirts and jeans were filled with trendy designs of the time and it was all topped with sunglasses, a style popularized by boy bands.
2015: Attention to Details
Source: Mode (YouTube)
The present generation puts a lot of effort to get the look which features a lot of branded products. From Jordans to skinny fit low waist jeans and slim fit shirts, the decade has seen a completely different look compared to the previous ones. Accessorized with bags, the style features a semi-casual look.
One thing that can be noticed from all the fashion styles from different generations is that change is constant no matter what. Fashion has evolved since the beginning of time and will keep evolving. But it follows a pattern, and yesteryear trends do come back in time in different forms keeping up the true spirit of fashion.