The dominance of loose trousers as city wear was, in fact, partly due to the rise in popularity of sport, in particular, golf. The fashionable golf trousers of the inter-war period were ‘plus-fours’, a version of the knickerbockers but with a fuller cut that allowed the fabric to fall 4” below the knees, thus giving them their name. Their success led the way for widely-worn suits that were ‘sporty’ though no longer worn exclusively for sport but also for strolls in the park on Sundays, for travelling and even by the young in town. (Men’s Fashion in the twentieth century. From frock coats to intelligent fibres, by Maria Costantino, 1997)

Read more about 1920′s Men’s Trousers here.

Caption: Two young men wearing knickerbockers, 1926.

Oxford bags were not a new invention: for some time they had been worn by athletes as an alternative to golf trousers which had been banned in the classroom. The 28” wide bottoms of the Oxfords allowed the trousers to be pulled over the top of their illegal knickers. The original functional size of the hems soon became overlooked as Oxford Bags grew in size, sometimes up to 40” in diameter! Trend-setting Ivy League students brought the fashion home after their stays in Oxford and ordered more pairs from their tailors. (Men’s Fashion in the twentieth century. From frock coats to intelligent fibres, by Maria Costantino, 1997)

Read more about 1920′s Men’s Trousers here.

Caption: The comfortable functional aspect of the original 28-inch hems could be lost in grossly oversized versions as much as 40-inches in diameter.

1920’s Catalogue promoting the Oxford Bags to be worn by young students.

Read more about 1920′s Men’s Trousers here.

1925 saw the arrival of Oxford Bags, broad, pleated trousers which were worn by undergraduates at the English University. These soon replaced the slim trousers worn by most most young men and the fashion for looser-fitting trousers would last until the advent of denim 30 years later. (Men’s Fashion in the twentieth century. From frock coats to intelligent fibres, by Maria Costantino, 1997)

Read more about 1920′s Men’s Trousers here.

Caption: Oxford Bags seen on the streets of Britain, 1920’s.

As opposed to the previous decade, trousers in the 1920s were also worn as a separate from the suit jacket, creating a more individual and less conservative look.

Read more about 1920′s Men’s Trousers here.

Caption: 1924 Sydney Police Mugshot, Guiseppe Fiori  (found on vintage.es)  – mugshot that looks more like a catalogue picture!

Trends were changing and spreading rapidly in a short period of time. However, most 1920’s men’s trousers appear to be very close from the classic suit trousers that we know today.

During the first half of the decade, trousers were very simple, straight and slightly narrow. The waistline dropped just below the belly button and would be worn with either a belt or suspenders. Creases down the front of the leg became popular for the first time, emphasising the silhouette. Cuffs were also added and could be seen a little bit shortened, drawing more attention to the shoe and sock coordination.

Read more about 1920′s Men’s Trousers here.

Caption: The Yale University Whiffenpoofs of 1927. The cappella group embraces the fashions of the times with sharp, tailored three-piece suits.

Just popping in to let you know that my blog is now on facebook! I want to reach more and more people every day, so join me for amazing content and glamorous pictures every day! Enjoy! X

The shirt collar was to be the subject of one of the most fiercely-debated issues in men’s clothing in the 1920’s. Was it supposed to be soft and attached permanently to the shirt or stiff and detachable? Supporters of the stiff collar saw it as the bastion against the slovenly, casual manner of dress, believed to be the ‘American’ style of dress, that they felt was undermining the ideals of British male elegance. At a time when the American economy was booming and America’s impact on European culture was growing, it is not surprising that many felt under threat.

The soft collar won the day and became part of everyday wear. In summer it was even worn without a tie, unbuttoned and draped wide across the jacket lapels in what was known as a Byron collar. At night, where wing collars remained chic with tails, an attached, semi-stiff, turned-down collar found an ally in the dinner jacket or tuxedo.

Men’s Fashion in the twentieth century. From frock coats to intelligent fibres by Maria Costantino, 1997

Read more here.

Caption: Ramon Novarro, 1920s

There was only one king in every 1920s men’s attire – the tweed!

Distinguished London designers, based in Bond Street and Savile Row, drawn the latest 1920′s fashions to be followed by many men across Europe and the U.S., and new icons of style such as Edward, the Prince of Wales, set the ideals of British elegance.

In a time of great changes in womenswear, designers were also introducing innovative styles and shapes that quickly became very popular for men.

It was a decade of timeless fashion and contrasting aesthetics. New colours and patterns could now be found in the wardrobes of men who were willing to take the risk.

In the next series of posts, I will be exploring these fantastic garments and accessories in detail – from the tailored suit to the popular bowler hat, which continue to be classic menswear pieces to this day.

Caption: August 12, 1924. “International Boys Leagues. Thomas W. Miles and Simon Zebrock of Los Angeles at White House.” National Photo Co. – Shorpy.com

2k16

Dear followers, Happy New Year!

I'd like to apologise for being away for almost 4 months now (how?) and explain what has been going on.

I have never had the intention to post anything personal on this blog, however, since I have received such good feedback and so many followers, I need to explain myself and let you know that everything is fine and I will go back to my regular posts asap. It's been difficult to make the most of my free time since I have a full time job and a lot of things to do outside work.

I have been mainly focused on my professional career since I am not satisfied with what I do for a living at the moment. Finding something that you like to do it's hard and takes time, specially when you have never had the chance to get certain qualifications.

Many of you must sympathise with this, so I hope you understand the reason for my absence.

Anyway, after days, weeks and months thinking and trying to find a realistic solution for this problem, I have now decided to try my chances on getting back to Uni and apply for a course specialised in Fashion History & Theory.

Realistic? Not sure. Possible? Why not?

I will be in contact with some course leaders for the next few days and maybe get some advices on how and where should I start. In the meantime, I'd like to take the opportunity to ask you my followers what do you think I should do, which course should I go for? Please take in consideration that I am based in London, UK and unfortunately moving somewhere else is not an option at the moment.

And last but not least, I'd like to say THANK YOU for the support, likes, comments, views, etc. For those who don't know, I am also on Instagram and Pinterest.

Let 2016 be THE year! x

Longchamp Racecourse - Paris, 1920. Found on mashable.com

Longchamp Racecourse - Paris, 1920. Found on mashable.com

Auteuil, 1925

Paris, 1920s. Found on zamantika.com

Spaarnestad Photo Collection: Life Photos, Daywear, 1926 Auteuil, France. Found on geheugenvannederland.nl