Building a 1950's Wardrobe: The Basics FOR MEN?

[David Conwill]

I've been following with great interest the thread in the Powder Room. Anyone care to elaborate on what Mr. Middle Class was wearing in the '46 to '54 period for my edification?

-Dave

 

[resortes805]

Well, I usually stick to a working class aesthetic but here's what I would consider staples for the post war look.

Start with some nice drapey gabardine shirts in a variety of colors. Most have two flap pockets and a tab closure at the neck. The shape and length of the collar will dictate what end of the '45-'55 spectrum your look will achieve.

Pick up some nice high waisted slacks with a full cut, pleats and nice wide cuffs. Once again, gabardine is a preferred fabric.

Grab a nice sport coat or leisure jacket with broad shoulders and patch pockets, throw on some white bucks and then mix accordingly!

 

[David Conwill]

Well, I usually stick to a working class aesthetic but here's what I would consider staples for the post war look.

Start with some nice drapey gabardine shirts in a variety of colors. Most have two flap pockets and a tab closure at the neck. The shape and length of the collar will dictate what end of the '45-'55 spectrum your look will achieve.

Pick up some nice high waisted slacks with a full cut, pleats and nice wide cuffs. Once again, gabardine is a preferred fabric.

Grab a nice sport coat or leisure jacket with broad shoulders and patch pockets, throw on some white bucks and then mix accordingly!

Sounds comfy and stylish. My local Pennys has some pretty nice Gab trousers at the moment, but any tips as to where to pick up Gab shirts? I love the feel of that stuff.

-Dave

 

[Marzipan]

My husband is the decidedly modern half of our mixed-marriage (ha, ha), but I would love to point him to this thread!

 

[marineabilly]

I agree with resortes805.

I say:

• Gabardine Flap pocket Ricky Jacket (fleck printed, slash printed, atomic printed, solid or two tone)
• Drapey Gab Sport coat with patch pocket (non-vented back for that streamlined look)
• High waisted Hollywood slacks (seamless waist, small drop belt loops, v-notched back - saddle stitching along sides)
• Printed/Argyle socks
• Solid colored vintage shoes with wide, white-stitched welt
• Thin leather belt (1")
• Flap pocket drapey gabardine shirt button loop collar and saddle-stitched collar and flap pockets

 

[marineabilly]

Just some pics to get your ideas rollin'

Last one...

 

[OldSoul]

I will keep an eye on this thread, I think the early 50's had some awesome styles.

I really like this jacket, is there a specific name for this style? Kind of like a mechanics jacket but with chest pockets, cool.

 

[Flitcraft]

You need to watch L.A. Confidential and Roman Holiday...
you can pick up a ton of visuals just from those 2 films...

 

[CaddyKid21]

[
Last one...

Big Sandy & The Fly-Rite Boys are my favorite!

Check Out www.mybabyjo.com they have Ricky Jackets, as well as thin belts in different colors. They also have trousers, shoes, basically anything! There will be more coming soon.

 

[flat-top]

 

[YETI]

I will keep an eye on this thread, I think the early 50's had some awesome styles.

I really like this jacket, is there a specific name for this style? Kind of like a mechanics jacket but with chest pockets, cool.

It's called an "Ike" jacket after Gen. Eisenhower.

 

[Lance Uppercut]

You can go this 1950's route pretty easily but the real hazard is coming off too "costumey". Those Rickey jackets cross that line IMO and really only work when you're at a club or some type of genre-themed gathering.

 

[Guttersnipe]

You can go this 1950's route pretty easily but the real hazard is coming off too "costumey". Those Rickey jackets cross that line IMO and really only work when you're at a club or some type of genre-themed gathering.

I totally disagree. Jeans and a t-shirt matched with a cool ricky jacket is a timeless combo for casual. yet snappy. wear.

case in point:

 

[Lance Uppercut]

You've gone with a very safe color palette there . . . I agree that this is more than acceptable by any standards and quite styish.

 

[OldSoul]

It's called an "Ike" jacket after Gen. Eisenhower.

Thanks!

 

[thunderw21]

I think these two threads will help here:
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=35496
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=22654

 

[marineabilly]

You can go this 1950's route pretty easily but the real hazard is coming off too "costumey". Those Rickey jackets cross that line IMO and really only work when you're at a club or some type of genre-themed gathering.

Huh? I whole-heartedly disagree. Ricky's are so versitile - jeans, slacks, etc. Visit any department store and you'll find a variety of "Ricky" jacket style look-a-likes. "Costumey?" Wow - that's a first. $800 dollars for a "costumey" vintage two-tone atomic print Eton Hall gabardine jacket? Hardley a costume.

 

[Lance Uppercut]

Well, "costumey" is a relative term for sure. To each his own.

I have no idea where the issue of the price/value of a garment enters into it. Contemporary runway couture is quite expensive but looks laughable when seen on the street.

 

[Guttersnipe]

Hold on a second and consider this...

Well, "costumey" is a relative term for sure. To each his own.

I don't think "costumey" is a relative term really, it comes of as slightly condescending.

The bottom line is, this is a thread about 50's mens wear, and the ricky jacket is quintessential 50's wear.

Would you go into a thread about Adventurebilt Hats on the "hats" forum and declare "You guys are silly for paying so much money to dress up like Indiana Jones, other then a movie fan convention, those hats look out of place?" I know I never would - even though I might think it.

 

[OldSoul]

Everyone is entitled to their oppinion, I don't think he ment to be condescending?

I like those jackets a lot...I think I'll start looking for one that will fit me. I'm a big guy (6'4" 240lbs) so finding clothes to fit can be a challenge, I think my best bet is getting one off of a site like My Baby Jo so I have the best chance of getting something that fits.