The 1920s marked one of the most influential decades in men’s fashion. It was a time when tailoring, structure, and personal presentation defined status and confidence. Suits became an everyday essential, not just formal wear. A century later, 1920s menswear continues to shape modern tailoring through its fabrics, fits, and attention to detail, clearly seen in today’s suits, television dramas, and popular culture.
A Decade That Redefined the Suit
The First World War had a major impact on how men dressed. Military uniform design influenced civilian clothing, bringing sharper silhouettes and functional details. Suits in the 1920s featured structured shoulders, high-waisted trousers, and fitted waistcoats. The classic three-piece suit became a standard for men across Britain and Europe.
Single-breasted jackets, often made in wool or tweed, replaced the heavier Victorian frock coats. Men started to favour simpler tailoring that still conveyed strength and respectability. The introduction of belt loops and slightly wider trousers allowed more comfort without losing the formal edge. These design choices are still reflected in modern tailoring today.
The Role of Fabrics and Colour
The 1920s saw men experiment with fabrics and textures. Tweed, herringbone, and wool blends were common in the colder months, while linen and lighter cotton suits appeared in summer. Grey, brown, navy, and charcoal remained popular because they were practical and easy to maintain, but subtle patterns such as checks and pinstripes also appeared in business and leisure suits.
Modern menswear continues to draw from these materials. Tweed three-piece suits and herringbone jackets have become staples once again, offering texture and heritage appeal. Many contemporary designers reference these patterns directly, proving how the craftsmanship of the 1920s never lost relevance.
Influence of 1920s Cinema and Modern TV
The image of the well-dressed man in the 1920s was shaped not only by society but also by film. Hollywood stars such as Clark Gable and Cary Grant popularised smooth, fitted suits that projected charisma and authority. British tailoring followed closely, producing styles that balanced refinement with masculinity.
Decades later, television and film revived this era for a new audience. The BBC series Peaky Blinders brought 1920s Birmingham tailoring back into the spotlight, with its heavy tweed suits, wool coats, and signature flat caps. Tommy Shelby’s precise, understated look became symbolic of discipline and ambition. The attention to fabric and fit echoed everything that defined authentic 1920s menswear.
Other productions such as Boardwalk Empire, Downton Abbey, and The Great Gatsby (2013) reinforced the return of classic menswear. Each reintroduced the structure, confidence, and sophistication of the 1920s wardrobe to a modern audience. As a result, younger generations rediscovered the value of dressing with purpose.
Menswear That Signalled Status
In the 1920s, the way a man dressed communicated his place in society. The suit was more than clothing, it was a mark of respectability and ambition. Working-class men invested in one or two well-made suits for both business and social occasions, while the middle class began embracing lighter fabrics and accessories such as pocket watches, cufflinks, and ties.
The flat cap became a national symbol. It was practical, affordable, and widely worn by men of all backgrounds. Today, it remains one of the most recognisable accessories linked to British menswear.
Modern tailoring still carries that same idea of confidence and presentation. A well-cut suit continues to represent discipline and personal pride, ideas that trace directly back to 1920s values.
The Lasting Impact on Modern Fashion
Modern designers continue to look back at the 1920s for inspiration. The decade’s balance of practicality and elegance shaped how suits are made today. Tailored waistcoats, double-breasted jackets, and structured trousers still dominate men’s collections.
This influence goes beyond formalwear. Elements of 1920s tailoring appear in casual pieces such as tailored overshirts, wool trousers, and heritage-inspired outerwear. Even trainers and modern jackets are sometimes paired with tweed or check fabrics that echo the same textures worn a century ago.
The continued fascination with the 1920s also ties to the rise of vintage-inspired weddings, formal events, and themed gatherings. Men still look to the style of that era as a model of timeless taste that never feels outdated or excessive.
Shop 1920s Suits at TruClothing
We stock a wide range of 1920s-inspired suits and accessories designed for men who value classic tailoring. Our collection includes tweed three-piece suits, herringbone jackets, wool waistcoats, formal shirts, and newsboy caps that reflect the craftsmanship of the era. Each suit is carefully made using quality fabrics and traditional details to capture the sharp structure and heritage character of 1920s menswear.
At TruClothing, we proudly bring authentic British style into modern wardrobes, offering timeless designs that continue to define confidence, precision, and tradition.