| Hollywood and Movies | | | | waistline. Ties were almost always unlined and the two |
| The 1930s was an era that saw a number of changes | | | | most common materials that were used were rayon, |
| in men's fashions. One of the reasons for the sudden | | | | wool and silk. Popular ties could be bought for prices |
| sartorial interest by more males was due to the fact | | | | that ranged from 10 cents to 1.50 during the decade of |
| that Hollywood was beginning to have an impact on | | | | the 1930s. |
| how fashionable clothing was now viewed. Having a | | | | Gangsters Influence Fashion |
| modern and trendy appearance was becoming more | | | | The 30s may have been a time when the Great |
| important to both men and women. | | | | Depression was a major factor, but there were other |
| Restructured Suits | | | | elements shaping the world of men's fashion. One of |
| Men's suits were being restructured in the early 1930s | | | | these was the influence of the mobsters, or gangsters, |
| to produce a look that featured a larger than normal | | | | of the era. The clothing that these men wore would be |
| torso and squared off, padded shoulders. This newly | | | | used to help define what choices of clothing would |
| tailored effect gave men an imposing silhouette. Double | | | | also be judged to be appropriate for men who were |
| breasted jackets with shiny buttons became a status | | | | active in the business world. |
| symbol and men rushed to buy them. Even very | | | | Era of Zoot Suits |
| inexpensive suits were using these new, sharp lines | | | | The Zoot Suit was another iconic 30s fashion creation. |
| that held such an appeal to males across the country. | | | | This overly stylized suit included baggy fitting pants, a |
| Requisite Accessories | | | | large, oversized jacket, and a rounded hat known as a |
| Neckties, cufflinks, sporty shoes and hats were | | | | tando. Gold chains, pocket watches, bright, colorful ties |
| standard clothing accessories that any 1930's well | | | | and walking canes were added to complete the look. |
| dressed man considered to be "must have" items. It | | | | This was a very desirable style that was favored by |
| would have been unseemly for any gentleman to have | | | | many teenagers, Hispanics and African-Americans. |
| appeared in a public setting without at least taking the | | | | Emulating Famous Actors |
| time to choose the right handkerchief, tie and hat. | | | | Thanks to a Clark Gable movie that featured him |
| Hats during the 30s were available in many different | | | | exposing a bare chest, a large number of American |
| styles. Neckwear and bowties were also being made | | | | men began to avoid wearing undershirts. The practice |
| in more than one style to tempt consumers. Most | | | | of wearing an undershirt as well as a dress shirt had |
| neckties were 44 inches long although they ranged | | | | been standard for men at all socio-economic levels |
| from 2.5 inches to 4.5 inches in width. | | | | until this time. Now it was apparent that even men |
| After these were tied about the neck they reached | | | | would follow the lead of Hollywood stylists. |
| about 2/3rds of the distance from a man's collar to his | | | | |