What did men wear to parties in the 1920s?

Wealthier men wore formal tuxedos or white tie attire, while everyday partygoers wore sharp three-piece suits, vests, neckties, and hats like fedoras or boaters.

How do I make an easy DIY 1920s costume?

Simply wear a white button-down shirt, dark trousers, suspenders, and a bow tie. Add a flat cap or slick back your hair to instantly sell the look.

What is the difference between a Gatsby look and a gangster look?

The Gatsby look is lighter and more affluent, featuring linen suits, boater hats, and pastel ties. The gangster look is darker, utilizing pinstripes, fedoras, suspenders, and toy weapons.

AI-generated example

1920s Men's Costumes

Channel Gatsby or a sharp gangster with classic Roaring '20s style.

The 1920s is a classic costume choice for themed parties, murder mystery nights, and Halloween. Men's fashion of the era centers around structured tailoring, dapper accessories, and sharp silhouettes. Whether you want to look like a wealthy Great Gatsby socialite or a tough Prohibition-era gangster, this guide helps you assemble the perfect vintage look.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~20 min
Budget: $35–120

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40 1920s Men's costume ideas

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What you need for a 1920s Men's Costumes costume

Pinstripe or Tweed Vest
A button-up vest in grey, brown, or black pinstripe to form the base of the outfit.
DIY: Use a dark suit vest you already own.
Amazon
White Dress Shirt
A classic long-sleeve white button-down shirt, worn with the sleeves rolled up or cuffed.
DIY: Any standard white collared dress shirt works.
Amazon
Newsboy Cap or Fedora
A wool-blend newsboy flat cap for a working-class or bootlegger look, or a felt fedora for a gangster style.
DIY: Borrow a vintage flat cap or fedora.
Amazon
Y-Back Suspenders
Elastic or leather-look clip-on suspenders, preferably in black, brown, or white.
Amazon
Bow Tie or Necktie
A pre-tied black bow tie or a wide vintage-patterned necktie.
DIY: Use any dark-colored bow tie or standard tie.
Amazon
Pocket Watch with Chain
A faux gold or silver pocket watch with a chain that clips to your vest pocket.
DIY: Loop a metallic chain from your vest buttonhole to your pocket.
Amazon
Oxford Shoes
Classic leather or faux-leather wingtip oxford shoes, ideally in two-tone black and white or solid brown.
DIY: Wear any clean, dark dress shoes.
Amazon

How to put it together

1
Put on the white dress shirt and button it all the way to the top.
2
Fasten the bow tie or tie the necktie snugly under the shirt collar.
3
Put on dark dress pants or trousers, then clip the suspenders to the waistband, crossing them over your shoulders.
4
Layer the button-up vest over the shirt and suspenders, leaving the bottom button undone for historical accuracy.
5
Attach the pocket watch chain to a vest buttonhole and tuck the watch into a side vest pocket.
6
Place the newsboy cap or fedora on your head, tilting it slightly to one side for character.
7
Finish the look with polished oxford shoes and optional props like a toy Tommy gun or a faux cigar.

Makeup & hair

Style your hair with a high-shine pomade or gel, parting it sharply to one side and slicking it back. For facial hair, go clean-shaven or style a thin, pencil-thin mustache popular in the decade.

1920s Men's Costumes for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Pair a dapper 1920s gentleman in a vest and tie with a partner wearing a fringed flapper dress, feather headband, and pearl necklaces.
group: Form a Prohibition bootlegger gang with everyone wearing matching flat caps, suspenders, toy Tommy guns, and vintage vests.
kids: Dress a child in a miniature newsboy cap, suspenders, a white shirt, and knickerbocker-style trousers.
Plus size: Choose high-waisted trousers and adjustable elastic suspenders for a comfortable, flattering fit that stays true to the period silhouette.
pet: Put a small black bow tie collar and a tiny felt bowler hat on your dog or cat.

Tips

Keep your trousers high-waisted, as low-rise pants will ruin the authentic 1920s silhouette.
If attending an outdoor event, layer a long wool trench coat over your vest and tie to stay warm while keeping the look.
Strike a classic pose with your hands tucked into your pockets or holding your vest lapels for photos.
Thrift stores are excellent places to find cheap vintage vests, ties, and dress shirts.

1920s Men's Costumes costume FAQ

What did men wear to parties in the 1920s?: Wealthier men wore formal tuxedos or white tie attire, while everyday partygoers wore sharp three-piece suits, vests, neckties, and hats like fedoras or boaters.
How do I make an easy DIY 1920s costume?: Simply wear a white button-down shirt, dark trousers, suspenders, and a bow tie. Add a flat cap or slick back your hair to instantly sell the look.
What is the difference between a Gatsby look and a gangster look?: The Gatsby look is lighter and more affluent, featuring linen suits, boater hats, and pastel ties. The gangster look is darker, utilizing pinstripes, fedoras, suspenders, and toy weapons.

Did you know? The iconic newsboy cap worn by working-class men in the 1920s was actually a standard schoolboy uniform item that adults adopted for casual wear and sports.