What did men wear to parties in the 1920s?

For formal parties, men wore tuxedos or three-piece suits with bow ties. For semi-formal or casual gatherings, a vest, trousers, suspenders, and a hat like a fedora or newsboy cap were standard.

How do I make a cheap 1920s costume?

You can easily build this look using thrift store finds. Look for a tweed vest, dress pants, and a button-down shirt, then buy a cheap suspender and bow tie set online.

What kind of hat is best for a 1920s look?

A newsboy cap (or flat cap) works best for a working-class, Peaky Blinders-style look. A fedora or homburg hat is ideal for a wealthy Gatsby or gangster style.

AI-generated example

Men's 1920s Costumes

Step back into the Jazz Age with dapper Roaring '20s style.

Whether you are channel-surfing the lavish world of Jay Gatsby or dressing as a sharp-looking Prohibition-era gangster, a men's 1920s costume is a timeless choice for themed parties and Halloween. This look captures the dapper, structured silhouette of the Jazz Age, characterized by tailored vests, suspenders, and classic headwear. It is an easy-to-assemble outfit that relies on layering vintage-inspired wardrobe staples.

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

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40 Men's 1920s costume ideas

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

Button-down dress shirt
A crisp white or light blue long-sleeve dress shirt, preferably with a stiff collar.
DIY: Use any standard white button-up shirt already in your closet.
Amazon
Tailored vest or waistcoat
A button-up vest in tweed, herringbone, or solid grey, brown, or black.
DIY: Find a vintage vest at a local thrift store.
Amazon
Flat front trousers
Straight-leg dress pants in a matching or complementary neutral tone like grey, brown, or black.
DIY: Use standard suit pants or chinos pulled up slightly high on the waist.
Amazon
Y-back suspenders
Elastic or leather suspenders that clip or button onto the trousers.
DIY: Use clip-on suspenders in a dark neutral color.
Amazon
Newsboy cap or fedora
An 8-panel wool newsboy cap for a working-class look, or a structured felt fedora for a gangster aesthetic.
Amazon
Bow tie or necktie
A classic patterned bow tie or a slim, dark-colored necktie.
DIY: Borrow a traditional dark tie and tie it with a classic small knot.
Amazon
Oxford or wingtip shoes
Two-tone spectator shoes or classic leather oxfords.
DIY: Wear any dark leather dress shoes you own.
Amazon

How to put it together

1
Put on the white button-down dress shirt and button it all the way to the collar.
2
Tuck the shirt tightly into your dress trousers, pulling the trousers up to your natural waist.
3
Attach the suspenders to the front and back of your trousers, adjusting them for a snug fit over your shoulders.
4
Tie your bow tie or necktie snugly around the shirt collar.
5
Put on the vest and button it up, leaving the bottom button undone for authentic period styling.
6
Slide into your oxford or wingtip dress shoes.
7
Place your newsboy cap or fedora on your head, tilting it slightly to one side for a touch of personality.

Makeup & hair

Style your hair with a classic side part using high-shine pomade or gel for a slicked-back, polished look. Facial hair should be clean-shaven or styled into a thin, pencil-style mustache.

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

couples: Pair with a partner in a fringed flapper dress, feather headband, and pearl necklaces.
group: Form a Prohibition bootlegging gang with everyone wearing matching vests, fedoras, and carrying toy prop tommy guns.
kids: Dress a child in a newsboy cap, oversized vest, bow tie, and knickerbocker-style trousers.
Plus size: Opt for wide-leg trousers and a relaxed-fit vest to ensure comfort while maintaining the classic 1920s silhouette.
pet: Add a small black bow tie collar to your dog or cat for a dapper companion look.

Tips

Keep your pants high; trousers in the 1920s sat much higher on the waist than modern pants.
If wearing a fedora, match the color of your hat to your vest or trousers for a cohesive look.
Pocket watches with a visible chain looping into your vest pocket add instant authenticity.
For outdoor events, layer the look with a long wool overcoat or trench coat.

Men's 1920s Costumes costume FAQ

What did men wear to parties in the 1920s?: For formal parties, men wore tuxedos or three-piece suits with bow ties. For semi-formal or casual gatherings, a vest, trousers, suspenders, and a hat like a fedora or newsboy cap were standard.
How do I make a cheap 1920s costume?: You can easily build this look using thrift store finds. Look for a tweed vest, dress pants, and a button-down shirt, then buy a cheap suspender and bow tie set online.
What kind of hat is best for a 1920s look?: A newsboy cap (or flat cap) works best for a working-class, Peaky Blinders-style look. A fedora or homburg hat is ideal for a wealthy Gatsby or gangster style.

Did you know? The iconic two-tone 'spectator shoe' became highly popular in the 1920s, originally designed for outdoor sports but quickly adopted by jazz musicians and gangsters as a major fashion statement.