FASHION IN THE 50’S

Because of the end of World War II and the economic boom, men were sent back to work in record numbers. This meant that two of the main powers behind the clothing market of the 1950s were housewives and the baby boom. Nearly all of the department store catalogues used to have this section on fashion in 1950’s.

During the 1950’s, style was used to set a common standard of look. This meant that there weren’t many available choices of different styles throughout the decade. Clothing was similar in shape but varied in colour, pattern or type of fabric. There was an expectation to match and keep up with neighbours and friends and to impress others with matching outfits for whole families were popular, especially during the holidays or during vacations. Matching dresses for mothers and daughters as well as matching sister dresses were also some of the most remembered fashions of the decade.

Fashions changed very little throughout the decade for men. Choices were suits, sport coats, slacks, sweaters, or casual wear all in similar fabrics and styles. Occasionally, bolder patterns might appear for casual wear, but business clothing didn’t change during the fifties. Work clothing for workers was usually similar to the military, because most men at the time also were still a part of it.