Men’s 1950s-Inspired Summer Style

It’s a commonly held belief that fashion moves in circles, and any keen observer of the industry will know that this statement rings true.
The style barometer in menswear has been leaning significantly towards the decades of yesteryear in recent seasons, with retro eras providing key sources of inspiration for designers.
In the wake of hit shows such as The Hour and Masters of Sex, the fifties have enjoyed a marked revival in popular culture.
Yet beyond the sharp suits, skinny ties and natty accessories we’re all familiar with, there’s also a lighter, more nonchalant side – leisure, sports and resort wear came into their own in this decade, alongside more relaxed deconstructed tailoring.
Today, we take a look at how a dash of reworked fifties flair can enhance your summer style…

The Polo

The fifties saw an increase in travel, along with a renewed interest in sports and modern design, in the midst of a society emerging from the gloomy austerity of the war-tainted forties.
This change in lifestyle called for a more casual style of dress to suit a faster pace of life, warmer climes and athletic pursuits.
The polo shirt, now a staple item in the modern man’s wardrobe, epitomises the new relaxed approach to dressing that emerged in this decade.
Although the modern polo was first invented in the mid-1920s, it rose to fame in the fifties, with the middle classes aspiring to a Riviera lifestyle and opting for a more casual, athletic wardrobe.
Ideal for warm summer days, the simplicity of the polo has ensured the garment has stood the test of time and remains as popular today as ever.
For a contemporary fifties-inspired feel, opt for a texture-rich knitted/open-weave design or a micro-print number from brands like Reiss, Jet8, Ben Sherman, YMC or Brioni.

Lookbook Inspiration