The 1930s were a turbulent decade where the free-spirited, reckless, youthful “me” class of the roaring twenties was replaced by serious, masculine, working-class men who had responsibilities to their home and country.
The stock market crash of 1929 not only put men out of work, but also out of reach of high fashions coming from Europe. The new man of the 1930s was conservative yet colorful, oversized yet practical, and confident yet concerned about his spending on unnecessary clothing. His “larger than life” look spoke to his optimism for a recovering economy and his role as the patriarchal head of household.
In the 1930s, the athletic body seen on boxers, swimmers, and Superman became the ideal male figure. Clothing reflected this new silhouette with extra broad shoulders, thin waists, and tapered wide legs. Everything was big, tall, and surprisingly comfortable.
These found photos from Steve Given show what men looked like in the 1930s.
