45 Vintage Photos Showing Men's Fashion During the Early 1940s

Men's fashion in the 1940s enjoyed what some may consider its last great hurrah in true gentlemanly style and elegance. It was an era that initially began with practical styles due to the Second World War starting in 1939 and ending in 1945. Once the war was over, the end of strict rationing was celebrated by fashion becoming more extravagant and stylish.

Men's suits lost their vest, pocket flaps and trouser cuffs. Since the majority of men were out fighting the war, those who remained at home wanted to appear as austere as possible. All clothes became basic which led to the male wardrobe becoming much more simple and plain, with such a shortage of fabric the level of detail on men's clothes became simple if not almost nonexistent.