The author set out to adopt the full men's style of the 1950s for one week, from grooming and clothing to daily routine. The project began with a gap in knowledge: the author had limited understanding of style, color coordination, pattern names, and how to tie a tie. The 1950s was chosen because the author considered it to be one of the strongest periods for men's style.

Context: The 1950s

The decade followed World War II and was marked by an economic boom. People ate better and dressed better. The spread of television drove consumerism to a peak.

Some trends resemble contemporary fashion. Popular styles included the duck's ass hairstyle, the Harrington jacket, and jeans. Jeans were a relatively new form of casual wear at the time.

Film stars shaped men's appearance. Marlon Brando, Marilyn Monroe, and James Dean led the younger generation, which copied their looks, behavior, and clothing.

The author contrasts this with modern dress. Comfort now takes priority over presentation, and the author compares contemporary casual clothing to the "baggy PJs" that a 1950s observer might find unusual.

Grooming

Shaving

The clean-shaven face was the standard for a well-groomed man. Beards were uncommon. Military service during World War II had made regular shaving routine for millions of men. Film stars Cary Grant, Rock Hudson, and Kirk Douglas were clean-shaven. Shaving products were heavily advertised.

The author followed a shaving routine with four steps:

1. Take a hot shower first.
2. Apply soap with a brush, rather than using canned shaving soap, which was more common at the time.
3. Shave with a double-edge safety razor.
4. Apply aftershave.

The author reports that this method produced the best shave the author had experienced.

Aftershave

Aqua Velva is presented as a notable brand of the period. The author states that it was introduced in 1917. The author also states that men drank it during Prohibition because it contained alcohol, and that the manufacturer later changed the recipe and ingredients. The brand was used frequently in the 1950s.

A sniff test was conducted with a companion, Kayla, to assess the brand's tagline. The author describes the aftershave as having a cooling sensation and a pleasant scent.

Hair

The author's hair is thick and fluffy, which made the 1950s hairstyle difficult to achieve. The routine used two products:

• Hair tonic: Described as improving hair health, reducing dandruff, adding shine, and improving manageability. The author applied it to the palms, worked it through the hair, and combed it.
• Brylcreem: Introduced in 1928 and intended to produce a slicked-back look with shine. The product's tagline was "A little dab'll do ya." The recommended amount is about a pea-sized or dime-sized portion. It is applied to slightly damp, towel-dried hair and combed through.

The author reports a smooth, slicked-back result with no stray hairs. A side part was combed in last.

Sourcing Clothing

The author used a 1953 book, Men's Style Guide, written by Burt Bacharach. The author notes that this Burt Bacharach is not the pop composer of the same name, but his father. The elder Bacharach was a fashion and style columnist for magazines including Collier's and Pick. The book's goal is to turn a clueless man into a distinguished gentleman.

The author quotes Bacharach: "I don't know if I fully subscribe to the old slogan clothes make the man, but I would go way out on a limb to proclaim they surely help."

Typical mid-century dress clothing included slacks, button-down shirts, ties, suits, trench coats, and fedoras. Popular casual and dress styles included pleated pants, loafers, sports jackets, and collared shirts.

The author argues that confidence, not clothing, defines how a person is perceived, and that confidence depends on caring about one's health.

Where the Clothes Were Found

Vintage shops, thrift stores, and vintage-focused locations were the main sources. The author recommends lesser-known thrift stores, such as St. Vincent de Paul, over large chains like Goodwill. The author describes Goodwill as the "Walmart of thrift stores" and states that smaller stores offer better selection.

The author's companion Michaela joined at one vintage location. The author notes that few such locations remain.

The following items were acquired:

• Mackinaw-style hunting jacket: Heavy wool construction, available in many colors. A buffalo plaid version was made for outdoor work, hunting, and cold weather.
• High-waisted pleated front trousers: Typically made of wool, cotton, or gabardine, with fuller legs and cuffed hems. Available for business and casual wear.
• Vintage 1950s hunting jacket: Found at a vintage shop. It was more expensive than the thrift store items.

Items still to be sourced included shoes, hats, and additional shirts.

Shirts

Common mid-century shirts included collared button-down, polo, and tennis shirts, in long or short sleeves.

Chambray was a favorite. Chambray is a lighter, plain-weave fabric that resembles denim but is more breathable. Chambray shirts typically have a relaxed fit, pointed collars, and double chest pockets. They became a staple of American workwear.

Undergarments and Base Layers

The base layer was loose boxers and a white T-shirt. Men also wore union suits, which are long johns, in colder weather.

Socks, Shirt Stays, and Trousers

Socks

Men wore socks tall enough that no skin showed when trousers rose on the leg. Showing skin in this way was considered unacceptable. Sock garters, straps that ran around the leg and clipped to the socks, were used to hold socks in place. The author states that their everyday use is unclear, though similar devices may still appear in corporate settings.

Shirt Stays

A shirt stay is a small suspender device that attaches the socks and shirt. It keeps the shirt tucked and the socks up. The author describes it as a substitute for the sock garter and notes that it is still used in some uniforms and occasionally with suits. The author reports that it keeps a shirt from bunching, creating a trim appearance.

Trousers and Waist

Trousers were worn at the true waist, at the belly button. The author notes that this was a standard practice, although it looks unusual today.

Wearing a belt and suspenders at the same time was considered a fashion mistake. People who did so were seen as cynical or pessimistic, as though they did not trust their trousers to stay up. Suspenders were falling out of fashion during this period, and belts were becoming more popular. Belts were thinner than contemporary versions.

Trousers had a full-leg fit with more room to move. A full-leg fit also makes the waist appear narrower in relation to the hips.

Suit Fit

Suits were typically tailored. The author's thrift store suit was not tailored, and the arms were too long. The author cites two fit rules:

• At least one-half inch of shirt cuff should show below the jacket cuff.
• The knuckle of the thumb should line up with the bottom of the jacket.

The author's jacket met neither rule.

Accessories

The outfit was completed with a tie pin, a pocket handkerchief, and a fedora.

Style Categories

Mid-century men's style is grouped into four categories.

Western wear was a separate influence. Denim, boots, plaid shirts, and cowboy hats were popular, and John Wayne increased the appeal of the cowboy look.

Ties

Three common tie knots were demonstrated.

Four-in-Hand

The name may originate from the fashionable Four-in-Hand Club in 19th-century London.

1. Take the longer, wider end.
2. Cross it over the shorter end.
3. Wrap it around.
4. Bring it under, then over.
5. Pass it through the neck loop.

Half Windsor

A simplified version of the full Windsor.

1. Take the longer, wider end.
2. Cross it over the shorter end.
3. Wrap it behind.
4. Bring it up and over the front.
5. Wrap it over the front, under, then over.
6. Pass it through the neck loop.

The result is a symmetrical triangle.

Windsor (Full)

Named after Edward VIII, the Duke of Windsor.

1. Take the longer, wider end.
2. Cross it over the shorter end.
3. Bring it up through the back and over.
4. Wrap it around.
5. Bring it up through the back again.
6. Pass it through the neck loop.

The result is bulkier than the half Windsor, depending on the tie, with the same symmetrical triangle shape.

Morning Routine

The routine included:

1. Making the bed.
2. Styling the hair with hair tonic and Brylcreem.
3. Eating breakfast of eggs and bacon.
4. Ironing clothes to produce crisp creases, straight lines, and no wrinkles.
5. Polishing shoes. The author borrowed polish from the author's father.
6. Dressing for the day.

The author had never polished shoes before. The cowboy boots used for the author's 1890s series had been worn heavily. The author states that polishing renews the appearance of shoes and extends their life.

Everyday Carry

Pocket items from the 1950s included:

• Watches: An Elgin watch from the 1950s and a Swiss watch of similar style. Watches were necessary for punctuality because phones were not available to check the time.
• Gentleman's pocketknife: Imperial, made in the USA, from the 1950s.
• Comb: For grooming.
• Notepad and pen: For note-taking, since no phones were available.
• Zippo lighter.
• Handkerchief.
• Spare cuff links.
• Tie clip: For holding the tie in wind or for decoration.
• Tie pin: An alternative to a tie clip.
• Prince Gardner leather wallet: With card holders, a space for paper money, and a coin pouch.
• Rump wallet: Lighter in color, with similar construction to the Prince Gardner.
• Eyeglasses case: For reading glasses or sunglasses.

The author notes that paper money is becoming less common.

Public Reaction

The author and a companion dressed for a day out. The author reports that people responded positively. Strangers complimented the outfit, and the author notes that people treated the author better and spoke more often. The author describes the experience as making the author feel better about personal appearance.

The author suggests that people wear their nicest clothes for ordinary errands, such as buying milk, and reports that this produces a positive response.

Production Notes

The project took just over three weeks to produce. The author conducted research largely through books, reading articles online as a secondary source. The script was written after research. The author shot the video in the author's living room, which was converted into a set.

Equipment

• Lighting: Amaran lighting, with a key light with a large softbox, a fill light, and a rim light. The author uses three-point lighting for each video.
• Cameras: Sony FX3 (Camera A) with a monitor, and Sony a7S III (Camera B). Multiple lenses for different focal lengths.
• Audio: Sennheiser MKE 600 as the primary microphone. DJI lapel microphones for mobile or handheld shooting, which can connect to a phone.
• Support: C-stands and tripods for lighting and sound. A slider for smooth panning shots. A suction mount for mirror shots or in-car filming.
• Editing: Adobe Premiere Pro. The author learned the software from the author's brother, Hudson.

The author notes that the equipment is not required. Content can be shot on a phone. The author advises filming more footage than needed.