In the 1930’s the athletic body seen in boxers and superman became the ideal men’s shape. Clothing reflected this new shape with extra broad shoulders, thin waists, and tapered legs.
Initially, inspiration for menswear came from British Guard Officer’s overcoats. Their shoulder line spread past the natural shoulder to line up with the bicep. Shoulder pads helped keep the angular shoulder shape. The coat than angled down to the waist creating a V shape from neck to waist. Sleeves repeated the V shape by starting out very roomy at the shoulder and narrowing down to the wrist.
Even more V shapes appear on 1930s men’s topcoats and suit coats with the appearance of very wide pointed lapels. Covering half the width of a man’s chest the lapels extended down to not the first, but the second set of a 4 button double breasted closure. The elongated lapels again emphasized the V shape.
Overcoats had one unique feature that suit jackets didn’t share. The pockets were large, square, positioned rather high on the coat and closed with a button. See the topcoat above and notice how big and baggy it appears. It’s designed to beef up the man inside and make him appear larger and more masculine.
Tall Pants
Trousers also spread farther up the waist, about 3 inches or so above the naval and hung down in long column like shapes. Pant legs cuffed at the bottom for more causal wear and were straight hemmed for more professional attire. A strong pressed pleat down the center completed the look. Most 1930s trousers were quite wide compared to today’s slim fitting trend.
Formal suit pants matched the suit jacket. They came in solid colors like grey, brown, navy blue as well as patterns of stripes and plaids. For casual wear pants had more diversity. Larger plaids, stripes, and checks were popular with the youth. Lighter tans and white were perfect for summer while darker shades of deep navy, chocolate brown and black were ideal for winter.