Men’s black tie 1920s formal wear or evening wear was not too different from formalwear of today. Black tailcoats with a white vest, tie, pocket square, and gloves started off the century but was replaced by the more casual one-button dinner jacket or tuxedo as we know it today. The Great Gatsby wore a tuxedo to all of his parties and so did most of his male guests. The men of Downton Abbey also dressed in formal evening wear for grand dinner parties at the Abbey. Most tuxedos were worn with black low cut vests and bow ties, but some in the later years were worn with white vests, black bow ties, and a white pocket square. Tuxedo shirts were always white bib front/flat front wingtip collar shirts. They were never pleated.
Another formal option popular with weddings and formal daytime events was the morning suit. Combining a cutaway or morning coat, black/grey striped trousers, a buff-colored vest, a bow tie, gloves, spats, and a cane and top hat, this look is great for non-black tie events.
With the correct style tuxedo, wingtip shirt, lapel vest, formal shoes, tie and top hat, you can easily re-create a formal 1920s tuxedo outfit ideal for a 1920s themed gala, party, dance or wedding.
Be sure to read about the history and how to dress in 1920s formal wear using new clothing before you shop. 1920s formalwear for UK/Europe audiences can be found here.
