Men’s pants in the 1930s were high waisted, full around the hip, and had long column-like wide legs. That wide leg trend began in the ’20s and gradually narrowed down into the ’50s, while the high waists lasted until the early 1960s. Plaid, herringbone, check, tweed, windowpane, and stripes were all patterns men in the ’30s wore for both business and casualwear. Some younger men’s pants had wide “Hollywood” waistbands and a pleated front for extra fullness.
Blue jeans and overalls were mostly worn by working-class men. Knickers, breeches, jodphurs, and plus fours were worn by men playing sports such as golf or while riding horses. Scroll to the bottom of the page for our gallery of 1930s men’s trousers.
Finding 1930s vintage or vintage reproduction pants in your size can be difficult. However, with the right modern pants, you can approximate the 1930s look. Choose wide leg or classic fit pants that come up to your belly button (you may need to order up 1 or 2 sizes from your “normal” pants size). Avoid skinny, low rise modern fits. A pleated waist will help create fullness. Pant legs should be wide, and cuffing the hem was popular. Men’s 30s pants matched a suit jacket or were paired with a contrasting sport coat in a darker color. Grey, tan, ivory, and navy are all great vintage choices. We handpicked the following trousers for their high waisted rise and wide legs as well as color and patterns associated with 1930s men’s fashions.
1930s Men’s High Waisted Pants
Vintage Men’s 1930s Pants and Trousers
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- 1935 summer pants
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- 1935 College styles with Hollywood waistband
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- 1938 men’s trousers
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- 1938 check plaid pants
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- 1938 summer flannel pants
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- Reproduction casual 30s pants and polo shirt (SJC)
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- 30s golf outfits
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- 1938 plus fours / knicker pants
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- 1930s sports clothing, casual fashion
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- 1930 summer sport outfits
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- Summer whites
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- 1930s casual clothing