1940s button-down dress shirts fit loose and collars were wide and long in the classic pointed, spread, or spearpoint shape. Casual shirts had two chest pockets and an open camp collar.
Men’s sporty sweater shirts had a wide ribbed band at the bottom of the hem. Men’s 1940s T-shirts were a ringer crew neck shirt in solid colors or horizontal stripes. Learn more.
1940s men’s sweaters and cardigans were another semi-casual fashion item. V-neck sweaters and sweater vests were the most common in solid tan, blue, navy, grey, and burgundy. In winter the Fair Isle, Nordic, and novelty animal prints added festive patterns. Learn more.
Shop new vintage-inspired casual 1940s men’s shirts, 1940s reproduction shirts, knitwear sweaters (jumpers) and sweater vests.
1940s Men’s Shirts
Pants | Vests | Reproduction Brands
What did men’s 1940s shirts look like?
1946 dress shirt and tie
Both casual and dress versions of 1940s men’s shirts came primarily in solid colors. White, blue, cream, pink, and tan were the most common. Button-downs fit loose and collars were wide and long in the classic pointed, spread, or spearpoint shape. Men’s business shirts had French cuffs. While men’s 40s dress shirts had one pocket, casual sports shirts had one or two chest pockets and a large open collar.
1948 men’s knit novelty shirts
Knit sport shirts were similar to polo shirts but with a ribbed band at the bottom of the hem and, for college kids and athletes, sleeves. 1940s T-shirts were a ringer crew neck shirt in solid white or horizontal stripes.
What did men’s 1940s knitwear look like?
1946 plain and argyle button cardigans
1940s men’s sweaters and cardigans were another semi-casual fashion item. They could be worn over a dress shirt and tie alone, or layered under a sport coat. Because pants were high waisted, sweaters were short with wide ribbed hems.
1948 Fair Isle Sweater Vest
V-neck sweaters and sweater vests were the most common in solid tan, blue, navy, grey, and burgundy. In winter the Fair Isle, Nordic, and novelty animal prints (e.g. deer, squirrels, birds) added festive patterns to an otherwise plain look.
How to style a casual 1940s outfit with a T shirt?
Start with a “ringer T -Shirt” with horizontal stripes. A plain “muscle shirt” is another option. The t-shirt should fit snug, not baggy.
Add a pair of high waist, wide leg trousers and a thin leather belt. If you can’t find a high waist, opt for at least a classic fit pleated waist pant.
Wear loafer shoes, lace up oxford shoes, saddle shoes or fisherman sandals.
Done! Your 1940s men’s outfit with a T-shirt is complete.
1940s stripe knit shirts with trousers