1940s Style Men's Shirts - Dress, Sport, T Shirts

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. 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.

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. 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.

Shop new vintage-inspired casual 1940s men’s shirts, reproduction dress shirts, sweaters (jumpers) and sweater vests below. Scroll to the bottom of the page (or click here) for our gallery of vintage 40s men’s shirts and sweaters.

Check out our article on 1940s men’s casual clothing history for more information and inspiration.