Men’s 1950s dress pants were classic pleated pants with a sharp center crease. They fit wider than today’s skinny fit trousers, but by the end of the decade they were moving in that direction. They also featured a high waist that went up to the belly button. Popular colors were medium blue, chocolate brown, grey, and tan. Casual men’s 1950s trousers came in teal, maroon, light blue and rust. Textured fabrics were a big deal in the 1950s. Corduroy was common in fall and winter. Tweed, linen, nubby wool, and brushed cotton were trendy year-round.
Denim jeans continued to be high waisted, with a wide leg and rolled cuffs in dark denim (no fading, rips or decorative pockets). Levi’s still makes original pairs, and many brands reproduce denim blue jeans (Dungarees) for Rockabilly greasers.
Shop these new vintage inspired men’s 1950s pants, trousers, blue jeans, shorts and overalls for a look that takes you back to the age of Rock ‘n Roll:
Men’s 1950s Pants, Trousers & Jeans
Pictures of 1950s Men’s Vintage Pants
What kind of pants did men wear in 1950s? Men’s 1950s pants were high waisted, wide legged, cuffed hem pants, trousers or slacks. Most pants had a pleated drop waist worn with a skinny belt. A strong pressed leg seam helped keep and neat and linear appearance. Some flat front trousers were also an option, especially in summer weight fabrics. By the end of the decade 1950s men’s pants were still high waisted but now had a narrowed leg and higher crotch for a slim and slender look.
What material were 1950s men’s pants made of? Traditional all wool in winter and summer weights were still worn in the 1950s however with the invention of new, lighter synthetic fabrics most wool pants were a blend of rayon, Dracon, or other article fibers. This made them lighter and less wrinkle prone. In summer, 1950s men’s pants were linen, combed cotton, thin corduroy, seersucker, synthetic blends and Gabardine. Winter weights were most wool blends and heavy wale corduroy. Improvements in indoor heating made men’s light-weight pants able to be worn year round.
What colors were 1950s men’s pants? Nearly every neutral and pastel color as well as popular 50s atonic colors-pink, teal, black, yellow and green. Subtle textures and patterns of vertical stripes, plaid, small checks, tweed, speckled and “splash” waves.
1950s Men’s Fashion History for Business Attire – Men’s 1950s suit pants and trousers
Men’s 1950s Casual Clothing History – Summer pants, 1950s men’s pants colors and materials
1950s Men’s Workwear & Casual Clothes- Denim jeans, cotton work pants , uniform pants discussed
-
- 1950 summer pants
-
- 1951 casual slacks
-
- 1951 Tweed textured trousers
-
- 1950 Dark Denim Blue Jeans
-
- 1951 Dropped Belt Loops
-
- 1951 dress slacks
-
- 1951 tweed and dress pants
-
- 1952 men’s casual pants
-
- 1953 Men’s slacks
-
- 1953 Putter Pants with Elastic Back Waistband
-
- 1954 pants
-
- 1954 Tunnel Belt Loops
-
- 1952 Continuous or “Hollywood” waistband
-
- 1955 Cotton Pants
-
- 1955 carpenter jeans
-
- 1955 Men’s Pants- a multitude of colors
-
- 1955 men’s colorful pants
-
- 1955 colorful pants
-
- 1955 fleck pants
-
- 1956 splash and fleck patterns
-
- 1957 Men’s jeans and western cut jeans (slightly narrower with contrast stitching)
-
- 1957 tapered eg fit
-
- 1957 Pincord Summer Slacks
-
- 1957 Backstrap
-
- 1958 Self Belt (Full) Waistband
-
- 1958 tapered leg men’s pants and bowling shirt
-
- 1958 Denim Jeans and Short Sleeved Western Shirt
-
- 1959 pink pants!
-
- 1959 Men’s pants- narrowed, lowered on the waits and did not have the sharp leg crease.
-
- 1959 Men’s Casual Slacks
-
- 1950s pants worn by a “big and tall” man
-
- 1959 Slimmer Fit Blue Jeans