Charles Boyer - Photoplay, July 1936 - Category:1936 portrait photographs of men - Wikimedia Commons

After World War I, the fashion trends began to drastically change for both men and women. As men returned from war, the British military commander jacket became popular for everyday use. The trench jacket was long, warm, and typically used for rain and environmental factors. After several decades, women began adopting the trench coat trend with small alterations. Mikayla Newman (2/1/17).

While men's 1940s business attire moved toward formality, casual style went the opposite way. Ease and comfort blended the lighter business suit style with sports wear established in the previous decades. This merging resulted in sports coats instead of business suits, relaxed button up shirts in new colors, and an explosion of popularity in knitwear

One of hundreds of thousands of free digital items from The New York Public Library.

See more than 60 of the most popular styles of vintage 1930s suits - including those double-breasted jackets with wide peak lapels and cushioned shoulders, and high-waisted trousers with wide cuffs.