Goodwood Revival is a vintage motorsport festival held annually at the historic Goodwood Motor Circuit in West Sussex. Celebrating the golden era of racing from 1948 to 1966, the event features authentic classic car races, period accurate vehicles, and legendary drivers, all set against a backdrop that meticulously recreates mid-century Britain. Attendees are encouraged to dress in 1940s to 1960s fashion, adding to the immersive, time travel atmosphere. It’s not just an event- it’s a full sensory step back in time!

At Revival Vintage, we believe that dressing the part is all about confidence and authenticity. If you're heading to this year’s Goodwood Revival and want to embody the sophistication of the 1940s, this guide is designed to help you craft the perfect period accurate outfit - with a little added help from our thoughtfully curated men’s vintage collection!

Why Choose 1940s Menswear?

Goodwood Revival celebrates vintage fashion from the 1940s to the 1960s, with each decade offering its own distinct character. At Revival Vintage, we're passionate about all things midcentury but the 1940s stands out as a true classic in men’s style.

Defined by wartime practicality and post war pride, men’s fashion in the '40s was all about structure, simplicity, and sharp tailoring. Think broad shouldered suits, military inspired cuts, neat shirts and practical yet polished accessories. Despite the restrictions of fabric rationing, the era produced looks that remain effortlessly stylish today. With its clean lines, masculine silhouettes, and timeless appeal, 1940s menswear continues to be a favourite choice for Goodwood Revival - and for good reason.

Men’s 1940s Fashion: Functional Sophistication

Men’s fashion in the 1940s was shaped by the impact of World War II, resulting in a look that was both practical and refined. With military influence everywhere, everyday clothing leaned toward clean lines, structured silhouettes and durable fabrics. The cornerstone of a 1940s wardrobe was the classic single or double breasted suit, often with broad padded shoulders, wide lapels and high waisted trousers with pleats. Collared shirts were, often worn with a tie or knitted pullover vest, and braces were common in place of belts. Outerwear included trench coats, macs, and wool overcoats, while leather brogues or lace up boots completed the look. For off duty style, men often wore collared knitwear, high waisted slacks and sports jackets, reflecting a more relaxed, yet still well groomed approach to dressing. The overall impression was one of understated sophistication and purposeful masculinity.

Key Looks For Inspiration

Mens 1940s Suits: The Quintessential 40s Statement

A well tailored suit was the foundation of any gentleman’s wardrobe in the 1940s. Despite the challenges of wartime rationing, which limited the use of certain materials and decorative extras, suits from this decade managed to exude an air of effortless elegance and strength. Key features included strong, structured shoulders - often padded to create a commanding silhouette, alongside wide lapels and nipped in waists.

Single and double breasted jackets were both popular, usually paired with high waisted, pleated trousers. Fabrics were typically wool or wool blends in subdued colours like navy, brown, or grey, sometimes featuring subtle pinstripes or checks. The overall effect was powerful and polished, echoing the disciplined aesthetic of the era.

What set 1940s suits apart was not just the cut, but the intent behind the design. With many men serving in the military, the suit became a symbol of civilian pride and professional dignity. For those attending events like Goodwood Revival, donning a 1940s style suit is more than just a nod to vintage fashion, it’s a tribute to a time when dressing well was both a sign of respect and resilience. Add a white spearpoint shirt, a tie or bow tie, and a neatly folded pocket square, and you've got a timeless ensemble that looks as sharp today as it did 80 years ago.

Beyond the formal setting, 1940s menswear also made room for a touch of personality. Gentlemen might accessorise their suits with a fedora, colourful swing tie and trouser braces. The beauty of the 1940s suit lies in its adaptability, it can be worn as a full ensemble for formal occasions, or styled down with a knitted vest or open collar shirt for a more relaxed, yet still vintage authentic look.

Midcentury Casualwear: Off Duty Style With Purpose

While 1940s menswear is often remembered for its sharp tailoring and formal suits, later on in the decade it also gave rise to a distinctive casual style that balanced comfort with classic refinement. Off duty looks were practical, yet still carefully put together, reflecting the era’s appreciation for dressing well, even in relaxed settings. Think of high waisted wool slacks paired with tucked in shirts or lightweight knitwear, creating a neat silhouette without the formality of a full suit. Colours tended to be earthy and muted, shades like olive, beige, navy, and brown - making the clothing versatile and understated.

Key casual pieces of the decade included leisure shirts in cotton or flannel, often worn with open collars and can be layered under knitted vests or jumpers. For outerwear, men turned to classic pieces like bomber jackets and casual sports coats, many inspired by military surplus. Even leisure clothing retained structure, with minimal excess and a focus on clean lines and quality fabrics.

Trousers remained high waisted and were often finished with turn-ups and pleats for a polished yet relaxed fit. Belts were less common than braces, which were still widely used even outside formalwear. Footwear choices ranged from sturdy lace-up boots to practical leather brogues and suede shoes, depending on the occasion. Accessories were simple but effective. The overall look of 1940s casualwear was unfussy but smart, making it ideal for vintage events like Goodwood Revival, where authenticity and style go hand in hand.

Smart Casual: Somewhere In Between

For those seeking a polished look without the full formality of a three piece suit, the smart casual styles of the 1940s offer the perfect middle ground. A popular choice of the era was the waistcoat and trouser combination- an outfit that maintained the sharp lines and structure of traditional tailoring, but with a more relaxed, approachable feel. High waisted pleated trousers paired with a matching or contrasting waistcoat created a refined silhouette that was still comfortable and practical for day to day wear. Shirts were typically had a spearpoint collar, often in white or lighter tones, and a tie or knitted cravat could be added for a touch of personality. For a layered look, a lightweight cardigan or knitted vest over the shirt worked well beneath the waistcoat, adding texture without bulk.

Another classic smart casual option from the era was the linen or lightweight summer suit. Popular in warmer months and often seen in lighter shades like cream, sand, or pale grey, linen suits offered a cooler, more breathable alternative to heavy wool. These suits were often styled more informally, with open collars, two tone spectator shoes, and minimal accessories. The cut remained structured, with padded shoulders and high waisted, fishtail back trousers, but the relaxed fabric gave the overall outfit an easy elegance that felt right at home at a garden party, seaside promenade, or an event like Goodwood Revival.

Whether you opt for a waistcoat and trousers or a linen suit, the key to achieving an authentic 1940s smart casual look lies in the details. Keep silhouettes clean, accessories minimal, and fabrics classic. Add a pocket watch, a hat, or a pair of trouser braces for vintage flair- and you’ve got a look that bridges the gap between everyday ease and timeless sophistication.

Accessories: The Finishing Touches

No 1940s outfit, whether formal, casual, or smart casual, was complete without the right accessories. In an era where every detail counted, men used accessories to add polish, practicality, and a hint of personal style to their look. While the overall aesthetic was understated, the accessories of the decade were chosen with care and intention, often reflecting military influence or traditional tailoring roots.

Hats were essential to any gentleman's wardrobe. The most iconic styles of the 1940s included the fedora, trilby, and the slightly more casual flat cap. Worn tilted slightly forward or to the side, a well chosen hat added a sharp edge to both suits and casual outfits. In colder months, wool or felt versions were popular, while lighter straw hats made appearances in the summer.

Ties and pocket squares offered a dash of colour and personality. Ties were usually wider than in previous decades, often made from rayon or wool blends, and featured subtle patterns like stripes, geometrics, or Art Deco motifs. Pocket squares, neatly folded or puffed, added flair to a breast pocket without being flashy. For a more relaxed look, some men opted for knitted ties or cravats, particularly in smart casual settings.

Braces (suspenders) were far more common than belts during the 1940s, often buttoned onto the waistband of high rise trousers. Not only did they help maintain a clean silhouette, but they also provided a traditional, well dressed finish. Meanwhile, leather gloves, classic wrist watches, and collar pins or tie clips added further refinement, particularly for formal occasions.

Footwear was practical but stylish. Leather brogues, oxfords, and lace up boots were the go to choices, often in black or brown. In summer or for casual looks, two tone spectator shoes or suede derbies could be seen. Paired with well chosen socks- often wool, and in subdued patterns, shoes helped ground the outfit in era authentic style.

Whether heading to the office, relaxing at the weekend, or dressing for Goodwood Revival, 1940s men’s accessories were all about quiet confidence and thoughtful styling. Each piece served a purpose, and together, they told a story of a generation that dressed with pride, precision, and timeless taste.

Step Back In Style: Embrace The Spirit Of The 1940s Gentleman

Whether you're stepping out in a sharply tailored suit, embracing the relaxed charm of smart casual separates, or finishing your look with authentic 1940s accessories, dressing for Goodwood Revival is all about capturing the spirit of the era with confidence and care. The 1940s was a decade defined by resilience, refinement, and timeless style, values that continue to resonate today. By choosing classic silhouettes, thoughtful details, and vintage inspired pieces, you'll not only look the part but truly embody the gentlemanly elegance that makes the Revival so special. So polish those shoes, tilt that fedora, and enjoy stepping back in time in true 1940s fashion!

Shop our Goodwood Revival collections here:
https://revivalvintage.co.uk/collections/mens-trackside-heritage-collection
https://revivalvintage.co.uk/collections/mens-waistcoat-trouser-sets

Shop our Vintage Festival collection here:
https://revivalvintage.co.uk/collections/mens-vintage-festival-outfits

Shop our Men’s accessory bundle offers here:
https://revivalvintage.co.uk/collections/mens-hat-accessory-offers