What did civilian men wear in the 1940s?

When World War II broke out in the United States in 1941, natural fibers were only used for the military uniforms. However, among men, there were a couple of "fads" that took place in the 1940's. First is the Zoot Suit that was popular during the Jazz Age and basically worn by African-Americans and Mexican-Americans. The Zoot Suit was first introduced in Harlem, NY in the 1930's. The suit was made up of a high-waisted, baggy and low-crotched trousers with narrow ankle and over-sized jackets. The garments gave man more substance to project as well as being comfortable.

The second fad was the "Swing Scene" where some men wore the Zoot Suits while others took off their single-breasted jackets to dance and show off their accessories. Before and after the war, accessories became important. Accessories include a tie that was shorter and wider. That is because the trousers were high-cut. The tie was held in place with a clip as opposed to a pin. Shirts were held in place by good cufflinks, and suspenders that were buttoned to the trousers.

Men's shoes were basically the same as in the 1920's and 1930's as they wore wingtip, spectator shoes.