A Well Respected Man

Despite the harsh economical climate, men were still doing their best to dress smartly, both to increase employability and just to show respect to those who they crossed paths with in day to day life.

(Source: satoriana.wordpress)

Many men would have a suit for going to church (their 'Sunday Best') - even the poorest would still try to get at least a smart jacket to wear. White shirts were also a staple piece - they weren't too restrictive and still created a smart look. It wasn't seen as the proper thing to do to just wear shirt sleeves, so that would be done in private, and as soon as the man was out of the house, a jacket or overcoat would be worn.

(Source: mises.org) I think it's sad and lovely that men would still wear a suit and tie to advertise themselves in what looks like a really hot day - it shows the struggle they were going through and the huge efforts they made to sell themselves just to get a job

Burtons, founded in 1903, offered tailoring to all for low prices. It created simple tailored shapes which were mass produced and then sold to the general public for low prices, having quite regular sales to give even more opportunity for a man to take pride in his appearance and wear a suit.