We equate suits and ties with being dressed up and well dressed now, but that was normal style for many people in many walks of life then. There would have been

We equate suits and ties with being dressed up and well dressed now, but that was normal style for many people in many walks of life then. There would have been very cheap jackets and shirts just the same as there are very cheap jeans and t-shirts in contrast to very expensive dress. There is also the fact that even in the 40's having your clothes made at home was not unusual and simply getting squares of cloth was cheaper than pre-made. So they may look very dapper and done up now, but then it might not have been the same. We can't look back at photographs with the same eye to fashion as we would now.