Ever wondered what the typical gentleman’s EDC looked like 100 years ago? We’ll walk you through it!

Before the term EDC—or everyday carry—was coined, men still carried a curated selection of personal items. In the 1920s, at the start of the Golden Age of Menswear, a gentleman’s daily carry balanced decorum and practicality.

Here’s what typically made the cut:

1. Wristwatch or Pocket Watch

In the 1920s, the pocket watch was still the default for most gentlemen. Typically worn in a waistcoat or trouser pocket and attached with a chain, it was a classic symbol of style.

However, the wristwatch, a development of the “trench watch” from World War I, was rapidly gaining popularity, especially among former servicemen. Watch cases were primarily made from metal, while straps were most commonly leather.

For those with a flair for the dramatic, pocket watch chains sometimes featured decorative fobs with ribbons or even precious gems.

2. Smoking Implements (Cigarette or Cigar Case, Lighter or Matches, etc.)

Smoking was a nearly universal practice at this time. For the more refined smoker, this meant a slim metal cigarette case, often monogrammed or engraved, or a dedicated cigar case.

Of course, a method of lighting up was essential. The development of ferrocerium, a form of synthetic flint, in 1903 had led to the first portable lighters, and by the 1920s, push-button models were becoming quite popular.

Meanwhile, though pipes were losing ground to cigarettes and cigars, they were still very much around and required a larger list of accouterments, including the pipe itself, a pouch of tobacco, a tamper, and a method of lighting.

For those who preferred smokeless options, tins of snuff or plugs of chewing tobacco were also carried.

3. Hair Care Items (Comb, Pomade)

Even in an age of hats, proper hat etiquette meant removing one often. Hair had to behave. A compact pocket comb – horn if luxurious, celluloid if common – maintained the decade’s slick, tidy look. Many men also carried a small tin of pomade for touch-ups.

4. Handkerchief (Not a Pocket Square)

The handkerchief served a purely utilitarian purpose and was distinct from the purely decorative pocket square. Made of plain white cotton or linen, a handkerchief could be used for mopping one’s brow, cleaning eyeglasses, or wiping down surfaces in the often-grimy cities of the era.

Monograms added refinement—and, occasionally, a calling card.

5. Wallet or Coin Purse

While a wallet is still a staple of the modern EDC, its use a century ago was a bit different. With widespread government-issued IDs and credit cards decades away, the wallet was primarily used for carrying cash.

Given that a dollar in 1925 had the buying power of over $18 today, a gentleman’s wallet held significant value. Wallets were typically made of leather, though some high-end metal cases were also available.

6. Keys (Door & Car)

A gentleman’s keyring would have held keys for his home, office, and other personal property. Automobile keys were less common but existed for those who owned a car.

Car keys of the era were simpler and often separate for the ignition, doors, glove box, and trunk. Keys were often attached to a fob or chain and could be worn similarly to a pocket watch, keeping them secure and stylishly organized.

7. Bottle Opener

In the 1920s, many popular beverages came in glass bottles with pressurized caps. Since these weren’t twist-offs, a simple bottle opener was a handy tool to keep on a keyring or fob. This small, practical item ensured a gentleman was always prepared to open a refreshing drink.

8. Pocket Knife

The versatility of the pocket knife made it an essential item. It could be used for everything from opening mail and packages to cleaning one’s nails or even as a makeshift screwdriver. A pocket knife was a reliable, multi-purpose tool that a man of the 1920s would have found invaluable.

9. Fountain Pen

Before the age of cheap, disposable ballpoint pens, a gentleman was more likely to carry a quality writing instrument. The fountain pen was the preferred choice for handwriting correspondence, signing documents, and other daily tasks.

Carrying a fine pen was a sign of a man who valued craftsmanship and was ready to put his thoughts to paper at a moment’s notice.

10. Walking Sticks

By the 1920s, the walking stick was beginning to fall out of favor as an everyday accessory. However, it was still a stylish choice for upper-class dandies and a holdover from the Victorian era.

Beyond its fashionable appeal, a walking stick could also be a tool for self-defense for those trained in martial arts like Bartitsu.

Bonus for the Gentleman Motorist: Driving Gloves & Goggles

With open-topped cars and nonexistent cabin heating, a man who owned a car would have carried a few extra items.

Driving gloves provided warmth and a better grip on the steering wheel, while driving goggles protected his eyes from wind and road debris.

Then vs. Now

While some items on this list, like the pocket knife and fountain pen, have endured as staples for dedicated enthusiasts, the average gentleman’s EDC has changed dramatically. A modern man’s pockets are more likely to contain a smartphone, a credit-card-heavy wallet, and car keys with a remote fob.

The need for a dedicated smoking case or bottle opener has largely been replaced by modern conveniences, and while a wristwatch still holds a place of honor for many, it is no longer the sole source of time. The handkerchief’s utilitarian role has been usurped by disposable tissues, and a gentleman today rarely considers carrying a walking stick for fashion.

These changes are a testament to how technology and shifting societal norms have reshaped what a gentleman deems essential for his daily life.

Conclusion

While the contents of our pockets may have changed, the fundamental principles of being prepared and presenting oneself with dignity remain. This glimpse into the past serves as a fascinating historical account.

Are there items you think belong on this list that we neglected to include, or some that you don’t think were as widespread as we suggested? Let us know in the comments below!

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