Why do Mean Streets and Goodfellas have odd "mafia" style clothing?

[BigmanPigman]

Both films have really long, pointy men's collars and folded over, not knotted, neckties. I have been trying to find a source for this "look" and have had no luck. I have never seen these styles in other gangster films.

[Basic LA]

1. Those were the Wise-Guy styles I saw ...

...in the Italian section of Newark in the late 50's, early 60's. Long- collar dress shirts were especially prized and retro even then, harking back to the 40's.

[BigmanPigman]

2. Did they fold the tie over

to the front and leave it hanging there without a knot too? I only see that in Scorcese films it seems.

[Basic LA]

4. I do remember seeing that.

Though ties were rarely worn by younger men.

[rsdsharp]

5. I don't remember that in gangster movies,

but it was a thing in real life in the late 70s. I hated it. The minister who married us wore his tie like that. There’s also at least one episode of WKRP where Herb Tarlek word his tie that way.

[BigmanPigman]

6. I think I recall that on WKRP now that you mention it.

[ProudMNDemocrat]

3. I see what you mean. Must be a New York style thing.

A dear friend of mine's cousin knew, went to high school with, and graduated with the late Ray Liotta in Union New Jersey in 1973. I was living about 35 miles from Union at that time as well. Small world.