I was grabbing coffee with my buddy Alex when the topic of “70s men’s fashion trends” came up. Alex is one of those guys who always has an opinion on everything, so you know he had to weigh in.
He started going on and on about 70s men’s fashion celebrated bold self-expression. Key trends: casual denim looks, flashy disco suits, punk anti-fashion, global prints, and retro revivals like fedoras.
I just sat there, sipping my latte and trying not to crack up. Alex can be so passionate and animated when he gets going on a 70s trends. He was waving his arms around and raising his voice like he was giving a TED Talk or something. A few people at the other tables were starting to look over with confused expressions.
Finally, I had to interject…”Dude, take it down a notch! You’re gonna get us kicked out of here ranting like that.” He just grinned sheepishly and settled back into his chair.
That’s when I shared my own perspective on about “70s men’s fashion trends.”
The 1970s was a time that was driven by fashion trends, all of them running simultaneously from the point they started until the end of the decade.
The problem is that because there were so many trends, many of my students often start attributing them to other decades and think, “Oh, this one must come from the 1960s,” or “This one must come from the 1980s,” when in fact they all happened simultaneously, and I’m going to show you what these trends looked like at the high fashion end of the spectrum and then how they looked in real life retail.
The 1970s was a very bleak socio-political and economic landscape, so people escaped into trends, which is why there were so many of them. So I’m going to take the main trends one by one, show you how they looked at the high end of the fashion register, and then how they looked when they hit the mainstream.
The Victorian And Edwardian Revival Trend
The Victorian and Edwardian revival trends were about whimsy. This was about looking to the past for inspiration. It was very pretty, think an awful lot of lace.
Laura Ashley was one of the designers who really drove this trend, dick straw hats with flowers and fruit. It was very romantic. By the time it hit real life retail, because it was created in textiles such as polyester, it perhaps didn’t look quite as lovely, but the idea was the same – a return to the past to the Victorian and Edwardian era.
Key 70s Men’s Fashion Trends
Bell Bottoms
Bell Bottoms were a quintessential 70s fashion staple, characterized by their wide, flared legs. These pants gained popularity due to their dramatic silhouette and association with the counterculture movement.
They originated from naval uniforms but were adopted by the youth for their rebellious flair. Bell bottoms became famous through their presence in rock and roll culture and iconic performances by bands like The Beatles and Led Zeppelin. They symbolized freedom and a break from traditional fashion norms.
Platform Shoes: Height and Style
Platform Shoes added literal height to the fashion game of the 70s. These shoes featured thick soles, often several inches high, and were popular among both men and women.
They originated from the glam rock scene, with artists like David Bowie and Elton John sporting them. Platform shoes became famous for their bold, exaggerated style that challenged conventional footwear. They were embraced for their ability to make a dramatic fashion statement and their association with the era’s vibrant music scene.
Disco Suits:
Disco Suits epitomized the glamour of the 70s nightlife. Characterized by their shiny fabrics, wide lapels, and fitted silhouettes, these suits were often seen on the dance floors of disco clubs.
The trend started in the disco era, where the need for flashy, eye-catching outfits was paramount. They became famous through movies like “Saturday Night Fever,” where John Travolta’s character immortalized the white disco suit. Disco suits represented the era’s love for dance, music, and extravagance.
Leisure Suits:
Leisure Suits were a more relaxed yet stylish option for men in the 70s. Made from polyester and available in a variety of colors, these suits featured wide collars and unstructured jackets.
They originated as a more comfortable alternative to traditional business suits. Leisure suits gained popularity for their versatility and ease of wear, becoming a staple in both casual and semi-formal settings. Their fame was bolstered by television shows and celebrities who embraced the laid-back yet fashionable look.
Safari Jackets:
Safari Jackets brought an adventurous flair to 70s fashion. These jackets, with their multiple pockets and belted waists, were inspired by traditional hunting gear. They became popular as a fashion statement rather than functional wear.
Safari jackets were introduced to mainstream fashion by designers like Yves Saint Laurent, who romanticized the idea of exotic travel and adventure. They became famous for their rugged yet sophisticated look, appealing to men seeking a blend of utility and style.
Denim Everything:
Denim Everything saw the fabric being used in all types of clothing, from jeans to jackets and shirts. This trend emerged from the working-class roots of denim but evolved into a fashion statement.
Denim became popular for its durability and versatility, suitable for casual and semi-formal wear. The fabric’s rise to fame was influenced by icons like James Dean and the rise of the rock and roll culture, which embraced denim as a symbol of rebellion and coolness.
Velvet Blazers:
Velvet Blazers added a touch of luxury to 70s men’s fashion. These blazers were often richly colored and soft to the touch, making them a popular choice for evening wear.
The trend started as part of the broader movement towards opulent, tactile fabrics in fashion. Velvet blazers became famous for their association with high fashion and celebrities who wore them to glamorous events. They symbolized a blend of sophistication and bold style.
Hippie Influence:
Hippie Influence brought a laid-back, bohemian aesthetic to men’s fashion. Characterized by tie-dye shirts, fringed vests, and bell-bottom jeans, this trend was rooted in the counterculture movement of the 60s but flourished in the 70s.
It became famous for promoting peace, love, and harmony, often featuring natural fabrics and handmade details. The hippie look was popularized by music festivals like Woodstock and icons like Jimi Hendrix, embodying the era’s spirit of freedom and nonconformity.
Bold Patterns and Prints:
Bold Patterns and Prints were a hallmark of 70s fashion. Men embraced vibrant colors, geometric shapes, and floral prints, often mixing patterns in a single outfit.
This trend originated from the desire to break away from the subdued tones of previous decades. Bold patterns became famous for their eye-catching and expressive nature, celebrated in fashion magazines and worn by celebrities. They symbolized the era’s embrace of individuality and creativity in fashion.
Turtlenecks:
Turtlenecks became a sleek, stylish option for men in the 70s. These high-collared sweaters were worn alone or layered under blazers and suits. The trend started as part of the mod fashion movement and was embraced for its clean, sophisticated look.
Turtlenecks gained popularity through icons like Steve McQueen and Robert Redford. They became famous for their versatility and the effortless elegance they brought to casual and formal outfits.
Track Suits:
Track Suits made their way from the gym to everyday fashion in the 70s. These coordinated sets, often made of synthetic fabrics, were popular for their comfort and sporty style.
The trend started with the rise of fitness culture and the influence of athletes as fashion icons. Track suits became famous through brands like Adidas and their association with breakdancing and hip-hop culture. They symbolized a shift towards more casual, athletic-inspired clothing in mainstream fashion.
Leather Jackets
Leather Jackets continued to be a symbol of rebellion and coolness in the 70s. This trend, which started in the 50s, saw a resurgence with the rise of punk rock.
Leather jackets were popular for their rugged look and association with counterculture movements. They became famous through bands like The Ramones and movies like “Grease.” Leather jackets represented a tough, anti-establishment attitude, making them a staple for anyone wanting to make a bold fashion statement.
Punk Fashion: The Anti-Establishment Trend
Punk Fashion emerged in the late 70s as a direct response to mainstream culture. This trend featured ripped clothing, safety pins, leather jackets, and bold hairstyles. Punk fashion started in the underground music scene, with bands like The Sex Pistols and The Clash leading the way.
It became famous for its DIY ethic and anti-establishment messages, challenging the norms of both fashion and society. Punk fashion symbolized rebellion, individuality, and a rejection of traditional aesthetics.
Accessories: The Essential Details
Accessories played a crucial role in 70s men’s fashion, with items like wide ties, aviator sunglasses, and bold jewelry adding the finishing touches to outfits. This trend started as men began to experiment more with their personal style.
Accessories became famous for their ability to transform simple outfits into standout looks. Wide ties and aviators, in particular, were popularized by movies and TV shows, while jewelry reflected the decade’s embrace of flamboyance and self-expression.
Hairstyles: From Long Locks to Afros
Hairstyles in the 70s were diverse and expressive, ranging from long, flowing locks to voluminous afros. This trend started with the growing acceptance of natural hair and the influence of the counterculture movement.
Hairstyles became famous through music and film icons, like Jimi Hendrix’s afro and John Travolta’s long hair. They symbolized the era’s break from traditional grooming standards and the embrace of natural, individualistic styles.
The Influence of Music and Film
The Influence of Music and Film on 70s men’s fashion was profound. Musicians and actors became style icons, with their looks being emulated by fans worldwide. This trend started as the media began to play a larger role in daily life.
Music and film stars became famous for their distinctive styles, which often set fashion trends. From David Bowie’s glam rock outfits to the gritty looks of characters in movies like “Taxi Driver,” the entertainment industry had a significant impact on the fashion landscape.
Conclusion: The Legacy of 70s Men’s Fashion
The Legacy of 70s Men’s Fashion continues to influence modern style. Many trends from the 70s have made comebacks, proving the decade’s lasting impact. From bell bottoms to bold patterns, the 70s were a time of sartorial revolution that encouraged self-expression and broke traditional fashion rules. This legacy is seen today in the ongoing celebration of individuality and the blending of vintage styles with contemporary fashion.
FAQs
- Why were bell bottoms so popular in the 70s?
Bell bottoms were popular for their dramatic flair and association with the counterculture movement, symbolizing freedom and rebellion. - What made platform shoes a hit in the 70s?
Platform shoes were famous for their bold, exaggerated style, often associated with the glam rock scene and icons like David Bowie. - How did disco suits become a trend?
Disco suits became a trend due to the rise of disco music and clubs, with movies like “Saturday Night Fever” popularizing the look. - What was the appeal of leisure suits?
Leisure suits were appealing for their comfort and versatility, offering a relaxed yet stylish option for various settings. - How did music and film influence 70s fashion?
Music and film had a profound impact on 70s fashion, with stars like David Bowie and John Travolta setting trends that fans eagerly followed.
