The 1970s was a really important time for how guys dressed. And it was full of trying out new things and showing who you are through clothes. From the hippie movement to the disco scene. All kinds of cool styles mixed, making a big change in fashion. Here, we’ll look back at the whole story of 1970s men’s fashion, checking out the main styles and trends that made it such a special time.
A brief history of 1970s men’s fashion
The 1970s were a time when a lot of things were changing in society and politics, and how guys dressed showed this. The Vietnam War was happening, and there was a big movement of people who wanted things to be different. Also, new technology made different kinds of fabrics, and this changed how guys dressed.
At the start of the 1970s, guys still wore suits that were tight and slim ties, which was like how they dressed in the 1960s. But as the 1970s went on, how guys dressed became more chill and easygoing. They wanted to be comfy and show who they were through their clothes.
Rock and roll music was a big deal in the 1970s, and it influenced how guys dressed. Famous people like Mick Jagger and David Bowie made flashy and colorful styles, like wearing tall platform shoes and bright suits, super popular.
But as the 1970s ended, how guys dressed changed to be more simple and not as flashy. They started wearing darker colors and clothes that weren’t as fancy. Even though the 1970s are over, you can still see its influence on how guys dress today. Designers and brands often get ideas from the cool styles of that time.
Key features of 1970s men’s fashion
The 1970s were a time of experimentation and self-expression, and men’s fashion reflected this. Here are some key features of 1970s men’s fashion:
A. Wide-legged pants:
One of the most iconic features of 1970s men’s fashion was the trend toward wide-legged pants. These pants were often made of lightweight materials like linen or cotton and featured a high waist and flared legs. They were often worn with chunky platform shoes, which helped to elongate the legs.
B. Bold colors and prints:
The 1970s were all about bold colors and eye-catching prints. Men’s clothing featured bright hues like orange, yellow, and green, as well as intricate patterns like paisley and floral prints. This trend extended to accessories as well, with men sporting colorful hats, belts, and ties.
C. Polyester suits:
The advent of polyester in the 1970s revolutionized men’s fashion. This synthetic fabric was inexpensive, wrinkle-resistant, and easy to care for, making it the perfect choice for suits. Polyester suits were often brightly colored and featured wide lapels and flared pants.
D. Platform shoes:
Platform shoes were another hallmark of 1970s men’s fashion. These shoes featured a thick sole that could be several inches high and often featured colorful designs or intricate patterns. They were worn with everything from suits to jeans and were a staple of the disco era.
E. Collared shirts:
Collared shirts were a must-have item for men in the 1970s. These shirts often featured bold prints or bright colors and were worn with the top few buttons undone for a more relaxed look. They were often paired with wide-legged pants and platform shoes.
F. Leather jackets:
Leather jackets were a popular choice for men in the 1970s, and were often worn as part of a casual outfit. These jackets were often brightly colored and featured details like fringe or embroidery. They were a favorite of rock and roll icons like Mick Jagger and Jimi Hendrix.
G. Sweaters:
Sweaters were a versatile item of clothing in the 1970s and could be worn with both casual and formal outfits. These sweaters often featured bold stripes or geometric patterns and were made from soft, comfortable materials like wool or cashmere.
These key features of 1970s men’s fashion helped to define a decade and continue to influence men’s fashion today.
Pop culture influences on 1970s men’s fashion
Pop culture had a significant impact on 1970s men’s fashion. Here are some of the major influences:
A. Television shows:
In the 1970s, what guys wore was also influenced by popular things in pop culture. Two TV shows, “The Brady Bunch” and “Starsky & Hutch,” were a big deal back then and had a big impact on how guys dressed. In “The Brady Bunch,” there was a family with six kids, and each of them had their cool style. The show made colorful, patterned shirts, and pants that were wide at the bottom popular in the 1970s. “Starsky & Hutch” was a cop show, and it made the “cop style” look famous. This style included leather jackets, pants that fit tight, and cool aviator sunglasses.
B. Music:
Music was another major influence on 1970s men’s fashion. The disco era, which began in the mid-1970s, had a particularly strong impact on fashion. Disco music was all about glitz and glamour, and men’s fashion reflected this. Bright colors, flashy jewelry, and tight-fitting clothes were all popular during this time. Musicians like the Bee Gees, Michael Jackson, and Elton John all had a major impact on men’s fashion in the 1970s.
C. Movies:
Movies were yet another major influence on 1970s men’s fashion. The film “Saturday Night Fever,” which was released in 1977, had a huge impact on fashion. The movie featured John Travolta in a white suit and black shirt, which became an iconic look of the disco era. Other movies, like “Jaws” and “The Godfather,” also had an impact on men’s fashion. “Jaws” popularized the “beach bum” look, which consisted of shorts, Hawaiian shirts, and flip-flops.
While “The Godfather” popularized the “gangster” look, which consisted of pinstripe suits, fedoras, and trench coats. Pop culture had a significant impact on 1970s men’s fashion. And helped to define a decade of style and self-expression.
Fashion icons of the 1970s
The 1970s was a decade of fashion icons who helped to define the era’s unique style. Here are five particularly influential men:
A. John Travolta:
As previously mentioned, John Travolta’s iconic white suit from the movie “Saturday Night Fever” became an instant classic and defined the disco era. His character, Tony Manero, was a style icon and inspired many men to emulate his look.
B. Mick Jagger:
The Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger was known for his flamboyant style, which included tight-fitting pants, colorful blouses, and platform shoes. His unique sense of fashion influenced the rock-and-roll style of the 1970s and beyond.
C. Elvis Presley:
Although Elvis Presley had been a cultural icon since the 1950s, he continued to influence men’s fashion in the 1970s. His signature jumpsuits, which he wore during his concerts in Las Vegas, were a hit with fans and inspired many imitations.
D. David Bowie:
David Bowie was a true fashion chameleon, constantly reinventing himself and his style. In the 1970s, he was known for his glam-rock look, which included bold makeup, glittery costumes, and platform shoes. His style inspired many and continues to be an influence today.
E. Paul Newman:
Paul Newman was a Hollywood icon whose style was classic and timeless. He was known for his simple yet elegant wardrobe, which included tailored suits, collared shirts, and leather jackets. His effortless style and rugged good looks made him a fashion icon of the 1970s. These five men, along with many others, helped to define the fashion of the 1970s and continue to be celebrated for their iconic style.
How to dress in 1970s style today
If you’re looking to incorporate 1970s style into your modern wardrobe, here are some tips and outfit ideas to get you started:
A. Tips for incorporating 1970s fashion into modern wardrobe:
- Get classic 1970s things like wide pants, shirts with collars, and leather jackets. These timeless things can easily be part of your clothes today.
- In the 1970s, they loved wild patterns and super bright colors. Try wearing a shirt with crazy patterns or a sweater that’s colorful.
- The 1970s were all about interesting feelings in clothes, like suede, corduroy, and velvet. Wear a jacket or pants with a cool feel to give your clothes an old-school touch.
- Make your look more retro with accessories like shoes with platforms, hats called fedoras, or sunglasses like aviators. These were all cool in the 1970s and can give your modern clothes a bit of a throwback style.
B. 1970s-inspired outfit ideas:
- Put on wide pants with a shirt that has a collar and add a leather jacket for a classic 1970s look.
- Dress in a bright sweater with tight jeans and shoes with platforms for a playful and fun style.
- Try a corduroy blazer with a cool picture on your t-shirt and wear aviator sunglasses for a relaxed 1970s vibe.
- Wear a shirt with paisley patterns, a denim jacket, and suede boots for a bohemian-inspired outfit.
- Using these ideas and tips, you can easily bring 1970s style into your everyday clothes and give your outfits a touch of the past.
Impact of 1970s men’s fashion on today’s fashion
The way guys dressed in the 1970s still has an impact on how people dress today. Here are some examples:
A. Brands and designers getting ideas from 1970s men’s fashion:
- Gucci: This fancy Italian brand often looks back to the 1970s for inspiration. The person in charge, Alessandro Michele, makes collections with wild patterns. Also includes bright colors and clothes that look old-school.
- Saint Laurent: This French brand, led by Hedi Slimane, brought back the famous leather jacket from the 1970s. Along with other cool things like wide pants and shoes with platforms.
- Tom Ford: This American designer often puts things from 1970s fashion into his collections, like pants that flare out and shirts made of silk.
B. Examples of 1970s-inspired fashion in today’s runways:
Some cool things from the 1970s are back in style today:
- Flared pants: These wide pants from the 1970s are popular again. Designers like Michael Kors and Roberto Cavalli are putting them in their collections.
- Bold prints: Wild patterns were big in the 1970s, and now they’re back. Designers like Dries Van Noten and Versace are using bold prints on the runway.
- Collared shirts: The classic shirt with a collar is back with cool prints and colors inspired by the 1970s. Brands like Gucci and Prada are making them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, how guys dressed in the 1970s was all about trying new and bold things. They went against the old-fashioned rules and wore wide pants, bright colors, and funky patterns. The era brought in polyester suits, high-heeled shoes, collared shirts, leather jackets, and cool sweaters. It was a time when guys could show who they really were through their clothes.
Movies, TV shows, and music were a big deal in shaping how guys dressed back then. Famous people like John Travolta, Mick Jagger, and Elvis Presley showed everyone the latest styles, and guys everywhere wanted to be as cool as them.
Even today, designers and brands still get ideas from the 1970s. You can see bits of that time’s fashion on runways and in new collections. By adding a touch of 1970s style to what we wear now, we honor that special time while making our own cool and unique outfits that show who we are.