What did guys wear in the 70's?
Introduction
When you think of 1970s fashion, it’s hard not to picture guys rocking mens leather jumpsuit, colorful shirts with oversized collars, and platform shoes. The 70s was a decade of rebellion, personal expression, and breaking away from the clean-cut, polished looks of the 60s. Men’s fashion embraced experimentation, with bold colors, funky patterns, and a mix of influences from music, movies, and the growing counterculture movements of the time.
In this post, we’ll explore the iconic clothing pieces, accessories, and overall style that defined what guys wore in the 70s. We'll dive into the key trends that made this decade unforgettable in fashion history, and even touch on how 70s fashion influences what we wear today.
Bell-Bottoms: The Defining Trend of the Decade
It’s almost impossible to talk about 70s men's fashion without starting with bell-bottoms. These pants, tight around the thighs and dramatically flared from the knee down, became a symbol of the era. Originally, bell-bottoms were associated with sailors, but by the early 70s, they’d found their way into mainstream fashion. Men paired these pants with everything from plain T-shirts to patterned button-downs.
Why were leather overalls so popular? The flared design gave men a new silhouette, challenging the straight-leg pants that dominated previous decades. They were also associated with the counterculture movements—especially the hippie movement—which embraced more relaxed, flowy, and unconventional clothing styles.
How to Wear Bell-Bottoms: Men would often pair their bell-bottoms with heeled shoes or boots to emphasize the flare, making the outfit pop even more.
Wide-Collar Shirts: Making a Bold Statement
Another key trend for guys in the 70s was the mens leather overalls. The collars on men’s shirts grew so wide that they became one of the most recognizable elements of 70s fashion. These shirts came in a variety of prints, from bright floral patterns to geometric designs, reflecting the eclectic and experimental mood of the time.
Men wore these shirts with open buttons, often revealing a glimpse of chest hair and sometimes even accessorized with gold chains—definitely leaning into a “disco king” vibe. The wide-collar look was versatile: you could dress it up with a suit jacket or keep it casual with jeans.
Platform Shoes: Elevating the Look (Literally)
Platform shoes weren’t just for women in the 70s—men embraced them, too. These pleather overalls had thick soles that could elevate a guy by a few inches, and they were often paired with everything from bell-bottoms to leisure suits. The idea behind platform shoes was simple: they added height and flair, making any outfit look bolder.
Platform shoes became especially popular in the disco scene. They added to the flamboyant aesthetic of the era, often coming in bright colors or featuring metallic accents. Some even had see-through soles or glitter embellishments, showing just how far men’s fashion pushed the boundaries in the 70s.
The Rise of the Leisure Suit: Casual Meets Cool
The leisure suit is another 70s classic. Unlike the tailored business suits of previous decades, the leisure suit was designed for, well, leisure. It featured a more relaxed fit and was made from comfortable fabrics like polyester. It came with matching jackets and pants, often in bright or pastel colors, and was typically worn with a wide-collar shirt underneath.
Leisure suits became especially popular for disco nights and parties, thanks to their lightweight material and stylish cuts. John Travolta’s iconic white leisure suit in Saturday Night Fever cemented this look in pop culture history. The outfit was perfect for dancing and oozed confidence—everything 70s fashion was about.
Denim: The Essential Wardrobe Staple
While we often think of bold prints and bright colors when we talk about 70s men’s fashion, denim also played a huge role. Jeans had been around for decades, but in the 70s, they were embraced as everyday wear, not just workwear. Guys wore denim pants, jackets, and even full denim suits—sometimes called the “Canadian tuxedo.”
Flares were popular in denim jeans, too. Guys often opted for wide-legged, high-waisted styles, sometimes with embroidery, patches, or fading to give them a unique, personalized touch. Denim jackets were also a go-to, often paired with band T-shirts and sneakers for a casual, laid-back look.
Leather Jackets: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Influence
With the rise of rock and punk music in the 70s, leather jackets became a wardrobe essential for many men. These jackets were closely associated with musicians and rebels, giving off a sense of toughness and rebellion. The influence of bands like The Ramones and movies like Grease helped make leather jackets a fashion staple for guys wanting to capture that cool, rebellious vibe.
Leather jackets came in various cuts and styles, from the classic biker jacket to more tailored versions. Some were adorned with studs or patches, adding a more personalized touch. Paired with ripped jeans and boots, leather jackets became the ultimate “bad boy” look of the decade.
Accessories: The Finishing Touch
Accessories were a big part of men’s fashion in the 70s, adding even more flair to already bold outfits. Here are some of the most popular accessories guys sported during the decade:
- Gold chains: These were often worn with unbuttoned shirts, especially in the disco scene, adding a touch of glam.
- Headbands and scarves: Inspired by the hippie movement, many guys wore colorful headbands or scarves, especially at music festivals and concerts.
- Sunglasses: Oversized aviators were the go-to sunglasses for men in the 70s, completing the cool, laid-back look.
- Wide belts: Just like wide collars, wide belts were also in style, often made from leather with large buckles.
Music and Film: The Cultural Influence on Men’s Fashion
The 70s were a melting pot of cultural movements, and fashion was directly influenced by music, movies, and pop culture. Disco, rock, and punk each had their own unique fashion styles, all of which made an impact on what guys wore.
- Disco: Thanks to the popularity of disco music and clubs like Studio 54, men embraced flashy, extravagant outfits. Think glittery shirts, platform shoes, and flared pants. John Travolta’s disco moves in Saturday Night Fever and the iconic outfits he wore influenced many men’s fashion choices.
- Rock and Punk: Bands like Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones inspired men to wear more rebellious outfits—leather jackets, ripped jeans, and band tees. Meanwhile, punk rockers embraced ripped clothing, spikes, and studs, creating an anti-establishment look that resonated with many young men.
- Movies and TV Shows: Films like Grease and TV shows like Starsky & Hutch popularized certain looks. Leather jackets, aviator sunglasses, and mustaches became part of mainstream fashion thanks to these cultural touchpoints.
The 70s Fashion Comeback: Are These Trends Still Relevant Today?
If you’ve been paying attention to current fashion trends, you’ll notice that many 70s styles have made a serious comeback. Designers and fashion lovers alike have revived bell-bottoms, platform shoes, and even wide-collar shirts in recent years. Vintage stores are filled with 70s-inspired clothing, and some of the biggest names in fashion have brought these retro styles back to life on modern runways.
The return of these trends shows how influential 70s men’s fashion was—and still is. People are drawn to the boldness and the spirit of experimentation that the decade represented. So, if you want to add some flair to your wardrobe, don’t be afraid to try on a pair of bell-bottoms or dig out that old leather jacket!
Wrapping It Up
The 1970s were a time of daring fashion choices, especially for men. From bell-bottoms and wide-collar shirts to leather jackets and platform shoes, men’s fashion in the 70s was all about pushing boundaries and expressing individuality. Influenced by music, film, and the changing social landscape, guys embraced bold colors, funky patterns, and unconventional styles that still resonate today.
Whether you’re a fan of disco-inspired outfits or the rugged look of a shearling leather jacket, there’s no denying that 70s fashion left a lasting mark. The decade's trends were about more than just clothes—they were a statement of freedom, rebellion, and creativity. So, next time you're looking for style inspiration, don't hesitate to take a trip back to the 70s!
FAQs
1. Did men wear makeup in the 70s?
Yes, some men, especially those in the glam rock scene, like David Bowie, wore makeup as part of their fashion statement. Eyeliner, glitter, and bold colors were popular among musicians and artists.
2. Are bell-bottoms making a comeback?
Absolutely! Many designers have reintroduced flared pants and bell-bottoms into modern collections, blending 70s style with contemporary fashion.
3. What were the most iconic 70s accessories for men?
Gold chains, wide belts, aviator sunglasses, and platform shoes were some of the most popular accessories during the 70s.
