The decade of the 1970s was a breakthrough in the world of fashion. Menswear at this period was representative of the cultural movements of the period, whether rock and roll or political movements and it would always alter the manner in which men would dress. The colorful and eclectic 70s fashions left a strong imprint and nowadays, the fashion phenomena are still adored and used in the contemporary wardrobe. You might be in need of 70s fashion men to attend a special occasion, or you might just need to incorporate the vintage fashions and accessories into your wardrobe. This guide would serve as a comprehensive guide to the most popular fashions, styles, and accessories of this historic decade.
The Power of Fashion Men of the 70s.
The 1970s were the decade of cultural revolution and male fashion developed considerably. Freedom of expressing personal style was the feature of this period, and styles were both relaxed and bohemian as well as sharp and glamorous. The impact of music, politics, and social transformation could be traced in the fashion of that time. Each of the rock stars, hippies, and disco dancers had their own touch to fashion, and a combination of many influences resulted in the creation of the bold and eye-catching fashion.
Fashion in the 70s was varied for men. It also included all the loose and flowing clothes of the counter culture to the sharply cut clothes of the disco scene. It was also a decade of the growth of synthetic fabrics such as polyester, and thus clothing was now cheaper and made accessible to more people due to the color, patterns and texture that the clothing men of that decade established. By the 1980s mens fashion embraced power dressing with oversized blazers, bold colors, and statement accessories that highlighted confidence and status.
Key Trends in 70s Fashion Men
Bell-Bottom Jeans: A Radical Statement.
The bell-bottom jeans are one of the most representative fashion items of the 70s that men wear. These jeans had a broad flare that started at the knee which made a dramatic figure. Bell-bottoms originated as a symbol of counterculture in the 70s although they were originally popularized by sailors in the 19th century. The style became popular in mainstream especially in the music industry where popular artistes such as Jimi Hendrix and the Beatles were often caught wearing the style.
Bell-bottom jeans were not only a useful item; it was a risky style. Worn with vividly colored shirts, psychedelic designs and wide collared jackets, bell-bottoms enabled men to be unique and escape the traditional style. Nowadays bell-bottoms are trending back, however, in a more fitted style providing it a new feel to the old style.
Flannel Shirts: The Ideal Blend of Style and Homey Comfort.
Other 70s fashion items among men are flannel shirts. In the 70s, the flannel shirt was associated with a masculine tough guy, and was commonly worn by men who were in the working class or those who were engaged in outdoor jobs. The shirts were loose, in plaid, and generally of warm material, and could therefore easily be used during the colder seasons.
Flannel shirt became a part of the casual wardrobe soon and was worn mostly with jeans or corduroy trousers. The hippie movement has taken this all-rounder and men have adopted it into their casual, picturesque dress code. Even today, the flannel shirt still continues to be a good alternative among the contemporary men due to its high level of comfort and style. Today, it is a common practice to put on flannel shirts with denim or leather jackets in an old fashioned style.
Leisure Suits: The Disco Glam Maximum.
It is the leisure suit, which was the most decadent and fashionable of all the 70s fashion. These dresses of polyester were loose fitting, wide lapel and bright. Leisure suits became a major symbol of the disco era, popularized by such stars as John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever.
These suits were worn in bright colors of red, blue, green and even metallic by men who turned to the disco lifestyle. The suits were also worn with a tight shirt which would be unbuttoned at the chest and platform shoes. The leisure suit was all glamour and overboard and it soon became synonymous with the nightlife of the 70s. Although leisure suits are no longer very popular, their principles can be observed in contemporary suits with large lapels and brighter colors.
The Disco Appeal: Audacious, Glitzy, Even Flashy.
The 70s fashion men were characterized by the disco age. Disco was not a music form; it was a way of life and it infiltrated all spheres of culture including fashion. Men who sported the disco appearance had tight collared shirts that were mostly of metal or shiny material and reflected the light on the dance floor. Bell-bottom pants were also a major part of the disco style worn with high-heeled shoes to enhance size and style. This trend, from a historical perspective on music and fashion, highlights how disco culture influenced not only the music scene but also shaped the fashion choices of an entire generation.
Standing out and shining was the essence of the disco look. The fabrics employed were frequently bold and shiny, i.e., think satin, silk, and polyester yet were indicative of the energetic nature of the disco style. Men would wear big gold chains, huge sunglasses, and occasionally feathered haircuts. To achieve the disco appearance in your wardrobe today, you can team a silky button-down shirt with wide-leg pants and platform shoes to create the retro but current appearance.
Accessories and footwear in 70s Men fashion.
Platform Shoes: Upping the Style Wager.
Men wore platform shoes as an essential element of the 70s fashion. These footwear had a sole that was very thick which provided the shoes with height and a loud appearance on any outfit. Platform shoes became associated with the glitz and gluttony of the disco era, whether paired with bell-bottom jeans or a leisure suit.
There were not only dance floor platforms, but they were also used as street clothes. The wide foams could also serve as a means of making a statement and standing out and were most often in bright colors and textures. Platform shoes have since returned today, but the new versions are designed witha smooth design and use of materials such as leather and suede.
Sunglasses: The Cool Factor
In the 70s, Sunglasses were not merely a practical item, but an indispensable fashion item. Another fashion was the aviator sunglasses and oversized round glasses which were worn by rock stars, movie stars and ordinary men. The appropriate pair of sunglasses gave a tint of coolness to any appearance, be it combined with the working outfit or a severe leisure suit.
Sunglasses were commonly regarded as something of a mystery and exclusivity, and they were commonly used in the house or at night. Sunglasses are a classic accessory today and the aviators and oversized designs are still a trend in the current fashion. It is such an easy item to add to the outfit, whether you choose some old-fashioned black or come up with something bold and eye-catching in terms of color and shape, or as a means of 70s style.
Hats: A Nod to Sophistication
Another attribute of the 70s fashion men clothing was wide-brimmed hats. Fedoras and Panama hats were taken as accessories to any clothing and were worn with both casual and high-end clothes, as well as contributed a great sense of sophistication and flair to any outfit. Hats were a means of bringing an outfit to a higher level and they were mostly used by men who wanted to be considered stylish and confident.
Hats have returned in fashion today, especially in the style of fedoras and other broad-brimmed hats. These hats are able to match with every casual wear and the tailored suits providing a classic touch to your overall appearance.
The Fashion Men of the 70s in modern times.
Although wearing full 70s is too retro to be used on a daily basis, you can still use the aspects of 70s fashion in your current wardrobe. Some hints on the combination of vintage and contemporary are the following:
Retro Accessories: It is also easy to add retro 70s to your outfits without being too conspicuous with Sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats and leather belts. Attempt to combine these accessories with contemporary attire to achieve moderation.
Dress up Mix Flared Pants with Slim Fits: You do not need to make an entire scene out of your bell-bottoms. Rather, we will do high-waisted trousers paired with a more fitted shirt in a modern interpretation of the style.
Add Retro Fabrics: Corduroy, velvet, suede, and similar fabrics were trendy in the 70s and they continue to provide a special touch to the new garments. With the help of such fabrics in your wardrobe, you will immediately raise your appearance.
FAQ’s
What was so popular in 70s about bell-bottom jeans?
Bell-bottom pants were a show of defiance and uniqueness especially in the music scene. The broad flare produced an iconic and memorable silhouette that was iconic throughout the decade.
Is it possible to wear leisure suits today?
The leisure suits might be old, yet it is possible to borrow the aspects of the fashion. Choose slim suits and bright features such as broad lapels in order to look modern and vintage-like.
What are the most popular men 70s fashion casual wear?
The Jeans or corduroy pants with flannel shirts that are high-waisted are the correct choice to make to create a relaxed and retro style. To match the outfit, be cool and get a pair of sunglasses.
Still in the fashion of platform shoes?
Yes! Platform shoes have appeared again in many shapes including boots and loafers. Their statement-level appearance in fashion still maintains the interest in contemporary fashion.
Conclusion
The 70s fashion men have remained an everlasting inspiration. The expressive fashion elements of the decade, including bell-bottom jeans the leisure suits and platform shoes are the outlook of the individuality and rebellion of the times. The 70s is an important source of style even now as you may be adding vintage accessories to your wardrobe or completely going retro with a bell-bottom and wide-collared shirt ensemble. Live the 70s freedom with contemporary fashions and you will be dancing along this stylish decade of fashion.