The 70s had a style like no other. Bold colors, flared pants and wide collars ruled the decade. You could not walk down the street without seeing someone rocking a statement look. Fashion was loud and confidence was key.
You might have seen old photos of your dad or uncle in a disco-ready outfit. Big sunglasses, patterned shirts and platform shoes made every guy look like he was ready to dance. The best part? Those styles still look good today.
Retro fashion always finds its way back. You do not have to dress like you stepped out of a time machine, but you can take inspiration from the best looks of the era. A little 70s flair can make any outfit stand out.
Think about wide-legged pants, leather jackets and turtlenecks. Those classic pieces can mix with modern styles for a fresh yet vintage vibe. It is all about finding what works for you.
Key Elements of 70s Men’s Fashion
Fashion in the 70s was anything but quiet. Bold patterns, wide-leg pants and statement accessories ruled the decade. Whether you were into disco, rock or a laid-back bohemian vibe, there was a style for everyone.
Fabrics played a big role. Suede, corduroy and polyester were everywhere. People mixed textures to create unique looks. A silky shirt with rugged denim or a leather jacket over a knit turtleneck was common.
Accessories completed the outfits. Wide belts, aviator sunglasses and platform shoes were staples. Jewelry, from gold chains to chunky rings, added extra flair.
Let’s take a look at some of the best 70s fashion ideas for men. Whether you want to go full retro or just add a touch of the decade, there is something here for you.
1. Printed Shirts and Psychedelic Patterns:
The 70s embraced bold prints and psychedelic patterns like never before. Men rocked shirts adorned with vibrant colors, abstract designs, and swirling patterns that captured the spirit of the era.
Whether it was a floral Hawaiian shirt or a geometric-patterned disco shirt, printed tops were a statement-making piece in 70s men’s fashion.
2. Suede Jackets and Fringed Vests:
Channeling a rugged yet stylish vibe, suede jackets and fringed vests were popular outerwear choices for men in the 70s. Suede jackets, often adorned with intricate stitching or embellishments, added a touch of Western-inspired charm to any ensemble.
Meanwhile, fringed vests exuded a bohemian flair that perfectly complemented the era’s free-spirited attitude.
3. Wide-Lapel Blazers and Leisure Suits:
The 70s ushered in a new era of suiting characterized by wide lapels, bold colors, and luxurious fabrics. Wide-lapel blazers paired with matching trousers exuded sophistication and style, while leisure suits offered a more relaxed yet equally fashionable alternative.
Whether dressed up for a night on the town or worn casually for everyday wear, these ensembles epitomized 70s men’s fashion.
4. Aviator Sunglasses and Oversized Eyewear:
Eyewear was an essential accessory in 70s men’s fashion, with aviator sunglasses and oversized frames dominating the scene. Aviator sunglasses, with their classic metal frames and teardrop-shaped lenses, exuded a sense of timeless coolness.
Oversized eyewear, on the other hand, made a bold statement with large frames and tinted lenses that added a touch of mystery and intrigue.
5. Turtlenecks and Roll-neck Sweaters:
Turtlenecks and roll-neck sweaters were wardrobe essentials for men looking to stay stylish and warm in the cooler months.
Whether layered under a blazer for a polished look or worn on their own for a casual vibe, these knit tops added a touch of sophistication and elegance to 70s men’s fashion.
6. Corduroy Pants and Shirts:
Corduroy was a fabric of choice in 70s men’s fashion, offering both style and comfort. Corduroy pants, often in earthy tones like brown or olive green, were favored for their durability and texture.
Corduroy shirts, with their distinctive ribbed texture, added a rugged yet refined touch to any outfit.
7. Neck Scarves and Bandanas:
Accessories played a key role in completing the look in 70s men’s fashion, with neck scarves and bandanas adding a touch of flair and personality.
Whether worn loosely tied around the neck or wrapped stylishly around the head, these accessories added a pop of color and pattern to any ensemble.
8. Denim Everything:
Denim was king in the 70s, with men embracing denim in all its forms. From denim jackets and vests to denim bell-bottoms and shirts, this versatile fabric was a staple in every stylish man’s wardrobe.
Whether rocking double denim or mixing and matching with other pieces, denim epitomized the casual-cool aesthetic of 70s men’s fashion.
9. Bell-bottom Pants and Flared Jeans:
One of the most iconic fashion trends of the 70s was the prevalence of bell-bottom pants and flared jeans. Characterized by their wide leg openings that flared out from the knee downwards, these trousers were a staple in men’s wardrobes.
Whether dressed up with a button-down shirt or paired with a casual tee, bell-bottoms and flares added a touch of groovy flair to any outfit.
10. Platform Shoes and Chunky Boots:
Footwear in the 70s was all about making a statement, and nothing did that quite like platform shoes and chunky boots. Platform shoes, with their exaggerated soles that added height and attitude, were a favorite among men hitting the discotheque dance floors.
Chunky boots, on the other hand, offered a more rugged and masculine appeal, perfect for completing a hippie-inspired look.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 70s men’s fashion was a celebration of individuality, self-expression, and sartorial experimentation. From bell-bottom pants to printed shirts, suede jackets to platform shoes, the iconic fashion trends of the era continue to inspire and influence modern style.
As we look back on the fashion of the 70s, it’s clear that its impact on men’s fashion remains as relevant and enduring as ever.