1970s men’s fashion: from disco to denim

The 1970s was a decade of eclectic fashion, blending the influence of counterculture, disco, and retro revival. Men’s fashion in the 1970s was all about bold choices, whether it was wide lapels, flared trousers, or colorful prints. This was the era of both laid-back casual wear and extravagant disco styles. Here’s a guide to the key trends of 1970s men’s fashion.

Suits: wide lapels and flared trousers

Men’s suits in the 1970s were defined by bold designs, with wide lapels, flared trousers, and often a slim waist to create an exaggerated silhouette. Suits were frequently colorful, with bright shades like mustard, brown, and deep blue dominating the palette. The three-piece suit, complete with a matching vest, was also a popular choice for both casual and formal wear.

• Key features: Wide lapels, flared trousers, and colorful fabrics.
• Tip: For a true 1970s-inspired look, choose a suit with wide lapels and flared trousers in a bold, retro color like mustard or brown.
• Popular fabrics: Polyester, wool, and corduroy.

Trousers: flares and bell-bottoms

Trousers in the 1970s were all about the flare. High-waisted pants with wide, bell-bottom legs became one of the defining features of the decade. These trousers were often paired with tight-fitting shirts or jackets to balance the exaggerated silhouette. Jeans also followed this trend, with bell-bottom denim becoming a casual staple.

• Tip: Flared trousers or bell-bottoms are essential for capturing the 1970s look. Pair them with fitted tops or shirts to balance the look.
• Popular materials: Denim, corduroy, and polyester.

Casual wear: denim, turtlenecks, and patterned shirts

Casual fashion in the 1970s was a mix of comfortable, laid-back styles and bold, eye-catching patterns. Denim was a staple, from bell-bottom jeans to denim jackets. Turtlenecks were also a popular choice, often worn under blazers or with casual trousers. Button-down shirts in paisley, floral, and geometric patterns added vibrant flair to men’s casual wear, reflecting the era’s embrace of bold designs.

• Popular casual pieces: Turtlenecks, denim jackets, paisley or floral button-downs, and bell-bottom jeans.
• Tip: For a casual 1970s look, pair bell-bottom jeans with a patterned button-down shirt or a fitted turtleneck.

Disco style: bold, shiny, and extravagant

The disco movement of the late 1970s had a huge influence on men’s fashion, with outfits becoming more extravagant and flamboyant. Shiny fabrics, like satin and silk, were often used for shirts and suits, and bold colors and patterns were common. The leisure suit, a more relaxed version of the traditional suit, became a disco staple. These suits were often made from polyester and featured wide collars, open-necked shirts, and flared trousers.

• Tip: For a disco-inspired look, go for a leisure suit in a bold color like white, paired with a shiny, open-necked shirt.
• Popular fabrics: Satin, silk, polyester.

Shirts: bold prints and fitted cuts

Shirts in the 1970s were all about making a statement. Bold patterns, like paisley, stripes, and geometric designs, were popular, especially for casual wear. Shirts were often fitted, with wide collars and buttoned up halfway, reflecting the era’s relaxed yet bold approach to style. For more formal occasions, men often wore shirts with ruffles or shiny fabrics.

• Tip: Try a fitted button-down shirt with a bold pattern or wide collar for that true 1970s vibe.
• Popular patterns: Paisley, stripes, florals, and geometric designs.

Outerwear: leather jackets and trench coats

Men’s outerwear in the 1970s was influenced by both casual and formal trends. Leather jackets were a popular choice, especially in black or brown. Trench coats and pea coats were often worn over formal outfits, while denim jackets and bomber jackets were staples of casual wear. These jackets were often paired with flared trousers or bell-bottom jeans.

• Popular styles: Leather jackets, denim jackets, trench coats, and pea coats.
• Tip: A fitted leather jacket or trench coat is a great way to add a classic 1970s touch to your outfit.

Footwear: platforms, loafers, and boots

Footwear in the 1970s was just as bold as the clothing. Platform shoes became a symbol of the decade, often worn with disco outfits or flamboyant suits. Loafers and leather boots were also popular choices, especially for everyday wear. Chelsea boots, which had gained popularity in the 1960s, remained a staple in men’s wardrobes.

• Tip: For a 1970s-inspired look, go for platform shoes for a disco vibe, or leather loafers for a more everyday retro style.
• Popular styles: Platform shoes, leather loafers, Chelsea boots.

Accessories: wide belts, sunglasses, and more

Accessories in the 1970s were bold and often exaggerated. Wide leather belts with oversized buckles became a defining feature, especially when worn with high-waisted trousers. Sunglasses, particularly with tinted lenses, were another popular accessory, adding a cool edge to any outfit. Scarves, gold chains, and wide-brimmed hats also added flair to men’s looks during the decade.

• Popular accessories: Wide belts, tinted sunglasses, gold chains, wide-brimmed hats.
• Tip: A wide belt with a bold buckle or a pair of tinted sunglasses can instantly elevate your 1970s-inspired outfit.

Hairstyles and grooming: long hair and mustaches

Men’s hairstyles in the 1970s embraced length and volume. Long, flowing hair was common, especially among younger men and those influenced by the countercultural movement. The mustache also became a defining facial hair trend of the decade, with many men opting for a thick, full mustache as part of their everyday look.

• Tip: For an authentic 1970s look, grow a full mustache and keep your hair longer and slightly tousled.
• Popular grooming styles: Long, wavy hair, mustaches, and sideburns.

Final thoughts

The 1970s was a decade of bold choices in men’s fashion, with everything from flared trousers and platform shoes to bright colors and wild patterns making a statement. Whether you’re inspired by the laid-back casual styles or the flashy disco looks, the 1970s offers endless inspiration for adding some retro flair to your wardrobe. Embrace the bold, experimental spirit of the decade, and don’t be afraid to stand out with your style.