From loud printed shirts and flared pants to the platform shoe, 70s menswear was one-of-a-kind. Photo: spatuletail / Shutterstock.com
The 70s silhouette is making a comeback, infusing today’s fashion scene with a touch of spice. Luxury brands like Gucci and affordable stores like Zara are embracing stylish jackets with wide lapels and flared pants, channeling the unique 70s outfits for men. This era's fashion was all about individuality and character that couldn't be tamed.
The 1970s were known for their audacious spirit and fashion innovators like the iconic Freddie Mercury from the rock band Queen. This era continued the bold and dramatic stylistic ethos of the late 1960s. It was a time of adventurous experimentation with form and shape.
The Seventies in the Details
70s fashion had a cool factor with the cut and look of everything from men’s leather jackets and sunglasses to patterned short-sleeve shirts. Photo: iStock
In the 70s, attention to cut was paramount in men's fashion. Unique silhouettes could be seen in jackets, pants, and shirts, as men sought to achieve a dashing and dramatic look. Bell bottoms, silk shirts, velvet pants, and double-breasted coats were all popular choices, accompanied by bold prints and bright colors.
Accessories played a crucial role as well. Clunky platform shoes with thick soles, brightly colored scarves, and fedoras were all the rage. Facial hair and long sideburns were also popular among men, adding to their stylish and dramatic appearance.
Whether you're searching for 70s outfits for men, looking to incorporate the trend into your daily wardrobe, or simply want a blast from the past, there are plenty of ways to tap into this iconic era and make a bold statement.
Fashion Colors
Neutral tones, predominantly brown and gray, were significant for men’s outfits in the 1970s and made mixing and matching pieces easier. Photo: iStock
While the 1970s were known for their vibrant and wild color choices, there was a specific color palette that defined the decade. Shades of brown, beige, black, white, and gray were the popular choices.
Neutral colors, such as corduroy, knitwear, and silk shirts, were widely used in men's attire. However, colorful pieces, especially plaid prints, were also prevalent. To channel the era with your outfits this season, stick to these classic colors for a timeless and on-trend look.
Men’s Wide Lapels Were En Vogue
A significant differentiator for suits and dress shirts in the seventies was wide lapels and collars. Photo: iStock
One of the defining trends of the 1970s was wide lapels in menswear. Whether it was a blazer, suit jacket, or cardigan, wide lapels were everywhere. Although they may seem unusual by today's standards, back then, menswear was all about bold and out-of-the-box choices.
The Chic Turtleneck or Roll Necks
Two men pose for a seventies photo, wearing turtleneck sweaters and pleated pants. Photo: iStock
In the 70s, nothing exuded sophistication like a turtleneck. Turtleneck sweaters were a go-to choice during this era, providing both warmth and elegance.
Whether you opt for a classic black turtleneck or something more colorful like red or teal, rocking a turtleneck is a surefire way to pay homage to the seventies and look sharp. Men confidently paired their turtlenecks with various ensembles, from jeans to suave slacks.
Vintage Disco Moment
From the lively dance floors to the trendy bars, guys in the 70s embraced disco fashion fervently. Photo: iStock
Disco fashion was a beloved trend in the 70s. From the dance floors to the bars, disco style was everywhere. This era's fashion was best known for its tight fits, bright colors, bold prints, and the use of sequins and sparkles.
Bell bottoms, vests, silky shirts with collars and oversized sleeves, and fringed accessories were all popular choices. Men often accessorized their disco outfits with large glasses, leather belts, fedoras, and watch fobs.
Platform shoes were a must-have item for guys, adding a touch of color and metallic accents to complete the look. Disco fashion was not only designed for movement and fun but also to showcase a man's personality. It was a time when loose-fitting clothes and flashy accessories allowed men to express themselves on the dancefloor.
Men’s Corduroy Craze
Corduroy wasn’t just relegated to pants and nerd attire for the 1970s; brown jackets reigned supreme. Photo: iStock
Corduroy was all the rage in the 1970s, offering a soft and plush feel that was perfect for casual and formal wear. Jackets, pants, and vests were often crafted from corduroy in various colors and patterns. Brown, green, blue, and gray were the popular choices.
The Luxury of a Silk Shirt
During the 1970s, silk shirts were a fashionable choice for men, adding a refined and polished look to their attire. Button-down shirts were trendy, but some silk shirts featured open collars.
Men wore silk shirts with everything from tailored pants to casual jeans. To recreate this look today, you can opt for a satin shirt or invest in Tom Ford silk pants.
The Hippies Look
The seventies hippie aesthetic for men embraced simplicity, like this stylish guy wearing a t-shirt with a pair of flared jeans. Photo: Deposit Photos
The hippie aesthetic was popular during the 1970s. Loose-fitting shirts, wide-legged pants, long hair, and beards were all part of achieving the laidback vibe of this look. Earthy tones, colorful prints, and accessories like platform shoes or headbands completed the ensembles.
Vibrant, Patterned Knitwear for Every Occasion
Men loved knitwear with patterns during the 70s. Stripes, argyle, geometric prints, and floral designs added personality to their outfits. Many pieces were made from soft and breathable wool or cotton fabrics.
Seventies Men’s Suits
An image from the seventies shows a stylish gentleman in a herringbone suit jacket and an example of the decade’s wide and bold neckties. Photo: iStock
The man's suit was a staple of the 70s fashion. It featured notable updates from the previous decade, such as slightly shorter suit jackets and more defined waistlines for a sleek silhouette. Men paired their suits with dress shirts, ties, and other accessories, creating an ultra-dapper look.
Muscle Culture
One of the prominent bodybuilding figures, Arnold Schwarzenegger, poses for a 1974 photo before defending the title for his fifth Mr. Olympia contest. Photo: Madison Square Garden Center, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The rise of muscle culture in the 1970s marked a time of subculture proliferation. Physical fitness, bodybuilding, and muscular development became a significant trend. Men sought to achieve strong and toned physiques through weightlifting and bodybuilding, reflecting notions of manliness, strength, and power.
Men in this subculture often donned tight t-shirts to showcase their chiseled bodies. This trend extended into the disco era, where dancing in tightly fitted attire became popular.
The Touch of Velvet
Velvet was the epitome of menswear in the 70s, known for its soft touch and rich texture. Whether in the form of a jacket, pants, or shirt, velvet pieces were sure to turn heads. Deep purple, emerald green, and burgundy were popular colors for velvet sports coats.
Glam Rock Style Clothes
Left: Wearing platforms and glam rock metallic fashions, Slade performs for Dutch television show AVRO’s TopPop in 1973. Photo: AVRO, CC BY-SA 3.0 NL, via Wikimedia Commons Right: Embracing his Ziggy Stardust era, David Bowie performs at Newcastle in a jumpsuit designed by Freddie Burretti in 1972. Photo: Rik Walton, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Bold choices defined men's fashion in the 1970s. The glam rock aesthetic emerged as a popular trend, with men embracing their inner rock stars. Tight-fitting clothes in bright colors were the hallmark of this style.
Glam rockers donned form-fitting pieces like leather pants, metallic jumpsuits, and sequined shirts to show off their body shape and make a statement. Chunky platform shoes and long scarves completed the look for these glamorous gentlemen.
Wide-leg Trousers
The seventies wide-leg trousers made a statement back then, and now they are back for an encore performance. Photo: Deposit Photos
Wide-leg trousers were a staple of 70s fashion, remembered with fondness and admiration. They were suitable for both formal and casual wear, offering a comfortable fit that still looks great today. From loose-fit chinos to wide-leg denim jeans, this trend is making a comeback in modern fashion.
But What About Flared Pants?
Flared trousers were a staple of men’s trendy styles. Photo: Deposit Photos
John Travolta's iconic clothes in Saturday Night Fever made flared pants unforgettable. Flared pants are different from wide-leg trousers because they typically have a slim fit through the thigh and flare out past the knees. Both styles offer a 70s take on modern menswear, providing comfort and ease of movement.
’70s Punk Style Outfits
English punk band Sex Pistols perform in Norway in 1977. Photo: Riksarkivet (National Archives of Norway) from Oslo, Norway, No restrictions, via Wikimedia Commons
Punk fashion rose to prominence in the mid-70s and became a symbol of rebellion against mainstream culture. Bands like the Sex Pistols led the way in this rebellion. Men embraced DIY clothing, featuring leather jackets, distressed jeans, band tees adorned with spikes, studs, and safety pins, as well as skinny denim jeans.
The punk fashion was characterized by edgy hairstyles like Mohawks, makeup looks, and accessories that portrayed a sense of disillusionment. Leather jackets, ripped shirts, and skinny denim jeans became the uniform for those who felt marginalized or misunderstood.
Prominent figures like Johnny Rotten, Sid Vicious, Joe Strummer, and Iggy Pop left an indelible mark on both music and fashion history. Their influence continues to inspire creativity and nonconformity.
1970s Leather Jackets for Men
The leather jacket is one of the quintessential men’s styles of the ’70s. Photo: iStock
Leather jackets were a popular choice for men's outerwear. These timeless pieces exuded an edgy and sophisticated look suitable for any occasion. From typical tan leather jackets to bold-colored ones with exaggerated collars and lapels, the options were endless.
Leather jackets featured wide cuffs, waistbands, and bold buckles or zippers down the front. Men could choose from various lengths, from cropped versions to full-length coats. The classic look of men's leather jackets from the 70s still stands the test of time.
’70s Men’s Accessories
Make an effortless ’70s statement with a wide shirt collar and aviator sunglasses. Photo: iStock
Men had a plethora of accessory options in the 70s. From braided belts and aviator sunglasses to silk scarves and fedora hats, accessorizing was key. Retro shades, patterned neckties, and cufflinks added an extra flair to their outfits.
Men’s ’70s Shoes
What shoes were fashionable for men during the seventies? Loafers, moccasins, platform shoes, work boots, and sneakers were all popular choices. With such a wide range of options, men could find shoes that suited their style and preference.
Don’t Forget the Suede Jacket
The popular CO-ORD set is a blast from the past as men enjoyed wearing matching shirt and shorts sets during the 1970s. Photo: iStock
Suede jackets were a must-have item for men in the 70s. Whether in the form of a blazer or a bomber jacket, suede added a touch of sophistication and warmth to any outfit. These jackets, often seen in classic tan color, still possess the charm of the 70s.
Overall, What Did Men Wear in the 70s?
To summarize, 70s menswear was bold, audacious, and unapologetic. Leather jackets, silk shirts, bell bottoms, wide-leg pants, and rich textures like velvet and corduroy were the defining elements of this era. Men exuded confidence and embraced their individuality, making it a renowned era for fashion-forward gentlemen.
As the 1980s arrived, men's fashion transitioned towards a more subdued and conservative look. However, the spirit of individuality and self-expression remained, manifesting in different ways.
If you're seeking 70s inspiration, whether it's a classic black turtleneck or a timeless tan leather jacket, there are endless options to channel the seventies in a modern way. So embrace the groove, unleash your inner retro icon, and make a fashion statement that transcends time.
