70s Mens Fashion A Style Retrospective
Defining 70s Men’s Fashion
70s men fashion – The 1970s witnessed a significant shift in men’s fashion, moving away from the more structured styles of the previous decade. This era embraced a diverse range of aesthetics, reflecting the social and cultural upheavals of the time. From the flamboyant disco era to the laid-back hippie movement and the preppy look, 70s menswear offered a multitude of styles, each with its own distinct characteristics.
Overall Aesthetic of 70s Men’s Fashion
The overall aesthetic of 70s men’s fashion was characterized by a blend of formality and informality, a relaxed yet stylish approach to dressing. Bold colors, flamboyant patterns, and a variety of silhouettes defined the era’s unique style. The decade saw a move away from the rigid conformity of previous decades, allowing for greater self-expression through clothing choices.
Key Silhouettes and Shapes, 70s men fashion
Several key silhouettes dominated 70s men’s fashion. Wide-legged trousers, often flared, were a staple, paired with either fitted or looser-fitting shirts and jackets. The silhouette often featured a relaxed, almost languid, feel, contrasting sharply with the more tailored looks of earlier decades. Longer, often oversized, coats and jackets also became popular, adding to the overall relaxed yet stylish aesthetic.
Influence of Social and Cultural Movements
The social and cultural landscape of the 1970s profoundly impacted men’s clothing choices. The rise of counter-culture movements like the hippies promoted a more relaxed and informal style, characterized by natural fabrics, earthy tones, and long hair. Conversely, the burgeoning disco scene fueled a more flamboyant and extravagant style, featuring brightly colored suits, platform shoes, and bold accessories. The preppy look, on the other hand, offered a more traditional and polished aesthetic, reflecting a different segment of society.
Comparison of 70s Men’s Fashion Subcultures
| Subculture | Typical Garments | Colors/Patterns | Accessories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disco | Wide-lapelled suits, flared trousers, open shirts | Bright, bold colors; geometric patterns | Platform shoes, large necklaces, wide belts |
| Hippie | Bell-bottom jeans, loose shirts, long coats | Earthy tones; paisley prints | Bandanas, peace signs, long hair |
| Preppy | Button-down shirts, chinos, blazers, loafers | Muted colors; stripes, checks | Ties, belts, argyle socks |
Key Garments and Accessories
Several key garments and accessories defined the 70s menswear aesthetic. The construction and details of these items contributed significantly to the era’s overall look and feel.
70s Men’s Suits
70s suits were characterized by wide lapels, often reaching a considerable width, and high-waisted trousers with flared legs. Double-breasted suits were particularly popular, adding to the overall bold and dramatic aesthetic. The fabrics were often luxurious, contributing to the sense of extravagance associated with the era’s fashion.
Popular Shirt Styles
Source: thefashionisto.com
Shirt styles ranged from the flamboyant, often open-necked shirts worn with suits in the disco scene, to the more classic button-down shirts favored by the preppy crowd. Many shirts featured bold patterns and colors, reflecting the overall exuberance of the era’s fashion. The use of different collar styles also added to the variety of looks available.
Types of Trousers
Flared trousers were undeniably the defining trouser style of the 70s. These were often wide-legged and high-waisted, contributing to the era’s distinctive silhouette. Bell-bottom jeans, a staple of the hippie movement, also gained immense popularity, showcasing the era’s diverse style preferences.
Footwear
Platform shoes were a significant footwear trend, particularly within the disco scene, adding height and contributing to the flamboyant style. Boots, both ankle boots and taller styles, were also popular, adding a touch of ruggedness or sophistication depending on the overall outfit.
A Typical 70s Man’s Outfit
Imagine a man wearing a wide-lapelled, double-breasted suit in a bold shade of brown or burgundy. The suit is paired with a brightly colored, open-necked shirt featuring a geometric pattern, and high-waisted flared trousers. He sports platform shoes, a large statement necklace, and a wide belt, completing the look with a sense of effortless yet flamboyant style. His hair is styled in a longer cut, reflecting the prevailing trends of the era.
Fabrics and Patterns
The fabrics and patterns used in 70s men’s clothing played a significant role in shaping the decade’s unique aesthetic. The choices reflected both the era’s social and cultural influences and the technological advancements in textile production.
Commonly Used Fabrics
Velvet, corduroy, suede, and various wool blends were commonly used in 70s men’s clothing. These fabrics added texture and richness to the garments, contributing to the overall luxurious feel of the era’s style. The use of synthetic fabrics also increased, reflecting advancements in textile technology.
Popular Patterns and Prints
Bold geometric patterns, paisley prints, and stripes were highly popular during the 70s. These patterns often featured vibrant colors, adding to the overall exuberance of the era’s fashion. The use of these patterns varied across different subcultures, with hippies favoring earthy tones and paisleys, while the disco scene embraced brighter, bolder patterns.
Impact of Fabric Choices
The choice of fabric significantly impacted the overall look and feel of 70s men’s fashion. Luxurious fabrics like velvet and suede contributed to the sense of extravagance, while natural fabrics like cotton and linen reflected the more relaxed styles of the hippie movement. The combination of different textures and materials added depth and visual interest to the outfits.
Natural vs. Synthetic Fabrics
Both natural and synthetic fabrics were used extensively in 70s men’s clothing. Natural fabrics like cotton and linen offered breathability and comfort, while synthetics like polyester provided durability and wrinkle resistance. The choice often depended on the garment and the desired style, reflecting the era’s diverse fashion landscape.
Influential Designers and Trends
Several key designers and emerging trends shaped the landscape of 70s men’s fashion, leaving a lasting impact on menswear.
Contributions of Key Designers
While pinpointing specific designers solely focused on menswear from the 70s is challenging due to the era’s broader fashion trends influencing both men’s and women’s styles, designers like Yves Saint Laurent, known for his sharp tailoring and androgynous looks, significantly influenced the decade’s aesthetic. Other designers contributed to the overall eclectic mix of styles that characterized the 70s.
Specific Trends
Source: thetrendspotter.net
70s men’s fashion saw a fascinating blend of styles, from the flamboyant disco era to the more understated looks of the early decade. To fully understand the nuances of this period, it’s helpful to consider its place within the broader context of men history fashion , which reveals the influences and reactions that shaped the decade’s trends. Ultimately, 70s menswear reflects a time of experimentation and a departure from previous decades’ more rigid styles.
Several distinct trends emerged and gained popularity throughout the 1970s. The rise of disco culture led to the popularity of flamboyant suits and platform shoes. The counter-culture movement promoted a more relaxed and informal style, featuring bell-bottom jeans and loose-fitting shirts. The preppy look offered a more traditional and polished alternative, demonstrating the diverse range of styles present during the decade.
Evolution of Men’s Fashion
Men’s fashion in the 70s evolved from the more conservative styles of the early part of the decade to the increasingly flamboyant and diverse looks of the later years. The influence of social and cultural movements, coupled with advancements in textile technology, led to a significant shift in men’s clothing choices throughout the decade.
Top 5 Most Impactful Trends
- Flared Trousers: Wide-legged, often bell-bottom trousers, became a defining feature of 70s menswear.
- Wide Lapels: Suits featured significantly wider lapels than previous decades, adding to their dramatic appearance.
- Platform Shoes: A significant footwear trend, particularly within the disco scene.
- Bold Patterns and Colors: Vibrant colors and geometric or paisley prints were extensively used.
- Long Hair and Relaxed Silhouettes: Reflecting the influence of counter-culture movements.
The Legacy of 70s Men’s Fashion
The influence of 70s men’s fashion continues to be felt in contemporary styles, with designers regularly drawing inspiration from the era’s unique aesthetic.
Lasting Impact on Contemporary Styles
The relaxed silhouettes, bold patterns, and use of luxurious fabrics from the 70s continue to inspire modern menswear designers. Elements like flared trousers, wide lapels, and platform shoes have seen revivals in recent years, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the era’s style.
Elements Influencing Modern Menswear
Several key elements of 70s fashion have directly influenced modern menswear. The relaxed fit of many 70s garments has been adopted by contemporary designers, offering a more comfortable and less restrictive alternative to traditional tailoring. The use of bold colors and patterns also continues to inspire modern collections.
Designers Drawing Inspiration
Many contemporary designers incorporate elements of 70s fashion into their collections. The use of flared trousers, wide lapels, and retro patterns is a common sight in modern runways and high street collections, demonstrating the continued relevance of the era’s aesthetic.
Modern Trends Influenced by 70s Menswear
- The revival of flared trousers.
- The resurgence of wide-lapelled suits.
- The use of bold colors and retro patterns.
- The incorporation of suede and velvet into modern garments.
- The adoption of relaxed and comfortable silhouettes.
Quick FAQs: 70s Men Fashion
What were some common accessories worn by men in the 70s?
Popular accessories included wide belts, statement necklaces (often chunky chains or beads), scarves (worn loosely or as neckerchiefs), and hats (fedoras, berets, and even wide-brimmed hats).
How did the 70s influence modern menswear?
The 70s influence is seen in recurring trends like flared pants, retro prints, suede jackets, and the use of velvet and corduroy. Modern designers often reinterpret these elements for a contemporary look.
Were there any specific colors that dominated 70s men’s fashion?
Earthy tones like browns, greens, and oranges were popular, alongside bolder colors like mustard yellow, burnt orange, and deep reds. Subtle patterns and even brightly colored shirts were common.
How did the different subcultures influence 70s men’s style?
Disco fashion featured flamboyant shirts, bell bottoms, and platform shoes. Hippie styles incorporated earthy tones, flowing fabrics, and long hair. Preppy styles favored button-down shirts, chinos, and loafers.