How to get the 1970s retro look in your everyday style? Check out these tips and tricks for recreating 1970s fashion for men.
In the 70s, men’s fashion was a little more fun and quirky. They also had to be stylish enough to dress up nicely for formal events or, most likely, having a casual day in the office. You could be as creative as you wanted with your outfit choice. If you are looking for the 1970s retro look, read on to understand how to create it.
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70s Fashion Explained
In the 1970s, men’s outfits were distinctive and stylish. Men opted for all sorts of color in their clothes. They used to wear clothes that were not too tight or too loose.
In general, the pants’ length was also very long and went down to the ankle. The shirts were wide open, and they had no buttons or collars. The trousers had a belt around them which helped them to look more stylish. Everything from hairstyles to apparel to the music that people listened to reflected in the fashion trends of the 1970s.
70s Style For Men: Wardrobe Mainstays
The 1970s were all about wearing cool clothes that make you stand out from the crowd. Fashion designers began experimenting with sharp colors and more extravagant cuts as they tried to define what men should wear in the future to look handsome.
Here are some wardrobe mainstays from this decade that you can incorporate into your style:
70s Fashion Men’s Shirts
A 70s-inspired shirt should be loose-fitting and made of light fabric. Common choices include button-down shirts, tee shirts, and tank tops. Cuban shirts from the 50s fashion also reappeared in the 70s. For a truly authentic 70s look, choose a shirt with a bold print or loud colors.
In the 1970s, basic outfits like turtlenecks, polos, and button-down shirts could dress formally or casually, depending on the situation. Whether you’re going for a casual look or something more formal, there’s no doubt that 70s style is still stylish today.
70s Style Jeans And Pants
Fashion savvy men in the 70s had a penchant to appear stylish and sophisticated. The most popular silhouette was the wide-leg pant, usually made from denim or khaki fabric. Men would pair their pants with a simple tee or tank top for a more casual look.
Though the rugged look was often portrayed with relaxed fit jeans, the most popular styles of jeans were bell bottoms and flare legs.
A khaki pant ensemble was the go-to piece in a man’s wardrobe in the 1970s. The traditional pairing for the khaki pants outfit was a checked shirt, often topped with a bright colored blazer.
Another 70s-style staple was the double-breasted suit which frequently matched with a pristine white dress shirt.
70s Fashion Men’s Shorts
70s fashion for men portrayed the men’s priority to be relaxed and comfortable, without compromising style. Shorts were shorter in length, making a vital part of a summer wardrobe. To build shorts outfits, men usually opted for lightweight fabrics such as linen or cotton. Teaming them up with patterned shirts, polos, and even roll necks was in fashion.
In terms of fabrics for shorts, denim and corduroy were also popular choices. Plaid and stripes were common patterns, specifically madras plaid. Flannel outfits were a norm for casual wear. Earthy tones were a trend, with hues like brown, tan, and olive green being highly popular.
70s Fashion Men’s Suits
Suits also came in peculiar styles and vivid colors. Particularly well-liked were double-breasted styles made of corduroy and crushed velvet and different types of clothing, including leisure suits, Nehru jackets, and even kilts.
1. The Leisure Suit
It was typically made from polyester and had a relaxed fit—shirts with extra wide collars and striking patterns were usually paired with leisure suits.
2. The Three-Piece Suit
It consisted of a suit jacket, matching pants, and a matching vest, usually made from wool or polyester.
3. The Double-Breasted Suit
Double-breasted suits were a raging trend in the 70s. The jacket was wool or polyester and had two rows of buttons on the front.
4. The Nehru Jacket
The Nehru jacket typically had a collarless design and was made from wool or polyester. With its typical buttoned front closure, the jacket was the epitome of sophistication, making it a statement piece.
70s Fashion Menswear Accessories
Accessories also played a role in rounding off the 70s looks, with items like fedoras, big buckle belts, and aviator sunglasses adding a touch of glamor to the look. Of course, not everyone embraced this new style. Many men stick to traditional suits and wide ties. However, the relaxed yet eye-catching vibes of 1970s menswear remain popular today.
Platform Shoes
These shoes featured a thick sole that added height and drama to an outfit. Platform shoes were typically made from leather or suede and came in various colors, including black, brown, and tan. Cowboy boots were a major trend back in the day. These are now back in fashion, making a perfect choice for a jazzy look.
Aviator Sunglasses
These stylish shades have large, teardrop-shaped lenses that cover the entire eye area. Aviator sunglasses were typically made from metal or plastic and came in various colors, including black, brown, and silver.
Wide-Brimmed Hats
Primarily worn to provide sun protection, the hats added a lot of style to an outfit. Wide-brimmed hats for men were typically made from straw or felt and came in various colors, including black, white, and brown.
Beaded Necklaces
These trendy necklaces could be worn alone or layered with other necklaces to create a more dramatic look. Beaded necklaces were typically made from glass or plastic beads and came in various colors, including black, white, and silver.
Aesthetic 70s Outfits: Prominent Subcultures
In the 70s, there was a rise in many subcultures that reflected people’s dissatisfaction with traditional norms. Outfits from this era were quite influenced by 60s fashion, resulting in a mix of bold and distinctive ensembles. Here are a few of the most noteworthy subcultures from the 1970s and their corresponding outfits.
70s Hip Hop Fashion For Men
70s hip-hop fashion for men was all about showcasing prosperity while being relaxed and comfortable. Oversized t-shirts, jeans, tracksuits, bomber jackets, and sneakers, were the norm, and brands like Adidas and Nike were hugely popular. One of the hugely popular looks of the 70s was the all black outfit with a tracksuit, sneakers, a bucket hat, and lots of gold jewelry.
Another popular style was the denim overall, worn with a plain t-shirt or a button-down shirt. 70s hip-hop fashion has made a comeback, with many contemporary menswear brands hopping on to the hip hop inspired bandwagon.
Hip-Hop Outfits
- Wear a white shirt and orange cargo trousers for a 90s hip-hop look. Include a baseball cap, gold chain necklaces, and eyewear with a particular hip-hop flair to complete the ensemble.
- Typically, hip-hop attire can be achieved with tracksuits, oversized glasses, Kangol bucket hats, and shell-toe sneakers with oversized or no laces. Most importantly, heavy gold jewelry was predominant.
Retro 70s Fashion For Men
There has recently been an upsurge in retro 1970s fashion, and men’s retro fashions are no exception. While the retro 70s look for men may be slightly different than what was popular back then, the overall aesthetic is still the same. Wide-legged trousers, bold prints, and brightly colored shirts are all iconic retro 70s looks returning today. A retro-inspired shirt or pair of trousers is a great place to start, and you can build your outfit from there. You can quickly put together a retro 70s-inspired outfit that will turn heads with a little effort.
Retro Outfit:
- A light blue polo shirt, brown bell-bottom pants, and brown loafers with retro watches are contemporary examples of men’s retro 1970s attire.
- A black printed button-down shirt, black wide-leg slacks, and retro platform shoes with sunglasses complete the charismatic 70s men’s fashion look.
70s Men’s Fashion Hippie Style
70s men’s hippie fashion was a clothing style for men that was popular in the 70s. The style consisted of loose-fitting clothes, often made of raw materials like cotton and linen. Everyday items included bell-bottom pants, button-down shirts, and fringed suede jackets.
Accessories were also an essential part of the 70s men’s Fashion Hippie Style, with many men opting for headbands, leather belts, and large beaded jewelry.
The goal of the 70s men’s Fashion Hippie Style was to create unconventional outfits that were both comfortable and stylish. The loyal followers of this style appreciate its simple elegance.
Hippie Style
- You can portray the 70s hippie look by wearing frayed jeans, a kaftan shirt, headbands, sandals, a full beard, and long hair.
- Put together A 70s hippie ensemble with dashiki, bell-bottom pants, sunglasses, and sandals.
Preppy 70s Fashion For Men
Preppy fashion for men in the 70s wasn’t limited to polo shirts and madras shorts. Although those are unquestionably preppy essentials, which continued well in the 80s fashion for men as well.
For instance, a preppy outfit might include a button-down shirt under a sweater, flared chinos, and boat shoes. Or, for a more casual look, a preppy man might opt for a striped sweater, high waisted khakis, and loafers. No matter what preppy style you choose, the key is always to look put-together and polished. After all, that’s what preppy is all about.
70s Preppy Outfit:
- A pair of dark wash jeans with a button-down shirt and blazer is a great way to achieve a preppy look that is also modern and stylish. And don’t forget the accessories! A pair of loafers, aviator sunglasses, and a watch are the perfect finishing touches to your preppy look.
- A dark colored polo with high waisted chinos and boat shoes give the perfect casual preppy look.
70s Inspired Outfits For Men
As many of the 70s trends have made a comeback, why not try something unique this year and go with a 70s-inspired outfit? Men have a choice to dress up or down, depending on the circumstance. To get you started, consider these suggestions.
70s Beach Fashion For Men
The 70s was a decade when style truly reflected the times. It was carefree, laid-back, and above all, fun. One of the most popular beach looks for men was the Aloha shirt. Also known as a Hawaiian shirt, this loose-fitting garment was usually made from brightly-colored botanical print fabric and featured a camp collar and short sleeves. Aloha shirts are worn over a tee shirt or tank top paired with shorts or swim trunks.
Another popular 70s beach look for men was the surfer style. This look consisted of fitted board shorts, often in bold prints or stripes, paired with a tee shirt or tank top.
70s Party Fashion For Men
70s party fashion for men was glamorous, but not without compromising comfort. The 70s was a decade of creating your unique style, and men took full advantage of that even at parties.
Men’s most popular 70s party fashion consisted of leisure suits, tie-dye shirts, denim jeans, floral shirts, and bell-bottom pants. You could also find men sporting ponchos, kaftans, headbands, and platform shoes.
70s Men’s Fashion Summer Outfits
Men’s summer fashion in the 70s was a mix of easy to wear clothing in breathable fabrics and comfortable footwear. Short shorts, Hawaiian shirts, and fitted polyester shirts were all popular choices for summer fashion.
For footwear, sandals or low-top sneakers were the way to go. And don’t forget the wide framed sunglasses! 70s fashion has been coming back in recent years, so why not embrace the trend this summer? With a bit of effort, you can easily create a 70s-inspired outfit that will help you beat the heat in style.
FAQs
How do you look like you’re from the 70s?
Dominating fashion trends of the 1970s were flowy fabrics, wide-leg jeans, and quirky eyewear. Also bell-bottomed pants, tattered jeans, and mustaches were iconic 70s trends. If you want a hippie look, create it with accessories like headbands, chokers, and jewelry made of beads,
What do you wear to a 70s party?
Choosing a theme for your outfit for a 70s party might be disco from the late 1970s, rock from the middle of the 1970s, or hippy, peacock, or vibrant hues from the early 1970s. Bright colors, strong patterns, and a lot of texture are the elements that tie all of these together. Try wearing a vest, turtleneck, collared shirt, platform shoes, and bell-bottomed pants.
What hairstyle was popular in the 70s?
In the 70s, musicians, movie stars, celebrities, and hippie lifestyles heavily influenced men’s hairstyles. From long to short, Afro to dreadlocks, and mullet to feathered hair, there were many fabulous men’s haircuts and styles throughout the decade.
Are the 70s coming back in 2022?
Not only are trends from the 90s fashion returning this year, but also styles from the 1970s. In 2022, 70s fashion also experiences a nostalgic comeback. Consider fringes, clogs, suede vests, patchwork, and flared jeans. Long cardigans, oversized sweaters, biker boots, plaid, loose cargo pants, oversized leather jackets, and low waists are all returning for fall 2022.
Summing Up The 70s Fashion For Men
The 70s were a time for men to experiment with their fashion choices, and we saw some fantastic results! Overall, the decade was more about comfort and function than style. However, some trends stood out and defined the era. Bell bottom pants, hippie-inspired clothing, and disco attire were all unique to the 1970s.
While some of these looks may not be something you’d wear today, it’s essential to acknowledge and appreciate the fashion of this now iconic decade. So rock that retro look with panache to experience the carefree vibes of the bygone eras once more.
