The 1970s, a time when fashion was as groovy as a disco ball and just as dazzlingly bizarre. If there’s one decade that gave us some of the most head-scratching styles, it was the ’70s. Today, we’re counting down the top five reasons why the men’s fashion of that era should stay locked in the time capsule!
1. The Polyester Leisure Suit: When it comes to ’70s menswear, the polyester leisure suit reigns supreme. These suits promised to bring comfort to formal wear, but instead, they brought discomfort to our eyes. With their shiny facade and plastic-like texture, these suits were the fashion equivalent of a bad toupee. You didn’t just wear a leisure suit; you survived it.
It’s hard to imagine someone walking down the street today in one of these without raising eyebrows and causing traffic accidents. Sure, they were wrinkle-free and low maintenance, but they were also a walking fire hazard. Polyester: the fabric of our nightmares.
Product on Amazon: Forum Novelties Men’s 70s Leisure Suit Costume, Plaid, Standard
Brand: Rubies
Price: 49.09 USD
Rating: 4.0 Total reviews: 128
Top Review from US: “Great costume received lots of compliments. Didn’t know the shirt and jacket are all one piece which is good and bad as this is a one size fits most. Was not itchy on your skin. Elastic waste pants.
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2. Bell-Bottom Pants: Let’s talk about bell-bottoms, the pants that defied gravity and sense. These flared wonders might have seemed like a stylish rebellion against the straight and narrow, but they were more of a trip hazard than a fashion statement.
The wider the flare, the more fashionable you were considered to be. Yet, they made every man look like he was wearing a couple of upside-down flower pots on his legs. Plus, when paired with platform shoes, they were a safety violation waiting to happen!
Product on Amazon: 70s Disco Pants for Men,Mens Bell Bottom Jeans Pants,60s 70s Bell Bottoms Vintage Denim Pants Jeans for Men
Brand: EVEDESIGN
Price: 33.99-34.99 USD
Rating: 4.4 Total reviews: 1293
Top Review from US: “I’m 6’4” with a 36 inch inseam. Based on the size chart I ordered 2xl which fits my 36 inch waist and is a bit short in the legs. Good enough for Halloween but a little short for daily wear. Exactly what I expected. Good looking fun pants with a lot of stretch for jeans.”
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3. Platform Shoes: Speaking of platform shoes, who thought it was a good idea to elevate oneself several inches off the ground? These shoes were the ultimate test of balance and bravery.
While they were all about ‘reach for the stars’, the reality was more ‘crash to the ground’. The towering footwear often resulted in a kind of awkward, wobbly gait that no amount of ’70s swagger could compensate for. Oh, and good luck driving in those!
Product on Amazon: Mens Freddy 1970s Platform 3″ Heel Black & White Shoes
Brand: Ellie Shoes Store
Price: 52.25-66.57 USD
Rating: 4.4 Total reviews: 96
Top Review from US: “Look great!! Goes well with my lime green leasure suit.”
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4. Wide Lapels and Ties: The ’70s were not subtle, especially when it came to lapels and ties. The wider the better, seemed to be the mantra, as if men’s chests needed that much more attention.
These broad expanses of fabric could double as napkins in a pinch, and ties were less of an accessory and more of a bib. If you found yourself lost in the wilderness, you could signal for help simply by waving your lapel!
Product on Amazon: GUSLESON 3.15″（8cm） Mens Floral Tie and Lapel Pin Necktie Hankerchief Cufflinks Set for Men
Brand: Visit the GUSLESON Store
Price: 12.95 USD
Rating: 4.8 Total reviews: 133
Top Review from US: “A really nice tie, goes great with my dark blue sport coat and a white or light blue shirt. Nice material.”
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5. The Perm: Move over, Charlie’s Angels, the guys wanted curls too. The playful perm was all the rage, proving that men were just as willing to suffer for style—or lack thereof.
However, the pursuit of curls often resulted in crispy, poodle-like hairdos that were anything but flattering. It was a bold choice, and one that made hats a necessary accessory to hide the damage.
As we journey through the decades of fashion, the swings of style become evident, reminding us that what was once considered cutting-edge can quickly become a nostalgic memory. The ’70s may have been a time of wild experimentation and daring fashion choices, but they also serve as a gentle, humorous reminder of how far we’ve come—and perhaps, how much we should tread carefully when considering the revival of past trends.
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