Walk into any thrift shop in Brooklyn or East London right now and you’ll see it. Polyester. Wide collars. Browns so deep they look like coffee grounds. It’s weird because for a long time, we collectively agreed that clothes from the 70s for men were a bit of a disaster. People laughed at the leisure suits. They mocked the platform shoes. But honestly? The 1970s was probably the last time men’s fashion was actually brave.
It wasn't just about looking "good." It was about rebellion.
After the rigid, skinny-tie era of the 1960s, guys just kind of snapped. They wanted room to breathe. They wanted color. They wanted to look like they were constantly five minutes away from either a protest or a disco. If you look at photos of Mick Jagger or even just a regular guy at a 1974 backyard BBQ, there’s a sense of freedom that we’ve lost in our modern era of tech-fleece and oversized hoodies.
The silhouette that defined an era
Most people think "70s" and think flares. That’s part of it, sure. But the real secret to the look was the balance between tight and loose. It was a "triangle" silhouette. Tight on top, massive on the bottom.
Think about the classic disco shirt. It wasn't just a shirt; it was a garment engineered for maximum drama. The collars were huge—often called "butterfly collars"—and they were meant to be worn over the lapel of a jacket. It sounds messy, but it worked. Designers like Roy Halston and Bill Blass were pushing these limits, moving away from the structured British tailoring that had dominated for decades. They wanted something softer.
The fabric was the real kicker. Polyester was the king of the decade. Why? Because it was cheap, it didn't wrinkle, and you could dye it colors that nature never intended. While we value natural fibers like linen and organic cotton today, back then, "synthetic" was a buzzword for "the future." It was high-tech.
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Why clothes from the 70s for men were more than just costumes
There’s a common misconception that everyone looked like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever every single day. That’s just not true.
The decade had layers. You had the "Peacock Revolution" holdovers, the rugged "Me Decade" outdoor look, and the birth of punk. If you were a guy in 1975, your wardrobe probably depended heavily on whether you lived in a city or the suburbs.
- The Leisure Suit: This is the most ridiculed outfit in history. Basically, it was a matching jacket and trousers made of textured polyester, often in shades of powder blue or mint green. It was designed to be "casual formal." You could wear it to a wedding or a bar. It was the ancestor of the modern "smart casual" look, just... much louder.
- The Safari Jacket: Thanks to designers like Yves Saint Laurent, the safari look exploded. We’re talking epaulets, four pockets, and a waist belt. It gave men a rugged, "explorer" vibe even if they were just going to the office in Midtown Manhattan. Roger Moore’s James Bond basically lived in these.
- The Western Influence: This is a big one that people forget. Denims became massive. Double denim—the "Canadian Tuxedo"—wasn't a joke; it was a staple. Western shirts with pearl snaps and embroidery were everywhere.
The 70s was a pivot point. We moved from the "Man in the Grey Flannel Suit" to a guy who wasn't afraid to wear a floral print shirt unbuttoned to his navel. It was the birth of individual expression in the mass market.
The "Ugly" Colors: Why we love them now
If you look at a 1970s color palette, it’s a lot of mustard yellow, burnt orange, and "avocado" green. For years, these were considered the ugliest colors imaginable. But look at interior design trends and high-fashion runways lately. These "earth tones" are everywhere.
They feel grounded. In a world of digital screens and neon lights, there’s something weirdly comforting about a corduroy jacket in a deep russet brown. Tom Ford has built half his career on reviving this specific brand of 70s machismo. It’s a vibe that says you’re sophisticated but you also probably know how to change a tire or play a bass guitar.
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Corduroy was the unsung hero of the decade. It was the "working man's" fabric that got adopted by the Ivy League and the counter-culture alike. A pair of wide-leg corduroy trousers is probably the easiest way to dip your toe into 70s style without looking like you’re heading to a Halloween party.
Rockstars, Athletes, and the Influence of Celebs
You can't talk about this era without mentioning David Bowie. His Ziggy Stardust phase brought androgyny to the mainstream. He proved that men could wear sequins, high boots, and makeup and still be the coolest person in the room. This trickled down into "Glam Rock" fashion, which eventually softened into the satin shirts and tighter-than-tight jeans of the late 70s.
On the flip side, you had the "macho" icons. Burt Reynolds and Clint Eastwood popularized the rugged, hairy-chest, leather-jacket look. This was the era of the "statement" leather coat—long, often with shearling linings. It was heavy. It was masculine. It smelled like tobacco and cheap cologne.
Then there was the influence of sports. The 70s saw the rise of the tracksuit as everyday wear. Before this, you only wore athletic gear if you were actually running a race. But stars like Björn Borg made Fila and Adidas look like high fashion. Suddenly, it was cool to look like you just walked off a tennis court. This was the literal beginning of "athleisure."
How to actually wear this stuff today without looking ridiculous
The mistake most guys make is trying to do the whole look at once. Don’t do that. You’ll look like an extra in Anchorman.
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Instead, pick one "hero" piece.
If you’re wearing flared jeans, keep the top simple—maybe a high-quality white tee or a slim-fitting knit polo. If you’ve found an amazing vintage 70s leather jacket with those huge collars, wear it with modern slim jeans and some clean boots. It’s about the contrast.
- Footwear: Swap your chunky sneakers for a pair of Chelsea boots or some slim, retro runners like the Adidas Samba or Onitsuka Tiger. These were staples then and they’re staples now.
- The Knit Polo: This is the "cheat code" for 70s style. Look for something with a bit of texture—crochet or pointelle knits are great. It gives that vintage texture without the polyester itch.
- Accessories: Tinted sunglasses. Think pale yellow or rose lenses with aviator frames. They instantly change the "temperature" of an outfit.
The lasting legacy of 70s tailoring
Modern tailoring owes a lot more to the 70s than people realize. The move toward "unstructured" blazers—jackets without the heavy shoulder pads and stiff internal canvassing—started gaining traction here. It was about comfort.
Today, brands like Gucci (under Alessandro Michele) and Celine have leaned hard into this aesthetic. They recognized that the 70s represented a peak in "identity fashion." It wasn't about blending in; it was about standing out. Even if you aren't ready for a velvet jumpsuit, you can appreciate the craftsmanship of a wide-lapel suit. It broadens the shoulders and narrows the waist, creating a classic masculine shape that modern "skinny" suits often fail to achieve.
Moving forward with 70s style
To start incorporating this look, stop looking at "costume" versions of the 70s. Look at the movies of the era—The French Connection, Three Days of the Condor, or Shaft. Look at how the clothes moved.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Audit your closet for "texture": If everything you own is flat cotton or tech-fabric, you're missing the 70s soul. Find one piece in corduroy, suede, or a heavy knit.
- Check the collar: Next time you buy a button-down, look for a slightly longer collar point. It’s a subtle nod that most people won't consciously notice but will "feel" vintage.
- Go thrift hunting: The 70s was the era of "built to last" (unlike the fast fashion of today). You can still find genuine 70s leather jackets and wool coats in vintage shops that have another 50 years of life in them.
- Focus on the fit: Ensure your trousers sit higher on the waist. The "low-rise" look of the 2000s is the enemy of the 70s aesthetic. A higher waist makes your legs look longer and provides a better drape for tucked-in shirts.
The 70s wasn't a mistake. It was a celebration. By pulling the best elements—the rich colors, the bold textures, and the relaxed tailoring—you can build a wardrobe that feels timeless rather than dated.