Key Garments and Styles
Late 70’s fashion for men – Late 70s British urban menswear was a vibrant mix of influences, reflecting the social and musical shifts of the era. From the glitz of disco to the rebellious energy of punk, and the preppy styles favoured by some, the decade offered a diverse range of looks that continue to inspire contemporary fashion. This section will explore the key garments and styles that defined this period.
Iconic Late 70s Menswear Items
The late 1970s saw a fascinating collision of different styles, resulting in a diverse wardrobe for the fashion-conscious man. The following table highlights some of the most memorable items.
| Garment | Description | Style Associations | Image Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bell Bottoms | Wide-legged trousers, flaring dramatically from the knee to the ankle. Often made from denim, corduroy, or other textured fabrics. | Disco, Glam Rock | Imagine a pair of dark wash denim bell bottoms, slightly faded, with a high waist and a wide, dramatic flare. The fabric might have a slight sheen, suggesting a high-quality denim. |
| Disco Shirts | Shirts featuring bold patterns, bright colours, and often shiny fabrics like polyester or satin. Could be short or long-sleeved, often with open collars. | Disco, Glam Rock | Picture a shirt in vibrant turquoise with a large, geometric pattern in gold and silver. The fabric has a noticeable sheen, and the collar is open, revealing a gold chain necklace. |
| Leather Jackets | From biker-style to more tailored versions, leather jackets were a staple, often in black or brown. | Punk, Rock, Biker | Envision a classic black leather biker jacket, slightly worn but well-maintained, with zippered pockets and a slightly fitted silhouette. |
| Knitwear | Chunky knit sweaters, often in bold colours or featuring intricate patterns, were popular for a more casual look. | Preppy, Casual | A thick, cream-coloured cable knit sweater comes to mind, perhaps with a high neck and a relaxed fit. |
Styles of the Late 1970s
The late 1970s offered a diverse range of stylistic choices for men, each reflecting a specific cultural movement or attitude.
The stylistic landscape of the late 1970s was multifaceted, offering diverse options for men to express themselves through clothing.
- Disco: Characterised by flamboyant shirts, bell bottoms, platform shoes, and often a generally flashy aesthetic.
- Punk: Defined by ripped jeans, leather jackets, safety pins, and a generally anti-establishment attitude reflected in clothing choices. Often incorporating elements of deconstruction and DIY aesthetics.
- Preppy: A more conservative style, featuring cable knit sweaters, chinos, button-down shirts, and loafers. Often associated with a more affluent, upper-class aesthetic.
Denim Styles
Denim underwent a significant evolution during the late 1970s. The era saw a move away from the more uniform styles of previous decades, with a greater emphasis on individual expression through cut and wash.
The versatility of denim made it a canvas for experimentation, leading to a range of distinctive styles.
- Bell Bottoms: As mentioned earlier, flared jeans remained highly popular, offering a dramatic silhouette.
- Bootcut: A slightly less extreme flare than bell bottoms, offering a more versatile fit.
- Washes: A wider variety of washes became available, ranging from light stonewashes to deep indigo, allowing for greater personal style expression. Acid washes and distressed looks also emerged.
Fabrics and Textures
The late 1970s British urban street style saw a diverse range of fabrics and textures reflecting both the continuing influence of previous decades and the burgeoning youth culture. The era blended a rugged practicality with a developing sense of individual expression, resulting in a complex tapestry of materials.The textures and finishes of garments played a crucial role in defining the overall aesthetic.
This wasn’t simply about the fabric itself, but how it felt, looked, and interacted with the wearer’s body and the surrounding environment. The choice of fabric often signaled a particular subculture or personal style.
Common Fabrics
The most prevalent fabrics in men’s clothing during this period included denim, corduroy, wool, and various synthetic blends. Denim, a staple since the 1960s, continued its reign, featuring in jeans, jackets, and even shirts. Corduroy, with its distinctive raised cords, offered a tactile richness and came in a variety of weights and colours, from fine wale for smarter occasions to heavier versions for a more workwear-inspired look.
Wool, particularly in heavier tweeds and flannels, was popular in jackets and trousers, providing warmth and durability. Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon were increasingly common, often blended with natural fibres to enhance durability or create specific textures. These blends offered more affordable and often more durable alternatives to purely natural fabrics.
Popular Textures and Finishes
The late 70s embraced a variety of textures. Corduroy, as mentioned, was a key player, its texture ranging from subtly ribbed to deeply furrowed. Velvet, particularly in darker colours, offered a luxurious and slightly decadent feel, often appearing in jackets and waistcoats. Suede, with its soft, napped surface, provided a more casual yet sophisticated option, frequently used in jackets and shoes.
Leather, both smooth and distressed, was also popular, particularly in jackets and footwear, reflecting a rock and roll and biker influence. Knitwear, ranging from chunky cable knits to fine gauge sweaters, offered warmth and comfort, with various textures achieved through different knitting techniques and yarn weights.
Natural versus Synthetic Fabrics
The late 1970s saw a blend of natural and synthetic fabrics, reflecting both economic factors and stylistic choices. Natural fibres like cotton, wool, and linen offered breathability and a softer feel, though they could be more expensive and require more care. Synthetic fabrics, however, offered increased durability, wrinkle resistance, and often lower cost. Many garments incorporated blends of natural and synthetic materials, aiming to combine the best qualities of each.
For example, a cotton-polyester blend shirt might offer the softness of cotton with the durability and wrinkle resistance of polyester. This practical approach reflected the economic realities of the time, while still allowing for stylistic diversity. The choice often depended on the intended use of the garment and the wearer’s personal preferences and budget.
Accessories and Footwear
The late 1970s British urban street style saw a blend of practicality and self-expression in men’s accessories and footwear, reflecting the era’s diverse influences. Accessories weren’t just functional; they were vital components in crafting a personal style statement, often reflecting subcultural affiliations or individual tastes. Footwear choices, similarly, played a significant role in defining a look, ranging from practical work boots to stylish sneakers.The typical footwear of the late 1970s for men in British urban areas included a variety of styles reflecting both practical needs and emerging fashion trends.
Robust work boots, often in leather with thick soles, remained popular, particularly among working-class men. These were durable and suited to the often harsh conditions of urban life. Simultaneously, the rise of sportswear influenced footwear choices, with trainers and sneakers, initially associated with athletic activities, becoming increasingly fashionable for everyday wear. Leather brogues and loafers remained a staple for more formal occasions, while suede boots offered a more stylish alternative to leather.
The overall aesthetic was one of practicality balanced with a touch of individuality, reflecting the eclectic nature of the era’s fashion.
Popular Men’s Accessories of the Late 1970s
Several accessories defined the late 1970s male aesthetic. Belts, often wide and made of leather or suede, were a key element, sometimes featuring large, ornate buckles. Hats were also prevalent, with styles ranging from the practical newsboy cap to the more stylish fedora. Scarves, often knitted or in patterned fabrics, added a layer of warmth and visual interest to outfits.
These accessories, combined with others, contributed to a layered and textured look that was characteristic of the era.
Categorization of Accessories by Common Use
Accessories in the late 1970s served various purposes beyond mere adornment. The following categories highlight their diverse functions:
- Headwear: This included fedoras, newsboy caps, beanies, and sometimes even berets, offering protection from the elements and a means of personal expression.
- Neckwear: Scarves, cravats, and sometimes even bandanas provided warmth and style, often reflecting a person’s individual taste or subcultural affiliation.
- Waistwear: Belts, often wide and made of leather or suede, were crucial for holding up trousers and adding a stylistic element to an outfit. Buckles could be plain or highly decorative.
- Wristwear: While not as prominent as other accessories, watches and bracelets were worn, often reflecting personal preference and style. Simple metal bracelets were common.
- Handbags/Bags: Though less common for men than today, small messenger bags or leather satchels were used for carrying essentials.
Visual Representations: Late 70’s Fashion For Men
The visual landscape of late 1970s menswear was a vibrant mix of sharp tailoring, casual rebellion, and emerging subcultural influences. Understanding the visual elements is key to appreciating the era’s unique style. This section will explore three distinct outfits, a typical shop window display, and the overall aesthetic defining the period.
Three Distinct Late 70s Men’s Outfits
The late 70s offered a diverse range of menswear styles, catering to different tastes and personalities. Here are three examples illustrating this variety.
Outfit 1: The Disco King
This outfit embodies the flamboyant energy of the disco era. Imagine a sharply tailored, cream-coloured double-breasted suit in a lightweight polyester fabric with a subtle sheen. The lapels are wide, and the trousers are flared, ending just above the ankle. A crisp white shirt, possibly silk or a high-quality polyester blend, is worn underneath, paired with a wide, silk tie in a bold paisley print.
Accessories include a chunky gold chain necklace, a large wristwatch with a metallic bracelet, and polished brown leather loafers with a slight heel. The overall effect is one of polished glamour and confident masculinity.
Outfit 2: The Urban Rocker
This look reflects the burgeoning punk and new wave scenes. Picture a slim-fitting black leather jacket, possibly a biker style, paired with a simple black t-shirt and tight, dark-wash jeans. The jeans are likely cuffed at the ankles, revealing a pair of worn Doc Martens or similar chunky boots. Accessories are minimal but impactful: perhaps a studded belt, a few silver rings, and possibly a scarf tied loosely around the neck.
The overall aesthetic is one of rebellious cool and understated edge.
Outfit 3: The Preppy Casual
Late 70s men’s fashion embraced a diverse range of styles, from disco-era glamour to rugged workwear influences. A key element reflecting this latter trend was the incorporation of camouflage patterns, often seen in jackets and trousers. For a deeper dive into this specific print, explore the versatility of camo shirt mens fashion , which showcases how this military-inspired pattern transitioned into mainstream menswear.
This ultimately contributed to the eclectic and often bold aesthetic prevalent in late 1970s male attire.
This outfit represents a more relaxed, preppy style. Envision a cable-knit sweater in a muted colour like navy or beige, worn over a button-down Oxford shirt in a lighter shade. The trousers are corduroy, possibly in a brown or olive green, and are worn with loafers or boat shoes. Accessories might include a simple leather belt, a watch with a leather strap, and perhaps a newsboy cap.
The overall feel is comfortable, classic, and subtly stylish.
Late 70s Men’s Clothing Store Window Display
The window display of a typical late 70s men’s clothing store would be a carefully curated scene, reflecting the era’s fashion trends. Imagine a backdrop of dark wood panelling or mirrored surfaces, showcasing mannequins dressed in the latest styles. One mannequin might sport the Disco King outfit, positioned prominently, while another displays the Urban Rocker look, creating a contrast in style.
A third mannequin could model the Preppy Casual ensemble, appealing to a broader customer base. The window would be brightly lit, possibly with spotlights highlighting key items, and the overall effect would be one of sophisticated yet accessible style. A large, bold sign might advertise a sale or a specific brand, while smaller price tags are discreetly placed on the displayed garments.
Visual Elements Defining Late 70s Menswear Aesthetic, Late 70’s fashion for men
The overall aesthetic of late 1970s menswear was characterised by a combination of sharp tailoring and relaxed fits, a blend of sophistication and rebellion. Wide lapels, flared trousers, and bold colours were prominent features, reflecting the disco era’s influence. However, the rise of punk and new wave subcultures introduced elements of rebellion, with leather jackets, ripped jeans, and simpler silhouettes gaining popularity.
The use of bold patterns, such as paisleys and geometric designs, was also prevalent, as were luxurious fabrics like silk and velvet, contrasting with the durability of denim and leather. The overall effect was a visually exciting and diverse range of styles, reflecting the changing social and cultural landscape of the time.
Evolution and Legacy
Late 1970s men’s fashion, a vibrant blend of rebelliousness and sophistication, marked a significant shift from the preceding decades and laid the groundwork for styles that would resonate for years to come. Its influence can be seen not only in specific garments but also in the overall approach to menswear, reflecting the changing social and cultural landscape of the time.The styles of the 1960s and early 70s, characterized by modish tailoring and sometimes flamboyant psychedelia, gave way to a more relaxed and individualistic approach in the late 70s.
The sharp lines of the 60s were softened, replaced by looser fits and a greater emphasis on comfort and self-expression. In contrast to the power dressing and preppy styles that would dominate the 1980s, the late 70s offered a more eclectic mix, influenced by subcultures and a growing awareness of global styles.
Influence on Contemporary Styles
Several key elements of late 1970s men’s fashion continue to influence contemporary menswear. The resurgence of vintage and retro styles has brought back many iconic pieces, such as the bomber jacket, which saw a revival in various iterations, from sleek leather to more utilitarian nylon versions. Similarly, the relaxed fit of certain 70s trousers, particularly those with wider legs, has found its way back into modern collections, often reinterpreted with updated fabrics and details.
The influence of 70s sportswear, particularly tracksuits and athletic-inspired designs, is evident in today’s streetwear scene. Designers frequently draw inspiration from the era’s colour palettes, often incorporating earthy tones, bold primary colours, and subtle patterns reminiscent of the period. The layering techniques popular in the late 70s, combining different textures and weights of clothing, remain a staple of modern men’s style.
Reflection of Social and Cultural Climate
The fashion choices of the late 1970s reflected the complex social and cultural climate of the era. The rise of punk rock and disco music greatly impacted menswear. Punk’s DIY ethos and rebellious spirit translated into ripped jeans, safety pins, and studded jackets, while disco’s glamour influenced the use of shiny fabrics, bold colours, and flamboyant silhouettes. The growing awareness of global cultures also impacted fashion, with elements of sportswear and workwear from various countries finding their way into mainstream styles.
The economic uncertainty and social unrest of the time contributed to a more pragmatic approach to clothing, with an emphasis on durability and versatility, leading to the adoption of practical and functional garments. This blending of diverse influences demonstrates a shift towards greater individualism and self-expression in clothing choices. The relaxed fit of many garments, for example, mirrored a broader societal shift away from the more formal styles of previous decades, reflecting a growing informality in social interactions.
FAQ Section
What were some common fabrics used in late 70s men’s fashion?
Corduroy, velvet, suede, denim, polyester, and various knits were popular choices.
How did the rise of disco influence men’s clothing?
Disco fueled the popularity of flamboyant shirts, often in bright colors and bold patterns, along with wide-legged trousers and platform shoes.
What were some popular hairstyles for men in the late 70s?
Long hair, often styled with layers or parted down the middle, was prevalent, alongside shorter, more styled looks influenced by disco and punk aesthetics.
Did the late 70s see any significant changes in denim styles?
Yes, bell-bottom jeans were incredibly popular, along with boot-cut and flared styles. Washes ranged from light to dark, with distressed denim also gaining traction.