If you are someone who grew up in the 1970s, then you know how wacky the fashion trends were back then. As with many fashion trends, eventually what was popular in the past finds a way of making it back around into popular usage in our society. Hopefully that is not the case with many of these trends.
Whether that is bell bottoms, belted sweaters or knitted tops and vests, these trends need to stay in the past. Many of these 70s fashion trends were a bad idea back then and to bring them back now would be a travesty. As a matter of fact, the designers who came up with these trends might have a hard time defending them today.
Here are some hilarious photos of the worst fashion trends from the 1970s which prove why they were a bad idea in the first place.
Here are some undergarments for the man in your life. Other than looking like they would be hot on a warm summer’s night, they do look comfortable. In addition, these models look like they are daring anyone to say anything about the fact that they are wearing full-body underwear.
2) Wait a Minute, Is That Nick Nolte?
Here are some male models showing off some of the latest trends back in the day. Hey, isn’t that Nick Nolte in the middle? Who knew that the actor was at one time a male model? This must have been way before he became the grizzled actor he is today.
Here was a novel idea that never seemed to take off, a sweater with a belt attached. Granted, the look kind of made the wearer look like they were wearing a tunic. I actually think it looks great, though the scarf and large collar are a bit much.
Before there was rap, there was rappers, a line of leisure and western suits. Cousin Eddie would be proud. As shown in this ad, the rappers clothing line allows you to dress with flair. I am a little dubious about that Pegasus shirt though.
A big indicator of 70s style was the popped collar, which later evolved into an 80s fashion trend. Here the popped collar is mixed with bell bottoms and a little check pattern. But I really feel that the elastic waistband really pulls, both figuratively and literally, the whole outfit together.
6) For Whom the Bells Bottoms Toll
This diverse ad, for its time, gives a good cross section of models dressed in typical 70s fashion as evidenced by the colors and patterns. The ad’s signature bell bottoms are not as pronounced as some of the bell bottom styles from the 70s, though they still pull the whole outfit together.
Is there anything sexier than a man dressed in silk? Well, probably a lot of things. In the 70s, silk was a sign of luxury and pleasure, as were bare chests evidently. I will give the style this much, it sure looks comfortable.
Here are two fellows having fun throwing rocks at someone or something. It’s good that they both decided to dress for the occasion in color-coordinated play suits. They look like two rambunctious youths, except with a mustache.
I guess in the 70s, construction hats were considered fashion accessories, because nothing says fashion like a little work with your relaxation. And what is up with the guy with the Mighty Mouse tee. At least his sash and headband match.
Here’s a man in a jumpsuit, and it has a hood! Also, is that a pair of sunglasses tucked into his matching belt? Who knew that the jumpsuit was so cool and utilitarian? I’m really surprised the jumpsuit hasn’t made a comeback. The hood alone would make it great to wear in the rain.
Here are two gents in their sweater vests, father and son maybe? At least the older fellow knows how to match up his colors. The green and purple of the younger man is a little hard on the eyes. And those orange lines, ugh, forget about it!
Just say no to bikini underwear, especially if it is made of mesh. Overall the style is not too bad. And, since it is underwear, at least the gaudy colors won’t be seen. Then again, what is the point of wearing fashion underwear if no one ever sees it?
This man is wearing a knit vest with matching cap. It looks like he is ready for a day in the great outdoors. Though, if he is going outside, he might need more than that flimsy, long-sleeved shirt.
This ad seems to want to feed off the civil rights movement of the 60s and 70s. And, in typical 70s style, the ad is also trying to feed off of the sexual energy of the topless model. If you ask me, it’s more like plaid power with a side of hairy chest.
Pimp hats must have been all the rage back in the day. Honestly, would you catch anyone other than a musician or Hollywood actor in such a getup in this day and age? To me, in order to pull that look off, you have to also have the attitude to withstand any ridicule that comes your way.
Here is an outfit that allows you to wear it in four different ways. The styles range from serious business attire to a more laid back leisure suit. It also comes in a variety of colors, including rust. Though, I had no idea rust was a color.
Bell bottom jeans, especially those with a slim or high waistband, were all the rage back in the 70s. This look was further bolstered by floral prints and silk materials. Lucky for the rest of us this fashion went out of style. Could you imagine wearing something like this today?
While lightweight and very breathable, mesh is not the ideal material for lounging about and talking on the phone. As a matter of fact, this outfit looks like it might get a bit chilly, especially in the winter time. Plus, what happens if company drops by?
19) Multi-Colored Underwear
This model looks so overjoyed to be wearing this colorful ensemble. And while a matching set of underwear is great, you know that inevitably you will end up wearing mismatched colors, especially if you are like some and wash your laundry over a series of days instead of all at one time.
Here is a pair of jeans for when you need to kick some tail. I’m assuming they have extra room in the crotch so that you can kick your leg high without worrying about binding up. It also looks like they are bell bottoms making them even more fashionable. Where is Chuck Norris when you need him?
You have to be super special to wear this bubblegum pink suit. I mean, could you take anybody serious who was wearing this? I guess if the wearer had the intense look that this model has, I could. Otherwise, I would be too busy laughing to hear what they had to say.
22) Plain vs. Not-So-Plain
The 70s were an era of rebellion in all things, including underwear. As evidence, we have the straight-laced, working class in their tidy whities alongside some more colorful characters in the latest 70s fashion. The look on the faces of the guys to the right is priceless.
Here is some NSFW, as in Not Safe for Work, fashion. The choice of underwear back in the 70s was interesting to say the least. And what is up with the lipstick mark on the one pair? What are they trying to say there?
This man dressed in an all white knit sweater jacket is obviously a farmer. Why else would he be carrying a chicken around? I just hope he removes his pretty white jacket before doing his chores. Otherwise, it might get dirty.
Here is an interesting shirt color, or colors. Actually, this looks like something you would find during the 80s or even today. I love his curly hair though and bell bottom jeans. Those are obvious relics of the 1970s.
To think, ruffles were actually the style in some circles. More recently, unless you were Prince, you avoided ruffles. Though, now that I look, I’d rather be wearing ruffles than whatever that fashion travesty is that the guy on the far right is wearing.
These shepherds and their sheep are wearing the same patterns, except for that sheep the end. What kind of madness is that? He must be the black, or in this case, the crazy, zigzag patterned sheep of the family. And those models look so serious.
Sheesh, talk about long legs. I don’t know if it is the person wearing them or the pattern, but these skinny bell bottom jeans make the model look so tall. And talk about some crazy patterns, these are almost enough to make a person go blind.
Here are some more sweaters with belts, both in leather and of the same knitted material. And I’m sorry to tell some of these models, but the hats don’t actually pull the outfit together. As a matter of fact, they somehow make the outfit look even worse.
30) International Men of Mystery
I actually love these suits, especially the one in the middle. Though you would be hard pressed to find someone dressed like this today, unless you are Austin Powers, international man of mystery that is.
Onesies for men is never a good idea. What are people who wear this, babies? Though, there is probably a subset of the population who could actually get on board with this. Of course, we will not talk about that here. To each his own, I say.
When were vases and flowers an acceptable pattern for male clothing? In the 70s, I guess. According to the ad, these are fashion forward looks, like it is what the designer envisioned men would be wearing in the future. Well, I can tell you, it must be much further in the future.
Okay, stop it! Are you serious with this look. I guess sleeping gowns were popular at one time. Luckily for us they grew out of style long ago. You could add a little cap and this look would fit right in to a Christmas ghost story.
Form the makers of the knit coat and jacket comes the knit vest. Now, your wardrobe can be complete with a wide range of colors. Whether at home or in the office, this look says you are serious, but also have a relaxed side. Mustache is not included.
Here is some underwear that is Funtawear. Truth be had, it just looks like wonderroos for adults to me. And, check out the guy with the hand pulling down his underwear. It looks kind of creepy if you ask me.
This guy’s coat is way too big for him, and check out that collar. What is he, some kind of evil magician? The last time I saw a collar like that was Ming the Merciless from Flash Gordon fame. Don’t try looking behind you fella’, because you can’t!
Here are some fellows at the bar with some nice crocheted jackets and vests. The look on the guy on the right’s face is priceless. It’s his “hey, look at me in this sexy crocheted jacket over here!”
Here are some his and her leisure suits directly from the 70s. The thing about the way to properly wear a leisure suit is that you can’t just put it on. You have to show off some chest and exhibit the right attitude to pull off the look.
Here are some soccer players wearing knitted tops. The guy sitting at the bottom is even wearing a poncho type thing. And while the model standing to the right looks fine, his fellow model to the left really needs to put on some pants.
40) Just Reading in My Undies
Just a normal day at home, reading in my underwear. He is so engrossed in that book too. At least he has a multitude of colors to choose from to fit whatever mood he is in, ranging from shy blue to angry red.
This looks like something out of a 70s sci-fi movie. I can see it now, “In the future, they had to wear knitted tops as cotton was a rare commodity.” It’s funny how so many outfits from the 70s had an effeminate look to them. Come to think of it, I think my mom might have had that exact same outfit.
Nothing says dad more than a pair of shorts and knee-high socks. And while the colors are a little bright, I think many dads who grew up in the 70s kept thinking this was the look even until this day.
The 70s were also the age of disco, and what better way to say that you like to party than through a shiny outfit. Of course, you also had to show your chest as much as possible, though it really didn’t matter if you shaved it or not.
Striped and plaid bell bottom pants were all the rage back in the 70s. And, it seemed that the wider the bottom of the pants, the better. Throw in a turtle neck or some chest hair and you were all set for a day out.
And, speaking of chest hair. The only thing unusual about this model is the pattern of the hair on his chest and abdomen. It is almost like he shaved it to highlight certain areas of his body.
Pimp wear was also obviously a thing back in the 70s. This includes canes and platform shoes. In addition, the look wouldn’t be complete without a nice large pimp hat, and the more fur the better.
As the title says, Men in Belted Sweaters. He does have the look of a cowboy about him. I can see him riding the range in his belted sweater and felt cowboy hat. And if he gets hot, he can just unlace the top to expose his bare chest in typical 70s fashion.
48) Giraffe-Print Bodysuit
For the animal lover the 70s offered a variety of fashionable patterns. Here is a model wearing a nice giraffe-print bodysuit. I just wonder if when he goes for a little playful action underneath the covers if his partner can hold it together after seeing him in this getup.
Here is a colorful patchwork poncho complete with fringe around the edges. Admittedly, it is a classic 70s look and would probably even be acceptable to wear today. It looks a little unwieldy to me, as I would prefer to have my arms free, especially of that fringe.
What is it about 70s fashion and the shirtless pose? It’s almost like that is part of the package when it came to fashion back then. Lucky for us that most of these fashion trends were left in the past, especially the onesie on the left.
If you like this article, please SHARE it with your friends and family.
It is fun catching up on all of the funny fashions from the 70s. Nostalgia aside, Most of us are probably glad that we have put many of these fashion faux pas behind us. Hopefully, none of these failed 70s fashion trends ever become popular again.
