Fashion trends in the 1970s were all over the place, and for good reason. The decade was one where people truly expressed creative talent and how they felt through their clothing.
While many trends in the 70s laid the foundations of modern fashion, there were many others that were a bit more questionable. Let’s take a look at some 70s fashion trends that didn’t stand the test of time.
Vinyl Jumpsuits
The 70s fashion era had some crazy outfits, including vinyl jumpsuits, which could be seen worn at disco clubs at the height of their popularity. They were usually skin-tight, shiny, and not very comfy.
They didn’t usually allow their wearer’s skin to breathe, leading to profuse sweating and overheating. While some debate whether or not they looked good even during the time, their inconveniences ensured that they wouldn’t last one the decade was over.
Ultra Wide-Legged Pants
Bell bottoms were an instant classic, but fashion trends didn’t stop there, and ultra wide-legged pants were ushered in to go even wider. These pants were too loose to be convenient, and they could drag on the ground, collect dirt, get caught on objects, and make just walking a difficulty.
Their impracticality turned many people off, and their silhouette was less than flattering. This trend didn’t last very long, but it’s still worth mentioning.
Shrink Tops
Moving to the opposite end of an extreme, shrink tops were tight-fitting tops that left nothing to the imagination. Many young adults loved them in the 70s, but they often rode up and weren’t comfortable to wear.
They were precursors to crop tops, which would go back into fashion in the modern day. It’s better to leave them in the past where they belong.
Terry Cloth
Terry cloth is a popular material that’s still used today for towels. Now imagine all sorts of clothing items being made from this material – it doesn’t sound very appealing, right?
In the 70s, this fabric was used in anything from shorts to shirts and jumpsuits. While they weren’t the most uncomfortable item, they looked ridiculous and like you’d just showered rather than going out on the town.
Matching Denim
Denim has made a resurgence in fashion throughout the modern era, with jeans standing as a timeless piece in wardrobes across the world. However, the 70s saw an explosion of denim, with anything you can think of having a denim counterpart.
While not necessarily all that bad, matching denim is definitely a dated choice that was left behind in the 70s. Denim on denim today looks bland and uninspired.
Space Dresses
With the 70s coming just after the moon landing, the fashion industry exploded with tons of designs inspired by the lunar mission. Space dresses were among the most popular items, being all white, made from synthetic materials, and having strange shapes.
They might have looked “cutting edge” at the time, but in retrospect, they were impractical, hard to maintain, and looked a little too ridiculous by modern standards.
Studded Belts
As the punk rock scene gained traction, accessories like studded belts became all the rave for supporters of the movement. While these added a bit of contrast and edge to outfits, they weren’t all that practical, and extreme examples could catch on clothing and weren’t comfortable to wear for long periods.
We respect the movement behind this rebellious trend, but now that it’s over, it’s probably best that it’s been left in the past.
Authentic Fur
Fur has stood as an icon of luxury and wealth, but in the 70s, it was used in large quantities among the elite. It was draped over shoulders at galas and other events. But in the 70s, animal rights activism spread like wildfire, and people started condemning the fashion trend.
In the modern era, faux fur has replaced real fur, highlighting that fashion can co-exist with animal rights and foster a cruelty-free world.
Platform Shoes
Platform shoes skyrocketed among fashionistas in the 1970s. The extra height gain complemented the disco scene, but the shoes were entirely impractical and could result in tripping and injury.
The shoes were bulky, unstable, and often not built to last. Platform shoes still have their place and occasionally appear in the fashion world, but not as they did in the 70s.
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