70s Outfits for Men: Five Looks for a Theme Party
Men's fashion got louder in the 1970s, with wide collars, flared trousers and bold color. Five looks you can build for a theme party, mostly from thrift stores.
Putting together a 70s outfit men will recognize at a theme party is mostly about two things: a wide collar and a flared trouser leg. Menswear in the 1970s was colorful and playful compared with earlier decades. The early years carried on the bright, relaxed hippie styles, the middle of the decade turned casual, and the late 70s brought disco suits and sportswear. Here are five looks to choose from, with what to look for when you go thrifting.
1. The leisure suit
The leisure suit became increasingly popular from the middle of the decade: a shirt-style jacket with matching trousers, often in double-knit polyester and flared at the leg. It was frequently worn with an open-collar shirt and a gold medallion. For a party, any matching jacket and trousers in a pale blue, tan, brown or cream will work; wear the shirt collar spread over the jacket lapels for the full effect.
2. Disco night
For a dance party, go for the disco version: a shiny, patterned shirt with a long, pointed collar worn open at the neck, flared trousers and platform shoes or heeled boots. A white or pastel three-piece suit with a vest is the dressier option. Our full 70s disco outfit guide covers fabrics and dance-floor comfort.
3. Early-70s hippie
The early decade continued the late-60s look: bell-bottom jeans, tie-dye shirts and military surplus jackets. Add a fringed vest, a headband, a peace-sign pendant and sandals. This is the cheapest of the five, and many of the pieces may already be in your closet.
4. Mid-70s casual
Many men in the mid-70s simply wore jeans, sweaters and T-shirts, with T-shirts by then printed with graphics and slogans. Other everyday pieces included flannel shirts, corduroy trousers, leather jackets, Western shirts and all-denim outfits. A simple 70s mens outfit for a casual party:
- A ringer T-shirt (contrasting trim at the collar and sleeves) or a striped knit polo
- Flared or straight jeans, or brown corduroys
- A suede or corduroy jacket
- Aviator-style sunglasses
5. Late-70s sportswear
By the late 70s, sports clothing had become everyday wear for many people: tracksuits, velour or terry-cloth shirts, often striped, and zip cardigans, with shirts worn untucked and long collars popped. Tube socks pulled to the knee and short athletic shorts make an instantly funny 70s gym-class look. It is also the most comfortable option for an active party.
Quick comparison
| Look | Effort | Key pieces |
|---|---|---|
| Leisure suit | Medium | Matching jacket and flares, open-collar shirt, medallion |
| Disco | Medium | Shiny wide-collar shirt, flares, platforms |
| Hippie | Low | Bell-bottoms, tie-dye, fringe vest, headband |
| Casual | Low | Ringer T-shirt, cords, suede jacket |
| Sportswear | Low | Velour tracksuit, striped shirt, tube socks |
Hair and grooming
Men often wore their hair longer in the early and mid-70s, and sideburns were common. The afro was worn throughout the decade. If your own hair is short, a shaggy wig, stick-on sideburns or a fake mustache will change your face instantly. A side part blown dry for volume is the tidy option for a suit look. If you wear a wig, see our guide to washing a costume wig afterward.
Thrift-store checklist
- Shirts with long, pointed collars, in prints, stripes or satin
- Flared or bootcut trousers; check the length so they almost touch the floor
- Earth tones: rust, mustard, brown, olive, burnt orange
- Corduroy, suede-look and double-knit fabrics
- Wide ties and wide belts with big buckles
- Chunky heeled boots
Going as a couple or a group? Pair any of these looks with the women's styles in our 70s outfit ideas, or browse quick builds for a 70s party outfit.
Questions
What did men wear in the 70s?
Flared jeans and trousers, wide-collar shirts, turtlenecks, leisure suits, corduroy, denim and, late in the decade, tracksuits and other sportswear.
What is the easiest men's 70s theme outfit?
Flared jeans, a wide-collar patterned shirt worn open at the neck, aviator-style sunglasses and boots. Add a medallion for extra effect.
What shoes should men wear with a 70s outfit?
Heeled boots or platform shoes for disco, sandals for a hippie look, and sneakers with tube socks for the sportswear look.
How do I get 70s hair without growing it out?
Use a shaggy or afro wig, stick-on sideburns, or blow-dry a side part for volume. A mustache from a costume kit also helps.
