15 Weird Fashion Trends From The ’70s That Would Make You Cringe Now
The 1970s were a glorious, groovy, and sometimes deeply questionable time for fashion—a decade where bold creativity met a total disregard for subtlety.
It was an era when bell-bottoms flared so wide they could catch a breeze, polyester suits trapped more heat than a greenhouse, and platform shoes had people risking life and limb just to strut in style. If it sparkled, shimmered, or screamed disco fever, it was a must-have. Patterns? The louder, the better—think paisley explosions and dizzying geometric prints that could make your head spin.
And let’s not forget the unforgettable (and unbreathable) turtlenecks, crochet everything, and those infamous leisure suits that somehow managed to be both iconic and cringe-worthy.
Join us as we take a hilarious, eye-popping journey through 15 of the weirdest ‘70s fashion trends—some that make us nostalgic and others that make us incredibly grateful for modern fashion choices!
1. Bell-Bottom Overload
Bell-bottoms were the superhero capes of the ‘70s, only worn on the legs and without any actual superpowers. These pants flared out so dramatically that they could easily catch a breeze and float you to your next destination. Imagine walking down the street and suddenly resembling a human kite.
The wider the bell, the cooler you were considered. It’s a miracle people didn’t trip over them more often, but hey, fashion wasn’t about practicality.
These wild flares were all about making a statement, one that screamed, “I dare the wind to do its worst!”
2. Polyester Everything
In the ‘70s, polyester wasn’t just a fabric; it was a lifestyle choice – albeit a sweaty one. Shiny, synthetic, and slightly flammable, this fabric dominated the fashion scene. If you stood too close to a birthday cake, you risked becoming a human torch.
Comfort wasn’t exactly a priority when polyester ruled the wardrobe. It was more about the shine and the sheer disco vibe it exuded.
People were willing to sweat it out for the sake of being in vogue. Looking back, we wonder how many fashion victims fainted from heat exhaustion.
3. Unbuttoned Shirts (For Men… and Sometimes Women)
The deeper the V, the more stylish you were in the ‘70s. Unbuttoned shirts were all the rage, especially for men who wanted to flaunt more than just their sense of style. If you weren’t showing at least half of your chest hair, were you even trying?
Paired with a gold chain, it was the ultimate swagger statement. These shirts weren’t just for the gents; daring ladies occasionally joined the trend.
It was all about embracing nature, quite literally, and letting the world know you had chest hair and weren’t afraid to show it off.
4. Corduroy Suits
Corduroy suits were the ‘70s way of combining fashion with a full-body exfoliation. Wearing one meant enduring the gentle abrasion of ribbed fabric, all in the name of style.
These suits were hot, itchy, and sometimes noisy, making a characteristic swishing sound with each step. But that didn’t stop anyone!
Sporting a corduroy suit meant embracing discomfort for the sake of looking trendy. Perhaps the sound of corduroy rubbing together was considered music to the ears back then—or maybe it was just a fashion faux pas.
5. Puka Shell Necklaces
Puka shell necklaces were a staple for wannabe surfers who hadn’t quite made it to the ocean. These accessories screamed, “I’m cool, I promise,” even if their wearers had never touched a surfboard.
Pairing them with unbuttoned shirts was a common combo, adding to the laid-back image. It was a beachy vibe that extended far beyond the actual beach.
Even if you were miles from the ocean, sporting a puka shell necklace made you feel connected to the surf culture, or at least gave that impression.
6. Patchwork Everything
Patchwork clothing was quilting gone wild, a trend that turned people into walking collages. Dresses, pants, jackets—anything could be patchworked into a vibrant mosaic of fabric squares.
It was as if someone had raided grandma’s quilt collection with a pair of scissors and a sewing machine. The result was fashion that told a story, albeit a patchy one.
This trend was the epitome of creativity, allowing people to piece together a unique outfit that was truly one-of-a-kind, even if you did look like a scrapbook.
7. Gigantic Collars
Who needs a runway when your collar can take flight? Gigantic collars were the unsung heroes of ‘70s fashion, doubling as wind catchers for those daring enough to embrace them.
The goal was simple: make your collar so wide it could almost touch your shoulders. It was a look that screamed confidence and style.
Though impractical, these collars were a statement all on their own, a bold choice that let people know you were ready for whatever fashion storms came your way.
8. Jumpsuits with No Breathing Room
Jumpsuits: the one-piece wonder that brought convenience and challenges. In the ‘70s, these skin-tight creations left little to the imagination and even less room to breathe.
Made from polyester and other non-breathable fabrics, wearing one felt like being shrink-wrapped. Bathroom breaks turned into strategic missions.
Despite their impractical nature, jumpsuits were a fashion staple, serving a sleek look with a side of suffocation. They were the ultimate choice for those who wanted to turn heads, even if it meant turning purple from lack of air.
9. Knee-High Socks with Mini Skirts
Knee-high socks and mini skirts, a duo that mixed schoolgirl charm with disco fever. This trend was a peculiar mash-up, combining innocent with edgy, and confusing everyone in between.
Though it seemed like an odd pairing, it somehow worked, creating a look that was both daring and playful. It was the best of both worlds, or perhaps the most confusing.
This fashion choice made a statement that you were ready to dance your way through any situation, even if you weren’t quite sure of the dress code.
10. Earth Tones Everywhere
Earth tones were the reigning colors of the ‘70s, a palette that looked like it had been plucked straight from your grandmother’s kitchen. Avocado green, mustard yellow, burnt orange—everything matched the décor.
It was as if the world wanted to blend in with the shag carpeting and wood paneling. These colors weren’t just for home decor; they extended to clothing in a big way.
Wearing earth tones was like camouflaging into the ‘70s itself, a fashion trend that made you one with the era’s unique aesthetic.
11. Platform Shoes That Defied Gravity
Platform shoes were the ‘70s way of turning walking into an extreme sport. With soles so thick, every step was a test of balance and courage. Falling was a real risk, but style demanded sacrifice.
These shoes could elevate you to new heights, literally, boosting confidence and stature. They weren’t just footwear – they were a statement that you were above the ordinary.
Despite the potential for disaster, platform shoes were a beloved part of ‘70s fashion, proving that sometimes, being larger than life had its perks.
12. Macramé Everything
Macramé wasn’t just a craft; it was a full-on fashion movement. Vests, belts, bags—if it could be knotted, it was. Wearing macramé was like stepping out of a bohemian dream.
The intricate patterns and intricate designs turned simple strands into wearable art. However, it often looked as if people had accidentally fallen into a net and decided to make the best of it.
This trend embraced the handmade and earthy vibe, making it a quintessential part of the laid-back ‘70s look.
13. Disco Pants (a.k.a. The Shiniest Pants Ever Made)
Disco pants, the ultimate ‘70s statement piece, reflected light and attention in every direction. These pants were so shiny, they could double as emergency mirrors.
Skin-tight and metallic, they were as much about the look as they were about the dance moves. To wear them was to embrace the disco culture fully.
Though they left little to the imagination, these pants were a vital part of hitting the dance floor, ensuring you shone as brightly as the disco ball overhead.
14. Pattern Overload
When it came to patterns, the ‘70s had one rule: there were no rules. Mixing stripes with florals and polka dots with plaid was not only acceptable but encouraged. The louder, the better.
This era was all about clashing prints that somehow worked together in chaotic harmony. Anyone could be a walking piece of abstract art.
While today we might hesitate to mix so boldly, back then, it was all about making a loud and proud statement through fashion choices.
15. Men in Short Shorts
Before cargo shorts took over, men in the ‘70s sported short shorts that left little to the imagination. Think of NBA players from the era, but even shorter and more daring.
These shorts were all about freedom of movement, and perhaps a little too much freedom for the eyes. It was a bold choice that highlighted confidence and athleticism.
Whether playing sports or just hanging out, short shorts were the go-to for guys who wanted to keep cool and show off their gams.