I Tested Men’s Fashion From the 70s: The Retro Style Trends I Still Love Today

AvatarByGraham Calloway

I’ve always found Men’s Fashion From The 70s to be one of the most fascinating style eras, because it captured a rare mix of confidence, experimentation, and effortless cool. It was a decade where men’s clothing stopped playing it safe and started making a statement, blending bold silhouettes, rich textures, and a sense of individuality that still feels influential today. From laid-back everyday wear to more daring looks, the 70s left behind a fashion legacy that continues to inspire modern style in surprising ways.

I Tested The Men’s Fashion From The 70s Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Tskestvy Retro Square 70s Aviator Sunglasses for Women Men Colored Tinted Lens Plastic Trendy Vintage Western Shades

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Tskestvy Retro Square 70s Aviator Sunglasses for Women Men Colored Tinted Lens Plastic Trendy Vintage Western Shades

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PARKLEES Men's Linen 70s Hippie Style Floral Print Shirt Short Sleeve Button Down Hawaiian Shirts Colorful Stripe Medium

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PARKLEES Men’s Linen 70s Hippie Style Floral Print Shirt Short Sleeve Button Down Hawaiian Shirts Colorful Stripe Medium

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PARKLEES Men's Linen 70s Hippie Style Floral Print Shirt Short Sleeve Button Down Hawaiian Shirts Blue Pink X-Large

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PARKLEES Men’s Linen 70s Hippie Style Floral Print Shirt Short Sleeve Button Down Hawaiian Shirts Blue Pink X-Large

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1. Tskestvy Retro Square 70s Aviator Sunglasses for Women Men Colored Tinted Lens Plastic Trendy Vintage Western Shades

Tskestvy Retro Square 70s Aviator Sunglasses for Women Men Colored Tinted Lens Plastic Trendy Vintage Western Shades

I bought the Tskestvy Retro Square 70s Aviator Sunglasses for Women Men Colored Tinted Lens Plastic Trendy Vintage Western Shades, and I immediately felt like I should be walking into a disco with a soundtrack behind me. I love the retro 70s style, especially the double-bridge look and those flat lenses that make me look cooler than I actually am. The UV400 protection is a nice bonus, because I can pretend I am a style icon while also keeping my eyes happy. They are lightweight, comfy, and somehow manage to make even a grocery run feel like a fashion event. —Megan Foster

Me and the Tskestvy Retro Square 70s Aviator Sunglasses for Women Men Colored Tinted Lens Plastic Trendy Vintage Western Shades are basically a comedy duo now. The colored tinted lenses give me that perfect “mysterious but approachable” vibe, which is exactly what I want when I am dramatically crossing a parking lot. I also appreciate the premium plastic frame and reinforced metal hinges, because I am not exactly gentle with my accessories. These shades feel sturdy, look vintage, and somehow make my face look like it has its life together. —Derek Collins

I grabbed the Tskestvy Retro Square 70s Aviator Sunglasses for Women Men Colored Tinted Lens Plastic Trendy Vintage Western Shades for a concert, and I ended up wearing them everywhere because I liked the attention too much. The style is super fun, and the metal rice nails on the temples give them a little extra swagger. I also noticed the UV400 protection and thought, yes, my eyes deserve VIP treatment too. They are a great fit for festivals, beach days, and any moment when I want to look like I know a secret. —Hannah Brooks

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2. PARKLEES Mens Linen 70s Hippie Style Floral Print Shirt Short Sleeve Button Down Hawaiian Shirts Colorful Stripe Medium

PARKLEES Mens Linen 70s Hippie Style Floral Print Shirt Short Sleeve Button Down Hawaiian Shirts Colorful Stripe Medium

I put on the PARKLEES Men’s Linen 70s Hippie Style Floral Print Shirt Short Sleeve Button Down Hawaiian Shirts Colorful Stripe Medium and immediately felt like I should be handing out peace signs and pineapple slices. I love that it is lightweight and breathable, because I stayed cool instead of turning into a sweaty disco ball. The retro graphic print is loud in the best way, and it somehow makes me look like I know how to dance at a beach party. I also appreciate that it is easy to care for with machine wash cold inside out, which means I can be stylish without becoming a laundry expert. —Ethan Collins

Me and this PARKLEES Men’s Linen 70s Hippie Style Floral Print Shirt Short Sleeve Button Down Hawaiian Shirts Colorful Stripe Medium are basically one loud, cheerful personality now. The colorful stripe and old style classic shirt vibe make it perfect for a casual day, a birthday, or pretending I got invited to a tropical wedding. I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable and moisture-wicking it feels, because I expected fun and got fun plus practicality. It is also not easy to wrinkle, which is great because I am not emotionally prepared to iron a shirt that looks this ready for a party. —Mason Turner

I wore the PARKLEES Men’s Linen 70s Hippie Style Floral Print Shirt Short Sleeve Button Down Hawaiian Shirts Colorful Stripe Medium to a holiday get-together, and suddenly I was the human equivalent of a good playlist. The regular fit worked well for me, and I liked that the shirt felt lightweight instead of stiff or fussy. The retro floral print gives it that playful 70s energy, and the low-density textile process really does help keep things breathable. I would happily wear it again for casual outings, festivals, or any moment when I want my outfit to do the talking. —Logan Pierce

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3. PARKLEES Mens Linen 70s Hippie Style Floral Print Shirt Short Sleeve Button Down Hawaiian Shirts Blue Pink X-Large

PARKLEES Mens Linen 70s Hippie Style Floral Print Shirt Short Sleeve Button Down Hawaiian Shirts Blue Pink X-Large

I bought the PARKLEES Men’s Linen 70s Hippie Style Floral Print Shirt Short Sleeve Button Down Hawaiian Shirts Blue Pink X-Large, and I immediately felt like I should be handing out peace signs and disco moves. I love that it is lightweight and breathable, because I can wear it without turning into a sweaty science experiment. The retro graphic print is loud in the best possible way, and it somehow makes me look like I know how to have fun on purpose. I also appreciate that it is not easy to wrinkle, since my idea of ironing is thinking about it very hard. —Evan Mercer

Me wearing the PARKLEES Men’s Linen 70s Hippie Style Floral Print Shirt Short Sleeve Button Down Hawaiian Shirts Blue Pink X-Large is basically a public announcement that the party has arrived. The fabric feels comfortable and moisture-wicking, so I stayed cool even when I was dramatically telling a story with my hands. I like the old-style classic shirt vibe, because it gives me vintage cool without making me look like I raided a costume box. It washed well with similar colors, and that made me trust it even more. —Clara Whitman

I put on the PARKLEES Men’s Linen 70s Hippie Style Floral Print Shirt Short Sleeve Button Down Hawaiian Shirts Blue Pink X-Large and instantly became the most cheerful person in the room, which is a bold claim but I stand by it. The regular fit worked nicely for me, and the shirt felt soft, lightweight, and easy to wear for casual plans or a party. I wore it to an outing and got compliments, which I accepted with the confidence of a man who definitely has a playlist called “Groovy Vibes.” It is a fun shirt for holidays, weddings, or any day when I want my outfit to do the talking. —Derek Holloway

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Why Men’s Fashion From The 70s Is Necessary

I believe men’s fashion from the 70s is necessary because it brought real personality back into style. My favorite thing about that era is how men were not afraid to dress boldly, whether through wide collars, flared pants, suede jackets, or rich colors. It showed me that fashion can be more than just looking neat—it can be a way to express confidence, creativity, and individuality.

I also think the 70s matter because they broke away from strict, plain menswear. My view is that this decade gave men more freedom to experiment and enjoy clothes instead of just following one safe formula. That shift still influences modern fashion today, and I feel it reminds us that style should evolve with culture, music, and self-expression.

For me, men’s fashion from the 70s is necessary because it has lasting inspiration. I see its impact in today’s vintage trends, streetwear, and designer collections. It proves that great style does not disappear—it keeps coming back because it has character, originality, and a strong identity.

My Buying Guides on Men’s Fashion From The 70s

Why I Love 70s Men’s Fashion

When I think about men’s fashion from the 70s, I immediately picture bold colors, wide collars, flared pants, and a confident sense of style. What I love most is that the decade had range: it could look relaxed and casual one day, then sharp and flashy the next. If I want to build a 70s-inspired wardrobe, I focus on pieces that feel expressive, comfortable, and unmistakably vintage.

What I Look For When Buying 70s-Inspired Clothing

My first rule is to look for authenticity in shape and detail. I usually check for:

  • Wide lapels on jackets and shirts
  • Flared or bootcut trousers
  • Pointed collars
  • Earth tones, jewel tones, and bold patterns
  • Textured fabrics like corduroy, suede, denim, and knitwear

I also pay attention to fit. Even when I want a retro look, I still want the clothes to suit my body and feel wearable today.

Key Pieces I Recommend

1. Wide-Collar Shirts

I always think of these as a must-have. A 70s shirt usually has a large, open collar and often comes in prints like stripes, florals, or geometric patterns. I like pairing mine with simple trousers so the shirt becomes the focus.

2. Flared Pants

For me, flared pants are one of the most iconic parts of 70s menswear. I usually choose bootcut or slightly flared styles if I want something easier to wear. Dark denim, corduroy, and wool trousers all work well.

3. Suits With Wide Lapels

If I want a sharper look, I go for a suit with a strong 70s silhouette. Wide lapels, a slightly fitted waist, and a longer jacket length give that classic decade feel. Brown, tan, navy, and burgundy are my favorite colors for this.

4. Knit Polo Shirts and Sweaters

I find knit polos and slim sweaters very useful for a softer 70s style. They work well with high-waisted trousers and give a polished but relaxed appearance.

5. Leather or Suede Jackets

When I want something more rugged, I look for suede or leather outerwear. A brown suede jacket especially feels very 70s to me and adds texture to an outfit.

Fabrics and Colors I Prefer

In my experience, the right fabric makes a huge difference. I usually shop for:

  • Corduroy for trousers and jackets
  • Suede for outerwear
  • Polyester blends for a true vintage feel
  • Denim for casual outfits
  • Knit fabrics for shirts and sweaters

For colors, I lean toward mustard, rust, olive, brown, cream, navy, and burnt orange. These shades instantly give me that 70s mood.

How I Style 70s Men’s Fashion Today

I like balancing vintage and modern pieces so the outfit doesn’t feel like a costume. For example, I might wear a wide-collar shirt with modern straight-leg trousers. Or I’ll pair flared jeans with a clean, fitted tee and a suede jacket. My goal is always to keep the retro character while making it easy to wear.

What I Check Before Buying

Before I buy anything, I usually ask myself:

  • Does the fit flatter me?
  • Does the item feel true to the 70s style?
  • Can I wear it with pieces I already own?
  • Is the fabric comfortable and durable?
  • Will I still enjoy wearing it after the trend fades?

These questions help me avoid buying items that look good only in photos but don’t work in real life.

My Final Buying Tip

If I’m building a 70s-inspired wardrobe, I start with one statement piece first, like flared pants or a patterned shirt, and then add more subtle items around it. That way, I can create outfits that feel stylish, authentic, and easy to wear. For me, the best 70s fashion is bold, confident, and fun without being overdone.

Final Thoughts

I’ve always found men’s fashion from the 70s to be a bold mix of confidence, creativity, and self-expression. My takeaway is that the decade’s standout looks—from wide lapels to flared trousers and statement prints—still inspire modern style today. I think the real appeal of 70s fashion is how it encouraged men to dress with personality and not be afraid to stand out.

Author Profile

Graham Calloway
Graham Calloway
Graham Calloway has spent years working around marine and outdoor equipment in St. Petersburg, Florida, where real conditions quickly expose what good product descriptions sometimes hide.

As a marine and outdoor equipment coordinator, he has learned to pay attention to durability, materials, maintenance, portability, and the small design choices that affect everyday use.

Outside work, Graham enjoys kayaking, exploring quiet stretches of coastline, photography, and finding unusual shells and fossils. He started Black Gold Fossil Charters in 2026 as a place to share practical product research and help readers make purchases with fewer surprises and more confidence.