The 1970s was an era of cultural revolution, and menswear was no exception. The decade saw a shift from the stuffy formalwear of the preceding decades to a more relaxed, casual look. Mens shirts in the 70s embodied this change, moving away from traditional dress shirts to encompass a wider range of styles, fabrics, and patterns. Let's delve into this pivotal decade in menswear history.
As the hippie counterculture gained momentum in the late 60s, it spilled into the 70s, influencing menswear with a desire for comfort and individuality. This trend was reflected in mens shirts, which started to prioritize ease of wear over formality.
The Rise of Casual Shirts
One of the most significant changes in mens shirts was the rise of casual shirts. Hawaiian shirts, boldly printed and typically featuring loud colors, became a statement piece. This was the era where fashion became more about self-expression than rigid adherence to dress codes.
Another key casual style was the denim shirt. Paired with jeans or corduroy trousers, it became a wardrobe staple for the laid-back, casual look that defined the decade.
Fabrics in Men's Shirts of the 70s
Cotton was the fabric of choice in the 70s. It was durable, comfortable, and could be produced in a wide range of colors and patterns. denim and Oxford cloth were popular choices, as were brushed cotton and corduroy.
Synthetic fabrics also started to appear in mens shirts during this decade. Polyester and its blends were affordable, easy to care for, and could be made into vibrant, bold colors. While they weren't as breathable as natural fibers, they were practical and appealing to the fashion-conscious man of the 70s.
Popular Prints and Patterns
In keeping with the spirit of experimentation and self-expression, mens shirts in the 70s were adorned with a variety of prints and patterns. Bold geometrical designs, psychedelic swirls, and vivid florals were all common. Hawaiian shirts, with their large-scale prints of pineapples, palm trees, and other tropical motifs, were particularly popular.
Checks and stripes also continued to be popular, but with a more relaxed, casual interpretation. They often featured in the aforementioned cotton fabrics and were as likely to be paired with jeans as a suit.
Iconic Mens Shirts of the 70s
Some mens shirts from this decade have become true icons of fashion. The Grand Budapest Hotel's signature pink and green striped boutonniere shirt, for instance, is quintessentially 70s in its bold pattern and relaxed fit.
Another iconic shirt is the Cuban collar, or camp collar shirt. This style, featuring an open collar and often made from light fabrics like linen or cotton, was a symbol of the laid-back lifestyle of the 70s. It's a style that continues to be popular today.
As we move into the 80s, menswear became increasingly influenced by sportswear and function. But the 70s left an indelible mark, legacy of comfort, individuality, and experimentation that can still be seen in menswear today.