What did men wear to parties in the 1970s?

Men typically wore fitted patterned shirts with wide collars, high-waisted bell-bottom pants, platform shoes, and gold chains, or matching polyester leisure suits.

How can I make a DIY 70s costume?

You can easily make one by finding a colorful, busy-patterned button-down shirt at a thrift store, unbuttoning the top, and pairing it with flared jeans and retro sunglasses.

What kind of shoes should I wear?

Chunky platform shoes, patent leather loafers, or high-heeled boots are the most authentic choices for a 1970s look.

AI-generated example

1970s Men

Channel your inner disco king with bold prints and retro bell-bottoms.

The 1970s was a decade of bold self-expression, defined by disco fever, psychedelic prints, and relaxed leisure suits. Dressing as a 1970s man lets you embrace iconic retro trends like wide-collared shirts, flared pants, and aviator sunglasses. This guide focuses on the classic disco-era look, perfect for themed parties and Halloween.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~20 min
Budget: $30–90

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40 1970s Men costume ideas

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What you need for a 1970s Men costume

Patterned button-down shirt
A silky or synthetic button-down shirt featuring a bold psychedelic, floral, or geometric print with an oversized, pointed collar.
DIY: Use a colorful vintage button-down shirt from a thrift store and press the collar flat and wide.
Amazon
Bell-bottom trousers
High-waisted pants that flare out dramatically from the knee down, in solid colors like brown, mustard yellow, or blue denim.
DIY: Take a pair of old bootcut jeans or trousers and sew triangular fabric inserts into the outer side seams of the lower legs to create a flare.
Amazon
Platform shoes or boots
Chunky-heeled shoes or boots, preferably in white, black, or brown leather-look material to add height.
DIY: Wear thick-soled leather boots or loafers that you already own.
Amazon
Gold chain necklace
A thick, shiny gold-colored chain worn openly over an unbuttoned chest.
Amazon
Aviator sunglasses
Classic wire-rimmed aviator glasses with yellow, brown, or gradient tinted lenses.
Amazon

How to put it together

1
Put on the high-waisted bell-bottom trousers, securing them with a wide leather belt if needed.
2
Slip on the patterned button-down shirt, leaving the top three or four buttons undone to expose your chest.
3
Pull the oversized shirt collar out so it rests flat and wide over the shoulders of the jacket or simply stands out wide.
4
Put on the thick gold chain necklace so it rests visibly on your open chest.
5
Slide on the chunky platform shoes or boots, ensuring the pant hems drape slightly over the tops of the shoes.
6
Put on the tinted aviator sunglasses to complete the retro look.

Makeup & hair

Style your hair into a voluminous feathered look, a classic afro, or wear a retro shag wig. If possible, pair the hairstyle with a thick handlebar mustache or long sideburns.

1970s Men for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Pair with a 1970s disco diva in a metallic wrap dress or a hippie partner in a flower-power maxi dress.
group: Form a 1970s band or a group of disco dancers, with members wearing different styles like leisure suits, glam rock gear, and athletic retro wear.
kids: Dress kids in miniature colorful bell-bottoms, a tie-dye shirt, and retro round sunglasses.
Plus size: Look for high-waisted trousers with elastic waistbands for comfort, paired with a relaxed-fit, unbuttoned printed shirt.
pet: Dress your dog in a colorful tie-dye bandana and a miniature afro wig.

Tips

Thrift stores are goldmines for authentic 1970s polyester shirts and wide-collared jackets.
Practice walking in platform shoes before heading out to ensure you don't trip on uneven surfaces.
Keep the top buttons of your shirt open to capture the true, relaxed style of the era.
Strike classic disco poses—like pointing one hand to the sky—for memorable photos.

1970s Men costume FAQ

What did men wear to parties in the 1970s?: Men typically wore fitted patterned shirts with wide collars, high-waisted bell-bottom pants, platform shoes, and gold chains, or matching polyester leisure suits.
How can I make a DIY 70s costume?: You can easily make one by finding a colorful, busy-patterned button-down shirt at a thrift store, unbuttoning the top, and pairing it with flared jeans and retro sunglasses.
What kind of shoes should I wear?: Chunky platform shoes, patent leather loafers, or high-heeled boots are the most authentic choices for a 1970s look.

Did you know? The iconic white three-piece suit worn by John Travolta in the 1977 film 'Saturday Night Fever' sparked a massive global surge in the popularity of disco fashion for men.