Mens Fashion 1979 A Retrospective

Men’s Fashion in 1979: A Retrospect

Mens fashion 1979 – 1979 witnessed a fascinating blend of styles in men’s fashion, reflecting the diverse cultural influences and social shifts of the era. From hairstyles that mirrored the disco era’s exuberance to clothing choices influenced by various subcultures, the year presented a rich tapestry of trends. This exploration delves into the key elements of men’s fashion in 1979, examining hairstyles, clothing, iconic figures, the impact of music, and prevalent accessories.

Men’s Hairstyles in 1979

Men’s hairstyles in 1979 reflected a continuation of the longer styles popularized in the 1970s, but with a shift towards more structured and styled looks. The influence of disco and rock music is evident in the prevalent styles. Styling products like hairspray, mousse, and gels were heavily used to achieve the desired volume and hold. Compared to the shorter, more conservative styles of the 1960s, 1979 hairstyles were significantly longer and more elaborate.

The following decade saw a move towards shorter, more natural looks.

Hairstyle	Description	Styling Products	Image Description
Long, Layered Hair	Hair grown to shoulder-length or longer, often layered for texture and movement.	Hairspray, mousse	Shoulder-length hair with layers, styled with a slight wave or curl, possibly parted on the side. A slightly tousled, natural look, yet still carefully styled.
The Farrah Fawcett Flip (adapted for men)	A variation on the iconic Farrah Fawcett hairstyle, featuring long layers flipped up at the ends. Often seen with sideburns.	Hairspray, curling iron (occasionally)	Long, layered hair with the ends flipped outwards, creating volume and a slightly feathered look. Sideburns are typically present, adding to the overall 70s aesthetic.
The Shag	A textured, layered cut with a shaggy, unkempt yet styled appearance.	Mousse, texturizing spray	Medium-length hair with multiple layers, creating a textured, slightly messy but stylish look. The style avoids being overly neat or precise.
Short, Side-Parted Hair	A shorter, more conservative option, but still with a distinct 70s feel, often styled with a side part and some volume on top.	Hairspray, pomade	Short hair, neatly combed to the side, with a defined part and some lift and volume at the crown. A more polished and less flamboyant option than other styles of the era.

Clothing Styles and Trends

Men’s clothing in 1979 reflected a diverse range of influences, from disco glamour to the burgeoning punk and new wave scenes. Fabrics included corduroy, denim, polyester, and leather. Colors were bold and vibrant, with earth tones also prevalent. Designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Giorgio Armani continued to influence menswear, while cultural movements like disco and punk injected unique styles into the mainstream.

Men’s fashion in 1979 showcased a blend of styles, from disco-era glamour to more rugged looks. A key accessory reflecting this diverse aesthetic was headwear, and a particularly stylish choice was the wide-brimmed hat, as evidenced by the extensive range of styles available, check out this resource on men’s wide brim hats fashion for a better understanding.

This versatile piece added a touch of sophistication or casual flair depending on the overall outfit, reflecting the overall eclectic nature of 1979 menswear.

A typical 1979 male outfit might consist of:

Top: A brightly colored disco-style shirt (perhaps a polyester shirt with a bold geometric pattern), or a more subdued corduroy shirt in a deep brown or green. Alternatively, a plain white t-shirt worn under a denim jacket.

Bottom: Flared jeans or corduroy pants, often in earth tones or darker shades.

Outerwear: A denim jacket, a leather jacket (possibly a biker-style jacket), or a suede jacket.

Accessories: A wide belt with a large buckle, possibly a scarf, and possibly some chunky jewelry (e.g., a large pendant necklace).

Footwear: Platform shoes, or classic sneakers, depending on the overall style.

Iconic Men’s Fashion Figures of 1979

Several influential figures shaped the fashion landscape of 1979. Their styles, reflecting the era’s diverse trends, impacted broader menswear choices.

• John Travolta: Travolta’s iconic role in Saturday Night Fever cemented the disco look—wide-collared shirts, flared pants, and platform shoes—as a major trend. His influence extended beyond the film, impacting menswear throughout the late 1970s.
• David Bowie: Bowie’s androgynous style, characterized by flamboyant clothing, makeup, and hairstyles, challenged traditional masculinity and influenced the glam rock and new wave aesthetics.
• Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin): Plant’s bohemian style, incorporating flowing fabrics, layered clothing, and often ethnic-inspired pieces, reflected a counter-cultural aesthetic that appealed to many.

The Influence of Music and Pop Culture, Mens fashion 1979

Music played a significant role in shaping men’s fashion in 1979. Different genres fostered distinct styles, reflecting the cultural values and attitudes associated with each subculture. Disco music, for example, directly influenced the flamboyant, glamorous clothing choices of many men, while punk rock promoted a more rebellious and anti-establishment aesthetic.

Musical Style	Fashion Choices	Key Characteristics	Example Artist
Disco	Flared pants, platform shoes, brightly colored shirts, wide collars	Glamorous, flamboyant, and often shiny fabrics	Bee Gees
Punk Rock	Ripped jeans, leather jackets, safety pins, band t-shirts	Rebellious, anti-establishment, and often DIY aesthetic	Sex Pistols
New Wave	Slim-fitting clothing, sharp lines, often monochromatic colors	Clean-cut, sophisticated, yet still reflecting a youthful energy	The Cars
Rock (Hard Rock/Classic Rock)	Denim, leather, band t-shirts, long hair	Casual yet often styled, reflecting a sense of freedom and rebellion	AC/DC

Accessories and Footwear

Accessories and footwear were integral parts of men’s fashion in 1979, often reflecting the dominant stylistic trends of the era.

• Platform Shoes: A defining footwear choice of the disco era, characterized by elevated soles, adding height and a distinct look.
• Wide Belts with Large Buckles: Added a statement piece to outfits, often in bold colors or with eye-catching designs.
• Scarves: Added a touch of flair and style, often in brightly colored patterns or fabrics.
• Jewelry: Chunky necklaces, bracelets, and rings were sometimes incorporated, especially in disco-influenced styles.
• Denim Jackets: A versatile and popular outerwear choice, often worn with band t-shirts or more casual outfits.
• Leather Jackets: A staple for rock and punk subcultures, symbolizing rebellion and a tough aesthetic.

Question & Answer Hub: Mens Fashion 1979

What were some common fabrics used in men’s clothing in 1979?

Common fabrics included corduroy, denim, polyester, and various blends. These choices reflected both the practicality and the stylistic trends of the time.

Were there any significant differences in men’s fashion across different geographical regions in 1979?

While overarching trends existed, regional variations certainly occurred. Subtle differences in color palettes, specific cuts of clothing, and the adoption of certain accessories likely existed based on local preferences and cultural influences.

How did the economic climate impact men’s fashion choices in 1979?

The economic climate likely influenced the affordability and accessibility of certain trends. More expensive fabrics or designer pieces might have been limited to certain demographics, while more budget-friendly options became prevalent for others.