1979 Mens Fashion A Style Retrospective

1979 Men’s Fashion: A Retrospective

1979 men’s fashion – 1979 witnessed a fascinating blend of styles in men’s fashion, reflecting the diverse cultural currents of the era. From the lingering influence of the disco era to the burgeoning punk movement, the year presented a kaleidoscope of looks, each with its own unique character and appeal. This exploration delves into the defining characteristics, key garments, influential designers, and overall aesthetic of men’s fashion in 1979.

Defining 1979 Men’s Fashion Styles

The dominant silhouettes of 1979 men’s clothing were characterized by a mix of fitted and relaxed styles. The decade’s earlier emphasis on wide-legged trousers began to soften, with slimmer fits emerging alongside the more relaxed styles. Three key trends defined the year: the continued prevalence of disco-influenced glamour, the rise of punk’s rebellious aesthetic, and the enduring appeal of classic, tailored looks.

Music subcultures significantly impacted men’s fashion choices. Disco music fueled a trend towards flamboyant, brightly colored shirts, often paired with wide-legged trousers and platform shoes. In contrast, the punk movement championed ripped jeans, leather jackets, and safety pins, reflecting its anti-establishment ethos. The more mainstream styles maintained a balance, incorporating elements of both trends, or leaning towards a more classic, tailored approach.

Style Name	Key Characteristics	Notable Examples	Cultural Influence
Disco	Bright colors, shiny fabrics (like polyester), wide-legged trousers, platform shoes, flamboyant shirts.	John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever*	Disco music and its celebratory atmosphere.
Punk	Ripped jeans, leather jackets, safety pins, studded belts, t-shirts with band logos.	The Ramones, Sex Pistols	Punk rock music’s anti-establishment attitude.
Classic Tailored	Well-fitting suits, button-down shirts, loafers, conservative colors (navy, brown, grey).	Business professionals, preppy styles.	Enduring appeal of timeless style and professionalism.

Key Garments and Accessories of 1979

Popular 1979 men’s trousers ranged from the still-popular wide-legged styles in various fabrics like corduroy and denim, to the emerging slimmer fits in wool or polyester blends. Colors varied greatly, reflecting the overall stylistic diversity of the era. Iconic outerwear included leather jackets (particularly favored by punk adherents), bomber jackets, and tailored blazers.

Accessories played a crucial role in completing 1979 men’s looks. Belts, often wide and bold, added a touch of flair. Hats, ranging from fedoras to baseball caps, were common. Jewelry, while not as prevalent as in some other eras, included statement pieces like chains or rings, especially within the disco subculture.

Here are three example outfits:

1. Disco Look: A shimmering polyester shirt in vibrant turquoise, wide-legged bell-bottom trousers in deep purple, platform shoes, and a chunky gold chain necklace.
2. Punk Look: Ripped black jeans, a black leather jacket with studded details, a plain white t-shirt, and combat boots.
3. Classic Tailored Look: A navy blue suit, a crisp white button-down shirt, brown leather loafers, and a subtle patterned tie.

Fabric and Color Palettes of 1979

Prevalent fabrics included polyester, corduroy, denim, and wool. Polyester’s popularity stemmed from its affordability and versatility, while corduroy and denim remained staples, particularly in casual wear. Wool featured prominently in tailored suits and outerwear. Dominant color palettes ranged from the bold, saturated hues of the disco era (think bright oranges, yellows, and purples) to the more muted tones of classic tailoring (navy, brown, grey).

The choice of fabrics and colors mirrored the social and cultural climate. The bright colors and shiny fabrics of disco reflected the era’s celebratory and optimistic mood, while the darker, more rugged aesthetics of punk reflected a sense of rebellion and social unrest.

• Navy Blue: Suits, blazers
• Brown: Leather jackets, corduroy trousers
• White: T-shirts, button-down shirts
• Deep Purple: Trousers, shirts (Disco)
• Bright Orange: Shirts (Disco)

Influence of Designers and Cultural Movements

While pinpointing specific designers heavily influential on
-only* 1979’s menswear is difficult without extensive archival research, it’s safe to say that the broader trends of the time were shaped by a confluence of established designers and the cultural movements themselves. Disco’s influence was largely organic, arising from the music scene and its associated fashion. Punk’s aesthetic, similarly, emerged from the DIY ethos of the movement itself.

The contrast between disco’s flamboyant glamour and punk’s rebellious simplicity highlighted the social and political tensions of the late 1970s. The economic uncertainties and social changes of the time contributed to a fashion landscape that offered diverse options, reflecting the varied experiences and perspectives of the era. Tracing a specific trend’s evolution throughout the year requires detailed research into fashion magazines and archives.

1979 menswear saw a blend of disco-era glamour and a burgeoning punk influence. Interestingly, the emphasis on tailored silhouettes in some 1979 styles hints at a surprising historical connection to the more structured looks of 1780s mens fashion , albeit with vastly different fabrics and embellishments. This contrast highlights the cyclical nature of menswear trends, showing how past styles can subtly reappear in modern interpretations.

Visual Representation of 1979 Men’s Fashion

A typical 1979 male figure might have sported a variety of hairstyles, from the longer, flowing locks popular among disco enthusiasts to the shorter, more rebellious cuts favored by punks. Body types varied greatly, reflecting the diverse range of styles.

Here are descriptions of three hypothetical 1979 fashion photographs:

1. Image 1: A young man in a brightly colored, patterned shirt, wide-legged trousers, and platform shoes, striking a confident pose against a backdrop of a bustling discotheque. The overall impression is one of vibrant energy and exuberance.
2. Image 2: A group of young men, dressed in ripped jeans, leather jackets, and t-shirts with band logos, standing defiantly in a gritty urban setting. The image projects an aura of rebellion and anti-establishment sentiment.
3. Image 3: A man in a well-tailored suit, standing confidently in a professional setting. His appearance conveys an image of sophistication and success.

A mood board for 1979 men’s fashion would include images of platform shoes, wide-legged trousers, leather jackets, brightly colored shirts, safety pins, fedoras, and tailored suits. These elements would collectively represent the diverse range of styles that characterized the year, from the flamboyant glamour of disco to the rebellious aesthetic of punk and the enduring appeal of classic tailoring.

Questions Often Asked

What were some common hairstyles for men in 1979?

Long hair, often styled with layers or feathered, was still prevalent. However, shorter, more styled cuts were also becoming increasingly popular, reflecting the shift away from the extremely long hair of the early 1970s.

Were there any notable fashion designers who significantly influenced 1979 men’s fashion?

While specific designers heavily dominating 1979 menswear are harder to pinpoint than in other decades, the overall trends reflected a blend of established styles and emerging subcultural influences. The broader fashion landscape of the time played a larger role than individual designers in shaping the overall look.

How did 1979 men’s fashion differ from the styles of the previous decade?

While some elements of 1970s styles persisted, 1979 saw a move towards more tailored fits in some areas (though flared trousers remained popular). The extremely wide lapels and bold patterns of the early 70s were becoming less dominant, replaced by more streamlined silhouettes in certain trends.