Disco Clothing in the 1970s

Disco balls served to illuminate the fashions worn.

Disco in the 1970s blew up on the scene as both a music and fashion movement. Fashion for the disco era was a specific look that both men and women embodied. If you're trying to achieve an authentic disco look, or if you just are interested in fashion of the 70s, learn a little bit about the disco fashion that defined an era.

Fabrics

The fabrics used in disco clothes were integral to the disco style clothing. In disco wear fabrics were stretchy and clingy, such as lycra or spandex, to allow for proper disco dancing. Fabrics were also made to reflect light, so the disco lights would bounce off of them, and often emblazoned with shiny sequins. Other popular fabrics included polyester, such as for pants and leisure suits, satin, for high-cut jackets, trevira and rayon, such as for long maxi dresses.

Men's Wear

Men's fashion for the disco era had a feminine quality, with tight shirts and butterfly collars. Flared pants were another big look for men in the disco era. One of the more popular disco looks for men was leisure suits, which were basically fitted jumpers with flared bottoms, often with paisley designs or bright colors. There was also the classic look of disco suits, which were suits with butterfly-collared jackets, and matching undershirts and pants, the basic look was all one bright color or white.

Women's Wear

The women of disco had a lot of looks to choose from. High-waisted hot pants were all the rage, and the look was to be worn very tight. Tight halter tops and blouses opened slightly at the top were a popular look. Maxi dresses and halter dresses, often embellished with rhinestones or sequins, were a hit on the disco dance floor. And the halter top suit was the female version of a leisure suit.

Accessories

Accessories of the 1970's disco time were much like the clothing worn, gaudy and shiny. Women donned themselves with big rings of various gemstones, and sparkling long necklaces. Men often wore gold or silver chains with large pendants, and man rings, which were thick chunky gold or silver rings. The popular shoe was thick platform shoes, boots for men and straps for women, as the thick platform made for easy movement on the dance floor.

Importance

Disco fashion was not only a way to dress, but a way to distinguish yourself. If you didn't have exactly the right look, you couldn't go anywhere in town, as the fashion was a way of distinguishing the serious disco lovers from the wannabes. Clubs like Studio 54 had very strict dress codes based on what you were wearing. For example, somebody donning a t-shirt tucked into jeans, or a go-go dress circa the 1960s, would not be allowed into a disco club. Disco clothing was also never worn during the day, it was a way to liven up your nights out.

References

• Fashion Era: The 70s Disco Fashion