18 Terrible 1970s Menswear Ads That Prove The Decade Is Better Left Forgotten
By Erin Kelly
Published January 13, 2016
Updated March 30, 2019
The 70s was a pretty shameless decade and these terrible 1970s menswear ads bear testament to that. Let's not bring any of these fashions back... please?
If you were lucky enough to untangle yourself from the rainbow macramé that was the 1970s, then these photos of what was then considered “fashionable” will be a disco-dance down memory lane.
If you are a post-’70s baby, looking at these images may cause some wincing and general discomfort. Please take the ensuing terrible 1970s menswear ads with the pill of knowledge that one of the most popular films of 1972 was actually a porno:
Lesson one: There existed an unnatural affinity for anything cable-knit. Hot Penguin
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Likewise, the optimal pant waist should've just about reached your chin.Hot Penguin
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The giraffe print leotard: the height of the American Empire.Hot Penguin
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In the '70s, it simply was not a party without silk pants or mustard-colored onesies.Hot Penguin
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Only in the '70s would something be described as "the ultimate fashion climax."Hot Penguin
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Luckily the matador-about-town look never made it to the 1980s.Bored Panda
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Male models of the '70s, ladies and gentlemen. Hot Penguin
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Which is more unsightly: the cut or the pattern?Hot Penguin
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Not quite sure why the slogan "slack power" didn't stick. Hot Penguin
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Forget everything in this picture except for the fact that people used to hang their underwear on circular hangers.Hot Penguin
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Plunging necklines and denim pantsuits — the '70s epitome of sportive.Plaid Stallions
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The '70s were all about ... bottoms.Pinterest
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Dramatic coats and collars defined the '70s. A global recession clearly didn't cause any cuts in fabric usage.Plaid Stallions
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In the '70s, you could also purchase a new, fashion forward shirt for just $1.94.Hot Penguin
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The advert on the right says that "the men people pay attention to will be wearing these coats," but we're wondering if this kind of attention is desirable.Plaid Stallions
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"Just imagine how everyone will talk!" Yes, imagine... Plaid Stallions
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These ensembles brought to you by the Council for the Color Blind. Plaid Stallions
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'70s fashion kills: "Arnel" fabric was used in this garment, and was apparently discontinued because the fabric was made using a toxic chemical that likely affected brain function.Plaid Stallions
An All That’s Interesting writer since 2013, Erin Kelly focuses on historic places, natural wonders, environmental issues, and the world of science. Her work has also been featured in Smithsonian and she’s designed several published book covers in her career as a graphic artist.
