The 1970s were a wild time for fashion—anything went, and that was both the beauty and the downfall of the decade’s style. We weren’t just wearing clothes; we were making statements, embracing bold patterns, unflattering silhouettes, and materials that seemed to defy the laws of comfort. And at the time, we thought we looked fantastic! But looking back now, some of those trends are downright embarrassing, leaving us wondering what we were thinking. From polyester everything to way-too-short shorts, the ‘70s had some truly unforgettable looks, but not all of them aged well.
Of course, every decade has its fashion faux pas, but the ‘70s were particularly fearless in pushing boundaries—and sometimes, those boundaries probably should’ve stayed in place. If you ever wore any of these trends, don’t worry, you weren’t alone! These were the styles we saw in magazines, in movies, and on the coolest people we knew. But let’s be honest—most of these would get some serious side-eyes today. Whether you loved these fads or shudder at the memory of them, here are 13 ‘70s fashion trends that make us cringe today.
1. Polyester Leisure Suits
At the time, polyester was the fabric of the future—wrinkle-resistant, affordable, and easy to clean. So, naturally, it became the go-to material for the leisure suit, one of the most iconic (and regrettable) fashion staples of the ‘70s. These suits weren’t meant for the office; they were for looking slick at the disco, paired with wide-collared shirts and platform shoes. The problem? They didn’t breathe at all, turning a night of dancing into a sweaty mess. Plus, polyester had a strange way of holding onto odors, meaning these suits weren’t always as fresh as they looked.
Leisure suits came in some truly eye-searing colors, like lime green, mustard yellow, and baby blue, often with matching vests. And let’s not forget those massive lapels that looked like they could double as airplane wings. Sure, John Travolta made them look cool in Saturday Night Fever, but in reality, most people just looked like used car salesmen. When the ‘80s arrived, these suits were swiftly retired, and honestly, no one was mad about it. If you still have one in the back of your closet, consider it a museum piece rather than a wardrobe option.
2. Bell-Bottom Pants
Bell-bottoms were everywhere in the ‘70s, and at the time, they were the ultimate in groovy fashion. The wider the flare, the cooler you were—some even had bells so large they covered your entire shoe. The exaggerated shape made walking tricky, especially on a windy day when they flapped like sails. And if you happened to step in a puddle? Your pants would soak up water like a sponge, dragging dirt and grime along with you. It didn’t matter if they were denim, corduroy, or some kind of questionable synthetic blend—everyone had at least one pair.
But while they were undeniably stylish back then, today they just look awkward. They make your legs look strangely disproportionate, especially if they were paired with platform shoes. And let’s not forget how ridiculous it was trying to cram all that extra fabric into knee-high boots come winter. The worst part? They eventually made a comeback in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, proving that sometimes, we don’t learn from our mistakes. If you still have a pair, maybe just keep them tucked away for the next inevitable resurgence.
3. Platform Shoes
Speaking of platforms, let’s talk about those sky-high shoes that had us all towering over our friends. Whether you were a guy or a girl, platform shoes were the height (literally) of ‘70s fashion. They were bold, colorful, and often covered in wild patterns, making sure no one missed your entrance. But the downside? They were incredibly unstable, leading to twisted ankles and some truly humiliating public wipeouts. Walking on what was essentially a block of wood glued to a sole required balance skills most of us didn’t have.
The bigger problem was that they weren’t just for fun nights out; people actually wore them to work, school, and even to the grocery store. Can you imagine trying to push a shopping cart in three-inch heels? And let’s not forget how much they hurt after just an hour of wear. Sure, we thought they gave us confidence, but they mostly just gave us blisters. Looking back, it’s amazing more of us didn’t end up in casts thanks to these questionable fashion choices.
4. Hugely Wide Collars
If you weren’t sporting a shirt with a collar that could double as a parachute, were you even dressing for the ‘70s? Wide collars were absolutely everywhere, turning even a basic button-up into a statement piece. The idea was that they framed the face and added drama, but in reality, they mostly just looked ridiculous. Some were so big they nearly touched the shoulders, making even the most serious businessman look like he belonged at Studio 54.
They were often paired with equally excessive patterns, meaning you couldn’t blend in even if you tried. And if the wind caught them just right, they’d practically slap you in the face. Sure, they had a brief return in the ‘90s, but by then, even designers had learned to tone them down. Today, we can all agree that collars should probably stop at a reasonable size. If you ever owned a shirt like this, you have our respect—you were truly committed to the trend.
5. Knit Ponchos
Ponchos weren’t just for Western movies in the ‘70s—they were a full-blown fashion movement. These oversized knit creations came in every color under the sun and often had fringe for added flair. They were meant to be a stylish, cozy alternative to jackets, but in reality, they just made you look like you wrapped yourself in a fancy tablecloth. Worse yet, they were impractical—you couldn’t easily carry a purse over them, and trying to fit into a car seatbelt while wearing one was a challenge.
They were also prone to getting caught on everything—door handles, jewelry, even other people. And while they provided warmth, they also lacked sleeves, meaning you were often left with chilly arms. By the ‘80s, ponchos had mostly disappeared from the mainstream, only to return in brief, regrettable fashion cycles. If you still have one, maybe keep it for a themed party rather than everyday wear.
6. Hot Pants
The ‘70s were all about pushing boundaries, and nowhere was that more obvious than in the rise of hot pants. These weren’t just short shorts—they were very short shorts, often barely covering anything. Made from materials like denim, satin, or even shiny metallic fabrics, they were designed to turn heads. And turn heads they did, for better or worse. While they looked cute in magazines and on celebrities like Farrah Fawcett, in real life, they were wildly impractical. Sitting down without exposing more than you bargained for was a challenge, and heaven help you if you tried to ride a bike.
Worse yet, hot pants weren’t just for summer—some brave souls wore them year-round with knee-high boots and tights, as if that somehow made them more sensible. They were even considered fashionable work attire for a brief moment, with airline stewardesses and restaurant waitresses forced to wear them as part of their uniforms. By the end of the decade, most of us realized that hot pants were more trouble than they were worth. Today, they live on in the form of festival wear and cheerleading outfits, but as an everyday look? Hard pass.
7. Crochet Everything
The ‘70s were all about handmade, earthy fashion, and crochet became a huge part of that. From sweaters to vests to full-length dresses, crochet designs were everywhere. At first glance, they had a cozy, bohemian charm, but the reality was often a disaster. The open weave meant that these pieces were completely see-through, requiring multiple layers just to avoid an unintentional fashion scandal. And since many were made from wool or thick yarn, they weren’t exactly comfortable—scratchy, stiff, and impossible to wear on hot days.
Even worse, crochet pieces stretched out quickly, turning what was once a cute top into a saggy mess after a few washes. And let’s not forget how easily they got caught on things—one bad snag, and your whole outfit could unravel like a bad joke. While a subtle crochet detail can still be stylish today, full-on crochet outfits scream ‘hippie commune chic’ in a way that just doesn’t translate to modern fashion. If you ever owned a homemade crochet poncho, you know the struggle.
8. Denim on Denim
Wearing denim was nothing new in the ‘70s, but the trend of head-to-toe denim reached ridiculous levels. Denim shirts, denim jackets, denim skirts, and even denim shoes were paired together with reckless abandon. The Canadian tuxedo—denim jeans with a matching denim jacket—became a thing, and for some reason, we all thought it looked cool. In reality, it just made people look like walking jean advertisements. And let’s not forget the stiff, unforgiving nature of ‘70s denim—before stretch fabric was widely used, breaking in a new pair of jeans felt like a full-time job.
Matching denim sets were often made worse by questionable styling choices, like massive belt buckles and too-tight shirts. And while celebrities like Elvis and Burt Reynolds managed to make it look somewhat stylish, the average person just ended up looking like a cowboy cosplayer. While denim jackets and jeans are still wardrobe staples today, wearing them together remains a risky move. One wrong step, and you’re right back in 1977.
9. Patchwork Everything
Patchwork was a huge trend in the ‘70s, and it wasn’t just for quilts—it was for pants, skirts, vests, and even purses. The idea was to embrace a bohemian, handmade aesthetic, but the result often looked more like a failed arts and crafts project. Some pieces were made of leftover fabric scraps, resulting in bizarre color combinations and mismatched textures. Others were intentionally designed to look “vintage,” meaning they already looked like they’d been worn for decades before you even bought them.
Patchwork denim, in particular, was a nightmare, with stiff, clunky sections sewn together in ways that made movement uncomfortable. And let’s not forget the weird patchwork leather coats that looked like they were cobbled together from rejected sofa upholstery. While patchwork can still be charming in small doses, wearing an entire outfit made of it today would make you look like you got lost on your way to a 1970s time capsule. If you ever owned patchwork bell-bottoms, you were truly committed to the era.
10. Clogs
Clogs were another baffling ‘70s footwear trend that seemed like a good idea at the time but quickly proved otherwise. These wooden-soled shoes were clunky, heavy, and incredibly difficult to walk in. One wrong step, and you’d either twist an ankle or send the shoe flying off your foot. And if you thought platforms were noisy, clogs took things to a whole new level—every step sounded like you were walking on a hardwood floor in tap shoes.
To make matters worse, they weren’t exactly comfortable. The rigid wooden sole offered zero flexibility, meaning walking long distances felt like a punishment. And since they were often worn without socks, blisters were practically a guarantee. While clogs still exist today in a slightly more practical form, the traditional ‘70s version is best left in the past. Unless you enjoy sounding like a horse trotting down the street, there’s no reason to revisit this trend.
11. Velvet Everything
Velvet was considered the height of luxury in the ‘70s, and for a while, it seemed like everyone was draped in it. From jumpsuits to suits to evening gowns, velvet was everywhere. It had a soft, rich texture that looked amazing under disco lights, but it had one major flaw—it showed everything. Every speck of dust, every crease, and every drop of sweat clung to velvet like a magnet, making it nearly impossible to keep clean. And let’s not forget how hot and suffocating it was, especially in a packed dance club.
Men’s velvet suits were particularly tragic, often in deep jewel tones like burgundy, forest green, or mustard yellow. Pair one of those with a ruffled shirt and a wide tie, and you had the ultimate ‘70s disaster look. While velvet still appears in fashion today in smaller doses, wearing a full velvet outfit now would make you look like a rejected Bond villain. If you ever owned a velvet blazer, you know the struggle of trying to keep it looking remotely decent.
12. Sequined Everything
The ‘70s were all about sparkle, and that meant sequins—lots and lots of sequins. Dresses, jumpsuits, and even casual tops were covered in tiny reflective discs, creating an effect that was more blinding than fashionable. At the time, this look was considered glamorous, perfect for disco dancing under a mirrored ball. The problem? Sequins weren’t exactly practical for everyday life. They snagged on everything, left scratch marks on your skin, and had an unfortunate tendency to shed, leaving a trail of glitter wherever you went.
And then there was the noise—sequins rubbing together created an awkward rustling sound, making it impossible to move discreetly. If you ever wore a full sequined jumpsuit, you probably sounded like a walking wind chime. While sequins are still popular for special occasions, an all-sequined outfit today would look more like a costume than a fashion statement. If you ever spent an evening picking stray sequins out of your car seat, you know exactly why this trend belongs in the past.
It’s funny how fashion changes—what we once thought was the height of style can turn into something we wouldn’t be caught dead wearing today. The ‘70s were a time of experimentation, bold choices, and sometimes, downright bizarre outfits. While some elements of ‘70s fashion have made their way back into the mainstream, plenty of others deserve to stay firmly in the past. But hey, at least we had fun with it! No matter how much we might cringe now, there’s no denying that these styles were a defining part of an unforgettable decade.
