VintageGent’s Menswear Daily

Sizing Notes for 70s menswear

It might be very tempting to occasionally trade in your double breasted suit, and with 70s elements always seeming to pop up everywhere in fashion, you are probably tempted to try it. But for you, a modern imitation will not do, you want the real thing.

There are a few tips to consider when shopping for 1970s wear online or in a shop

- Do not be surprised if a size on all platform shoes are not printed inside. Usually they are, but occasionally the ink has faded with time or it wasn’t there to begin with. Always try them on. If you cannot, and are shopping online, follow the lead of the ladies. Gals are more accustomed to measuring the inside of a similar pair of shoes of a similar pair and choosing “new to you” shoes that way. Look at what the platform shoe essential is at the basic level. Is it a loafer, a sandal, a boot, or and measure comparable shoes accordingly.

- The arm holes on most trendy blazers and suit coats were cut higher and smaller than modern suit coats. If you have a slim build, you may find that 70s jackets may flatter you well.  If you don’t, or broad shoulders, you may want to see if the next size up fits you better.  Remember, though, that the fit in many things is supposed to be slim and your size regular size may indeed fit. You just have to get used to the cut.   Most clothing was not made to be baggy with miles of “ease” room.

- Not everything was poly.   Polyester was a big staple of the 70s, but if you have an aversion to it, there are plenty of other choices.   Wool and other classic fabrics were still used in abundance.   The idea that people have is that if it was wool in the 1970s, it must be boxy and plaid.   Some of the other popular cuts were actually available in wool.

Dress That Man is a site that I had stumbled by quite some time ago, and can’t believe I have yet to mention in the “Daily.” The 1970s are alive and well and expressed in fashion at the site. Hipsters, Rockers, and Halloween party attenders alike can find something to love. Browse the aisles and try on a pair of sky high platform shoes or a shirt.  Of course, you can’t really “try them on,” you have to know your size.

1970s |