1974: Sansabelt Slimmed and Trimmed
Ah, Sansabelt.
Today Sansabelt is at the butt of some jokes, portrayed as the fashion detail for folks who are looking for extra room in their drawers at turkey time. Did you know that back in the day, Sansabelt pants were considered pretty fashionable? What, no belt? Are you crazy? In fact, Jaymar offered the feature on their stylish windowpane plaid dacton trousers. There were oodles of celebrity endorsements, including one by Tom Shaw. At the time of this 1974 advertisement, he was the youngest touring professional golfer. In other words, they were pitched as pants for an active lifestyle. Or at least one that including walking, then stopping, then walking, then stopping.
The pants’ “exclusive hidden waistband never ceases to slim him, trim him, keep his shirt tail in and provide an incredible feeling of comfort around the middle.” Brown plaid is not your thing? “Sansabelt Slacks with Dacron polyester come in virtually every cut, color and pattern, each designed to look lavish, yet made to wear and wear.” And wear they do. I have found dozens of examples of the pants that look like the day they came out of the factory.
They were also known as the slacks seen on NBC, not that anyone was squinting at their 12″ black and white searching to see if anyone was wearing a belt.
I am just glad that Tom Shaw was a relatively conservative dresser. At the time, plaid pants were a little more de reguer than they are in 2010. I am not sure if you remember my post about 40s golder Tommy Goodwin and his fashion choices that kind of creep some folks out. (Click to see purely at your own risk).
1970s, 1974, sports, vintage ads | Comments (2)
2 Responses to “1974: Sansabelt Slimmed and Trimmed”
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Sansabelt slacks are awesome! I was a bit too young to enjoy them in their 70’s heyday, but the classic style with the “S” button are definitely my favorites now. I have a muscular build and slim waist and really love Sansabelt slacks’ amazing comfort and trim styling. The classic style Sansabelt fits well, feels great and always looks sharp! They may have taken a bad rap over they years, but don’t knock them until you try them on yourself. I own several pairs and wear them every chance I get.
Howdy Chris,
Thanks for visiting! Some of the jokes have definitely come from the concept of Thanksgiving “expansion room.” I think the key is to buy pants that fit you, versus buying them baggy in the waist and figuring that the magical waistband will cinch itself in. Oh yeah, selecting giant pastel windowpane golfer print should be used extra prudently.