’70s Fashion Trends: Styles That Defined a Decade

From the free-spirited bohemian look to the extravagant disco aesthetic, iconic ’70s styles are making a comeback. And it’s no wonder—’70s fashion is full of dazzling and daring outfits coveted by any fashionista.

The bold fashion of the 1970s was fueled by transformative social movements that celebrated individuality and freedom of expression. Countercultures like hippies and punks rejected the status quo, while disco culture emerged later in the decade, championing fun, dance, and togetherness. These influences shaped the era’s diverse and expressive fashion choices. 

Keep reading to discover iconic ’70s fashion trends that can inspire your clothing line or wardrobe. Organized by style, this guide covers key pieces, fabrics, and accessories, as well as the influential designers and icons who defined the decade.

8 iconic ’70s fashion trends to inspire you

Retro prints, bold colors, and flowy dresses galore! The groovy ’70s fashion was all about fun, freedom, and breaking boundaries.

Wardrobes became more diverse, with bold choices like pantsuits, platform heels, and vibrant patterns dominating the scene. Let’s dive into the ’70s fashion trends worth remembering.

1. Bohemian style

The 1970s bohemian (or boho) style drew heavy inspiration from ’60s counterculture and the hippie movement. The style evolved in a more eclectic way, celebrating comfort and individuality.

Fluid and graceful Kaftan dresses and Gunne Sax dresses embodied a carefree spirit. Flowing skirts paired with crop tops created a dreamy fairytale look. Crochet items like sweaters, ponchos, and bell bottoms fit the handmade, artisanal appeal. Boho-style enthusiasts chose fringe vests and jackets for layering.

Source: Printful

Floppy hats often crowned this look, adding a quirky touch and protection from the sun. Standard accessories included layered necklaces and bracelets, feather earrings, scarves, and leather belts. Clogs with leather uppers and wooden platform heels completed the look.

Boho clothing featured natural materials like cotton, linen, and knitwear. Luxurious fabrics like suede, leather, and velvet were appreciated for their durability. Fashion designers like Emilio Pucci used vibrant, psychedelic prints influenced by ethnic patterns. Paisley, floral prints, and tie-dye were also prevalent.

Source: Sunshine

To incorporate the boho style into your clothing line, focus on designs that feature common ’70s patterns like mandalas, paisley, tribal motifs, and floral elements for t-shirts, leggings, and hoodies. Nature-inspired graphics, like sunrises, moons, and botanical sketches, resonate well with the bohemian aesthetic too.

If you’re adding typography, use retro fonts for inspirational phrases like “Free Spirit” and “I am Nature.” Earthy color schemes in muted tones like burnt orange and forest green enhance the vintage vibe. Offer your customers flowy, free-spirit vibes with midi dresses or crop tops paired with wide-leg pants. You could even go with eco-friendly fabrics to align with the boho spirit.

2. Disco

In the ’70s, disco fever took over the world, with bands like the Bee Gees, ABBA, and Diana Ross conquering the scene. Clubs like Studio 54 in New York City became iconic hotspots for celebrities, artists, and socialites. As the Disco scene blossomed, fashion needed to match the groovy vibes.

The ’70s disco style embraced glamour, sparkle, and freedom of movement. 

Source: Pinterest

Dancers wore shiny fabrics like polyester, spandex, satin, sequins, and glitter. These materials shimmered under the spinning disco ball and flashing lights. Figure-hugging outfits and unique textiles helped dancers stand out in the crowd. Flared pants and platform shoes allowed them to strut onto the dancefloor with confidence.

Halter tops and other backless styles were popular among young women who embraced their freedom. Other prevalent pieces included hot pants, bodycon dresses, mini skirts, tube tops, and disco pants. Aviator glasses, lavish jewellery, and an oversized coat were the perfect accessories. 

As for the men’s night-out fits, bell-bottom pants and jumpsuits were go-to choices. They often wore tight pants, unbuttoned shirts (sometimes with collars), and platform shoes. There were plenty of muses in the 1970s, from Elton John and Mick Jagger to David Bowie and John Travolta. 

One of the most influential ’70s disco style icons was Donna Summer, also known as the “Queen of Disco.” Diana Ross’s maxi silk and satin slip dresses were also must-have disco fits.

Source: Printful

You can revive the glitz and glamour of the ’70s disco era by blending futuristic vibes with streetwear aesthetics. Wide-leg pants with geometric patterns and bright colors pay homage to disco classics, while crop tops and halter necks have been reimagined for today’s fashion.

Let your collections be full of vibrant jewel tones like gold, cobalt blue, magenta, and emerald green, accompanied by psychedelic swirls, geometric prints, and kaleidoscopic designs that capture the essence of the era. Use retro typography featuring fun phrases like “Disco Fever” or “Stay Groovy.”

All-over psychedelic prints on leggings and dresses evoke the hypnotic designs of disco dance floors, while holographic illusions add a futuristic twist. Retro-inspired bomber jackets with shimmering graphics and statement accessories like tote bags and headbands complete the look.

You can easily create collections with print-on-demand for those who love the sparkle of disco fashion with a modern touch.

3. Glam Rock

The bold fashion of the 1970s Glam Rock era was theatric, androgynous, and extravagant. As you may have guessed, rock music heavily influenced this style. Think flamboyant clothing, sparkling glitter, and bold colors.

Striking elements like platform shoes, daring makeup, and fabulous hairstyles defined the scene. Iconic pieces included glittery or satin shirts and blazers. Other essentials were sequin-covered tops, jackets, and flared leather pants and trousers.

Source: Pinterest

Metallic jumpsuits and bodysuits became a quintessential style embraced by many in the Glam Rock scene. Iconic figures like David Bowie (as Ziggy Stardust) lead the way. Kansai Yamamoto designed costumes for Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust tour. His outfits featured bold geometric patterns, animal prints, and glamorous metallic accents.

As the trend’s name implies, glamorous was the keyword here. Daring over-the-knee high boots were the perfect outfit addition. This striking footwear added a dramatic flair to any outfit, matching the extravagance of Glam Rock fashion. Other popular accessories included glittering jewelry, spiked collars and bracelets, large sunglasses, and feather boas.

Source: Printful

Put an updated spin on Glam Rock by creating your own collection. Focus on metallics and shiny textures or design t-shirts and hoodies with glitter-effect prints that capture the allure of Glam Rock fabrics. Bold patterns, like leopard prints and star motifs, can enhance your designs. Consider offering androgynous silhouettes that are in line with today's fashion.

How To Create Designs With Gold Foil Effect

Think about incorporating edgy typography with slogans like “Rebel & Shine” or “Electric Dreams.” Animal prints can also set your collection apart, while statement outerwear—like custom bomber jackets—offers a great canvas for sequined graphics.

4. Lingering hippie vibes 

At the start of the decade, remnants of the hippie movement still shaped fashion. Pieces focused on freedom and a connection with nature. Bright colors and earthy tones dominated the fashion scene. Many celebrated the folk spirit by wearing thrifted treasures and vibrant ethnic attire. 

Source: Pinterest

Hippie outfits included tie-dye shirts, flared jeans, loose-fitting tunics, and long-flowing skirts. Clothes featured natural fibers like hemp, wool, and denim. Fashionable patterns included peace symbols, flower power, and psychedelic patterns. Tie-dye swirls and rainbow colors breathed life into the clothing.

A few accessories were essential. The hippie aesthetic is unimaginable without headbands, flower crowns, and beaded jewelry. Instead of boots, leather sandals and barefoot-inspired footwear gave that flower child vibe.

Hippie style icons during this period included Grace Slick and Joni Mitchell. British fashion brand Biba captured the movement’s youthful, carefree essence. High-fashion brands like Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein also embraced the trend.

Free-spirited ’70s hippie style is making a major comeback in modern fashion, emphasizing self-expression, connection to nature, and vibrant patterns. You can also revive this style with hippie-inspired designs on comfortable, trendy garments. Think loose t-shirts, flowy dresses, and bell-bottom pants with psychedelic prints, kaleidoscopic patterns, or tie-dye fabrics. 

Source: Printful

Create garments with earthy tones, ethnic-inspired designs, nature motifs, and peace symbols. To add a playful touch, include accessories like scrunchies and headbands. For typography, choose playful fonts and peaceful slogans like “Make Love, Not War” or “Flower Child.”

Offer garments made of natural fabrics like cotton and hemp that align with eco-friendly practices. The enduring charm of hippie fashion makes it a perfect fit for POD businesses aiming to capture this thriving market.

5. Punk style

Punk style emerged as a rejection of mainstream culture and fashion. Bands like The Sex Pistols in the UK and The Ramones in the US led the way. Punk rock style brought a more aggressive, rebellious, anti-establishment vibe. Fashion, as usual, was a tool for self-expression and protest.

Source: Printful

Bomber jackets and vests combined with graphic tees, ripped jeans, chokers, and studded belts were the ultimate fashion statement. Tartan plaid skirts or trousers and band tees were also it. Instead of bell bottoms, skinny jeans defined this aesthetic. The footwear of choice was combat boots or Converse sneakers.

T-shirts often included logos and graphic prints. Outfits featured anarchy symbols and slogans. Essential accessories included safety pins, spiked collars, bandanas, and chains. 

The rebellious ’70s punk fashion vibe is coming back stronger than ever. Today’s punk style emphasizes individuality by blending edgy aesthetics with a modern twist. Leather jackets, graphic tees with political slogans, and plaid patterns remain integral to this revival. Vintage band merch celebrating punk rock icons like The Clash is increasingly popular.

Source: Printful 

With print-on-demand, you can design vintage t-shirts with edgy images or slogans. Create plaid apparel and design customized embroidered patches to reflect the spirit of individuality that punk embodies. Include custom safety pins in your punk style collection so that your customers can add a gritty touch. 

Check out these retro t-shirt designs to inspire your next collection.

Using bold typography with defiant messages to further enhance your brand’s appeal. The punk revival invites businesses to embrace the spirit of rebellion and daring fashion statements, making it a rich area for creative exploration.

6. Athletic/activewear

Every new style draws inspo from previous fashion trends. Such is the case for activewear. Athletic wear combines comfy, loose garments with disco dancers’ tight-fitting, stretchy fabrics. Comfort is the main word here—easygoing, soft separates that are multi-functional and stylish.

This new sporty style emerged thanks to the fitness boom. Figures like Jane Fonda and Richard Simmons promoted exercise routines and healthy living. Sportswear companies like Adidas and Nike created clothing that was fit for movement. American designers like Claire McCardell and Bonnie Cashin also added their influences.

Source: Pinterest

Instead of musicians and celebrities as fashion icons, activewear enthusiasts were inspired by athletes. Bruce Lee’s association with tracksuits helped make them a staple of casual athletic wear. The American swimmer Mark Spitz won seven gold medals at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, putting his athletic style front and center. Athletes like Billie Jean King in tennis and Muhammad Ali in boxing also became influential figures.

Athletic wear (or athleisure) was all about making comfort and style effortlessly accessible—a concept most fashionistas would agree with to this day. Standard fashion pieces include tracksuits, sweatsuits, athletic shorts, t-shirts, and polo shorts. Leotards and unitards were popular ’70s leisure suits, while sneakers and tennis shoes completed the look.

New materials like lycra and spandex allowed for more performance-oriented clothing. Nylon and polyester clothing offered sweat-wicking properties, and cotton blends allowed for breathability and quick drying.

Learn how to choose the best t-shirt material for your prints.

In our modern day fitness-conscious culture, athletic clothing is still extremely popular. What’s more, athleisure has made its way into streetwear fashion, with staples like oversized hoodies, leggings, and sneakers taking center stage. To create your own athleisure brand, design garments with bold patterns, logos, and block colors. 

Source: Printful

Include performance-enhancing accessories like headbands and sports socks that complete the look. You can even add baseball hats and other trending products to your collection so customers can elevate the outfit. Browse Printful’s custom sportswear items and start designing today for free with Printful’s Design Maker.

Learn more:

• How to Design Your Own Sportswear Without Breaking a Sweat

• How to Start a Fitness Clothing Line

• Athleisure Market Report: Trends and Opportunities

7. New Wave

The vibrant New Wave fashion of the ’70s drew inspiration from electronic music, art, and futuristic ideas. It blended avant-garde styles with punk and glam to create a unique look.

The 1970s electronic music that impacted New Wave fashion had experimental and theatrical sounds. Emblematic artists included Roxy Music, Kraftwerk, and Brian Eno. Their use of synthesizers to create a striking, futuristic aesthetic matched the bold and androgynous style of New Wave fashion.

As for popular clothing items: boxy, oversized jackets were all the rage (like this bomber jacket). They were often paired with skinny ties, hot pants, or high-waisted pants made of leather or rubber. Clothes were usually made of metallics and shiny materials. Wearing lycra, plastic, and vinyl also contributed to the futuristic vibe. Denim pants or all-denim ensembles with innovative, rugged shapes were also trending.

Source: Printful

Following the futuristic feel, outfits featured abstract prints, geometric patterns, and different stripes. New Wave accessories included graphic sunglasses, chunky plastic jewelry, neckties, and scarves. Knee-high boots, platform shoes, loafers, ankle boots, and high heels were standard footwear options.

As for designers who influenced this movement, Jean-Paul Gaultier led the pack with his innovative take on new, futuristic aesthetics. Japanese designer Issey Miyake was popular for his avant-garde sculptural designs.

To revive the New Wave style in your clothing line, create garments with bold, vibrant colors like neon greens, bright pinks, and electric blues. Think angular, symmetric patterns and abstract prints with zigzags, stripes, or surreal designs reminiscent of pop art. 

Source: Printful

Include structured pieces for layering with playful graphic tees to epitomize that classic New Wave look. To capture attention, offer all-over prints on hoodies, leggings, and joggers. Statement sweatshirts with surreal graphics and layering pieces like bomber jackets are the ultimate nod to New Wave influences. 

8. Preppy style

The 1970s preppy style featured a clean, polished look that embraced American refinement. Inspired by East Coast and Ivy League styles, it featured tailoring, soft colors, and timeless pieces. It was all about exuding sophistication and understated wealth.

Source: Pinterest 

The epitome of a preppy wardrobe consisted of polos, button-down shirts, and argyle sweaters and vests. Other essentials were turtlenecks, cardigans, crewneck sweaters, blazers, and sports coats. Plaid or pleated skirts and khaki pants and chinos were the bottoms of choice.

These classic pieces were often made of cotton, oxford cloth, and wool (particularly for sweaters and blazers). Other popular materials include tweed, cashmere, and leather (for belts and shoes).

Preppy style featured fun patterns like Madras and tartan and vibrant colors like Nantucket red or powder blue. Other common patterns included polka dots and stripes, or houndstooth and argyle. Monogrammed handbags, headbands, and minimalist jewelry were popular accessories. Belts with simple buckles, leather loafers, or boat shoes completed the preppy look.

As for famous designers, Ralph Lauren became synonymous with preppy fashion in the 1970s. His designs, like the iconic polo shirt, captured the essence of preppy style. Tommy Hilfiger’s designs exhibited classic fashion, matching the preppy aesthetic. Lilly Pulitzer gave the preppy look a vibrant, feminine twist with tropical-inspired patterns.

The ’70s preppy style is back, now infused with a modern flair that blends classic garments with contemporary pieces like stylish sneakers or embroidered socks. This revival features classy monograms, academic-inspired graphics, and distinctive fabric choices for a fresh look.

Source: Printful

To incorporate preppy style into your POD business, consider designing graphic polos and tees with varsity-inspired fonts and crest emblems. Or skater skirts and skater dresses with tartan or Madras. Offer printed crewneck sweatshirts with argyle, stripes, or houndstooth patterns to attract customers seeking comfort with style. 

You can also create hoodies or lightweight jackets featuring preppy lapels or pocket prints, and incorporate nautical elements like sailboats and anchors for a refined aesthetic. Customization options like elegant monograms can add a personal touch to your apparel.

Consider developing capsule collections themed around fictional prep schools with emblematic graphics to attract customers who appreciate the playful charm of preppy style.

Let ’70s nostalgia inspire you

1970s fashion is as eclectic as can be. From carefree boho looks to glamorous disco outfits and the bold statements of Glam Rock, the ’70s encapsulated a spirit of individuality and self-expression that resonates with contemporary fashion.

Embrace these iconic styles by making them a part of your print-on-demand clothing line. By customizing apparel and accessories, anyone can bring the fun patterns, colors, and psychedelic prints of ’70s fashion back to life.

Whether you’re looking to recreate iconic silhouettes or put a modern spin on vintage styles, POD can help you craft one-of-a-kind pieces that pay homage to the unforgettable fashion trends of the 1970s. So get creative, have fun, and let the ’70s revival shine in your designs!

Read next:

• Bold and Unforgettable ’80s Fashion Trends
• 2025 Fashion Trends