Alright, let me tell you about my little adventure diving into the world of men’s 70’s jackets. It all started a while back, I was flicking through some old photos, you know, the kind your folks keep in a dusty album, and I saw my old man rocking this seriously cool jacket. It wasn’t anything flashy by today’s standards, but it just had this vibe. That got me thinking.
My First Steps Down the Rabbit Hole
So, I decided I wanted to see what these 70’s jackets were all about. First thing I did, naturally, was hop online. I just typed in “men’s 70’s jackets” and boom, a whole lotta images popped up. Man, the collars! That was the first thing that hit me. Some of those lapels were wide enough to land a small plane on. It was a real mix of styles – leather, denim, corduroy, even some shiny polyester numbers.
I started digging a bit deeper, trying to understand the different types. I learned that leather was huge, obviously. Think those classic cafe racer styles or bomber jackets, but with that 70’s twist – maybe a shearling collar or a slightly more fitted cut than you see now. Suede was another big one, often in those earthy tones like tan, brown, or olive green. I saw a lot of those.
Getting My Hands Dirty: The Search Begins
Looking at pictures is one thing, but I wanted to actually see and feel these jackets. So, my next move was to check out some local vintage stores and thrift shops. This was an experience, let me tell you.
- Thrift Store Roulette: I spent a few afternoons just rummaging through racks. You find a lot of… well, junk. But every now and then, you spot a gem. I found a couple of interesting polyester jackets, super lightweight, with those unmistakable wide collars. Not quite my style for everyday, but cool to see up close.
- Vintage Shops – The Curated Collection: These places were a bit different. They usually have stuff that’s already been picked out as being decent. I saw some amazing leather pieces here. The quality of some of that old leather, even after all these years, was impressive. The price tags, though, sometimes made my eyes water!
- Online Marketplaces: I also browsed a few online vintage marketplaces. It’s convenient, you see a lot of variety, but it’s also a bit of a gamble. You can’t try it on, and you’re relying on photos and descriptions for the condition. I bookmarked a few but held off on buying anything immediately.
What I Kept Seeing (and Liking)
A few styles really stood out to me during my search.
The Leather Jacket: This was a constant. Whether it was a more rugged, worn-in biker style or a slightly smarter, blouson type, leather was everywhere. I noticed a lot of them had interesting pocket details or those big, statement collars I mentioned. I really started to appreciate the craftsmanship that went into some of them.
Corduroy Jackets: These were another favorite find. Usually in those classic 70’s colors – rust, mustard yellow, brown. They just looked so comfortable and had a real relaxed feel. I found a great dark brown corduroy trucker jacket that almost came home with me. The texture is just great.
Denim with a Twist: Of course, denim jackets were around, but the 70’s versions often had something a bit different. Maybe it was a sherpa lining, unique stitching, or a slightly more fitted, almost Western-shirt kind of cut. I saw some with embroidery too, which was pretty wild.
Trying Them On and Figuring Out the Vibe
When I did find a few to try on, it was interesting. Some of the cuts are definitely different from modern jackets. They might be a bit shorter in the body, or the armholes cut a bit higher. It took a bit of getting used to. I realized that to pull off a 70’s jacket without looking like you’re in costume, you gotta pair it with more modern, simple pieces. A good pair of jeans, a plain t-shirt or sweater – that seemed to be the way to go.
I ended up finding this amazing, slightly worn, dark brown leather jacket. It wasn’t super over-the-top 70’s, but it had these great, subtly wider lapels and a really nice patina. It just felt right. I figured it was a good starting point.
My Takeaway From This Whole Thing
So, yeah, that was my journey into the world of men’s 70’s jackets. It was fun just exploring a different era of style. What I really dug was the character these pieces have. They’re not cookie-cutter. They’ve got a bit of history, a bit of an attitude. It’s not about perfectly replicating a look from 50 years ago, but about finding those cool elements and making them work for today. And honestly, it’s just satisfying to find something unique that not everyone else is wearing. I’m definitely keeping my eye out for more finds!
