Disco outfit for men: this is how you create a strong 70's party look

A disco outfit for men may stand out more than an ordinary evening outfit. Think of big collars, shine, wide lapels, warm colors and trousers with flair. But the strongest disco look isn't automatically the one with the most glitter. A few well-chosen seventies elements often make more of an impression than a complete costume.

What is typical men's disco?

Disco acquired a distinct appearance, especially in the second half of the 1970s. Men wore more striking tailoring, wide collars, high-waisted trousers, wide or flared legs and sometimes shiny fabrics. Color and movement were important: clothes also had to work on the dance floor.

Start with a strong 70's shirt

The easiest starting point is a 70s shirt. Look for a large pointed collar, paisley, geometric print, floral pattern or a typical color scheme.

The shirt may be more striking for disco than for everyday wear. Wear the collar open or let it fall clearly over a jacket or waistcoat.

Which trousers suit a disco outfit?

Trousers with a little more room and movement work better than extremely tight modern skinnies. Flared or bootcut immediately gives a recognizable silhouette, but smart trousers with a higher waist can also work well.

Brown, black, cream, white and deep colors are easy to combine with a busy shirt. If the pants themselves are already striking, keep the top a bit quieter.

Waistcoat: extra seventies without a heavy suit

One waistcoat immediately gives a disco outfit more layering. Plain styles work well with busy shirts; a striking waistcoat can be worn above a quieter shirt.

Pay attention to the fit. A waistcoat that pulls or is too short ruins the entire outfit. Read for this how tight should a waistcoat fit?.

Add a jacket or jacket?

One jacket with wider lapels, velvety appearance, strong checks or typical seventies color, the outfit can give much more stage. For a dance party, a softer, not too heavy jacket is usually more comfortable than a tight formal suit jacket.

If you are wearing a striking jacket, keep the shirt a little quieter. Otherwise the patterns will compete with each other.

Shine: use it in a targeted manner

Disco is often associated with shine, but not every original 70s piece was satin or silk. Moreover, you should never guess the material for vintage clothing solely based on appearance.

If you want to add shine, do so with one element: shirt, jacket or accessory. That's often enough to get the dance floor vibe.

What colors work for disco?

You can go both ways. Warm seventies tones such as orange, brown, rust, mustard and burgundy create an authentic retro atmosphere. Black, white, cream, silvery tones and strong jewel colors give more of a nightclub feel.

Bring back colors. A small accent from your shirt in your waistcoat or accessory makes the outfit much calmer.

Tie, scarf or open collar?

An open collar fits perfectly with disco. If you want something more formal or striking, a wide one is possible vintage tie actually be strong. A scarf is also possible, but make sure it doesn't become an extra loose element if your outfit is already busy enough.

Shoes: you have to be able to dance in them

Platform shoes are iconic, but not mandatory. Loafers, dress leather shoes or a retro shoe can work just as well. The most important thing is that the shoe fits the trouser length and is comfortable enough for an evening of standing and dancing.

Disco without the costume shop look

Do you want your outfit to look like real clothes instead of fancy dress? Use real second-hand pieces and choose a bright combination:

• 70's shirt + dark trousers + waistcoat;
• print shirt + flared trousers + quiet jacket;
• simple shirt + striking waistcoat + wide vintage tie;
• cream trousers + warm colored shirt + loafers.

Difference between a disco party and a general 70's theme party

A general 70s party can also be hippie, rock, bohemian or classic seventies. Disco is more specific: smoother, dressier and more focused on the evening and dance floor.

Do you want to see all the possibilities? Then read what do you wear to a 70's theme party?.

How do you recognize a good 70's shirt?

A large collar alone is not enough to call something truly vintage. Label, cut, finish, material indication and print all play a role. In our guide identify vintage 70s shirts we will explain this in more detail.

Put together a disco outfit at EcoGents

EcoGents does not have a rack of cheap fancy dress suits, but rather real second-hand and vintage clothing with which you can build a disco outfit. You will find it in the store 70's shirts, waistcoats, jackets, trousers and ties that are still wearable after the party.

That usually makes the outfit stronger and more personal: there is only one of each piece.