The 15 best 70s clothes brands

  • 15 brands ranked
  • Ranked by brand visibility

California, UNIONMADE and Alfred Shaheen lead our ranking of 15 70s clothes brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.

70S Clothes brands, ranked

TSCentral is reader-supported: we may earn a commission when you shop through links on this page. It does not affect the ranking.

  1. 1

    California

    Vintage-leaning dress label whose 1970s maxi and midi dresses are often sold under its Jody T and Mr. B lines.

    Top products: Prairie Maxi Dress· Empire Waist Midi Dress

    Popularity 10.0/10

  2. 2

    UNIONMADE

    Workwear brand whose riveted denim jackets and chore coats are cut from heavy cotton duck.

    Popularity 6.0/10

  3. 3

    Alfred Shaheen

    Post-war Hawaiian print maker whose vintage shirts, sundresses and sarongs are sought after by collectors.

    Popularity 4.3/10

  4. 4

    Victor Costa

    Evening wear designer whose beaded gowns and cocktail dresses from the 1970s and 80s turn up often in vintage shops.

    Popularity 3.2/10

  5. 5

    Hilo Hattie

    Hawaii aloha wear label with bold floral shirts, muumuu-style dresses and island-inspired resortwear.

    Popularity 3.1/10

  6. 6

    Diane von Furstenberg

    Designer famous for its jersey wrap dress, with flattering, easy-to-wear silhouettes for everyday and evening.

    Popularity 2.7/10

  7. 7

    Oscar de la Renta

    Embroidered gowns with hand-applied beading and floral appliqué, cut for red-carpet and bridal occasions.

    Popularity 2.6/10

  8. 8

    Tori Richard

    Hawaii-made resortwear with soft cotton and rayon in relaxed, island-ready cuts for travel and holidays.

    Popularity 2.6/10

  9. 9

    St. John

    Double-knit suits and jackets in a stretchy, wrinkle-resistant knit with signature gold hardware.

    Popularity 2.5/10

  10. 10

    Nadine

    Seventies party dress label with bold prints, long maxi lengths and vintage fashion appeal.

    Popularity 2.4/10

  11. 11

    Lanvin

    Paris house founded in 1889, with lacy tiered silk dresses and softly tailored menswear.

    Popularity 2.2/10

  12. 12

    Lilly Pulitzer

    Bright printed shifts and sundresses, many with pineapples, flamingos and citrus motifs.

    Popularity 2.2/10

  13. 13

    Lacoste

    Cotton piqué polos with the green crocodile emblem, first made for tennis players in 1933.

    Popularity 2.1/10

  14. 14

    Bill Blass

    Day suits, shirtdresses and knit separates from a New York house founded by Bill Blass in 1970.

    Popularity 2.1/10

  15. 15

    Lilli Diamond

    The untold story of the 1950s fashion label and the amazing woman who inspired it all. Lilli Diamond was renowned for glamorous, sexy cocktail dresses throughout the 1950s and beyond.

    Popularity 2.0/10

Key trends and styles of the 70s The 1970s were a time of experimentation and self-expression in fashion, with a wide variety of trends and subcultures emerging throughout the decade. Here are just a few of the key styles to consider when shopping for '70s clothes: 1. Hippie style: The hippie movement was still going strong in the early '70s, and this free-spirited style was characterized by peasant blouses, flared pants, and plenty of earthy colors and prints. Embroidered denim jackets and vests, fringe details, and natural fibers like hemp and cotton were also popular. 2. Disco style: As the decade progressed, disco music and dancing became a defining part of popular culture, and fashion followed suit. Look for metallic fabrics, sequins, and bold patterns in bright, eye-catching colors. Platform shoes, fitted jumpsuits, and wrap dresses were also emblematic of the disco era. 3. Glam rock style: Another big trend in the mid-'70s was glam rock, which was all about theatricality, glitter, and rock-and-roll rebellion. Think platform boots, leather jackets, and lots of sparkly details. David Bowie and Marc Bolan were two of the most iconic figures of this style. 4. Punk style: By the end of the decade, punk music and fashion had taken hold, with ripped t-shirts, studded leather jackets, and skinny jeans becoming the uniform of the anti-establishment youth. Safety pins, spikes, and DIY details were key to achieving this look. 5. Preppy style: While not as flashy as some of the other trends, preppy style was still popular in the '70s, especially among young men. Polo shirts, khakis, and boat shoes were all staples of this Americana-inspired look. Where to buy vintage '70s clothes If you're looking for authentic vintage clothing from the 1970s, there are a few different places to start your search: 1. Thrift stores: This is probably the most budget-friendly option, as you can often find vintage clothes mixed in with regular secondhand items. Look for pieces in good condition that are made of natural fabrics like cotton and wool, as these are more likely to have held up over time. 2. Vintage clothing stores: These specialty shops can be a great source for unique, high-quality vintage items. You'll likely pay a bit more than you would at a thrift store, but many vintage clothing stores carefully curate their selection to ensure that everything they sell is authentic, well-preserved, and on-trend. 3. Online marketplaces: There are plenty of websites like Etsy, Depop, and eBay where you can find vintage '70s clothes from sellers all over the world. Just be sure to read the item descriptions and seller reviews carefully before making a purchase, as you'll want to make sure you're getting a good deal on an authentic item. Tips for buying vintage clothes Shopping for vintage clothes can be a bit daunting, especially if you're not familiar with the styles and fabrics of the era. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when shopping for '70s clothes: 1. Know your measurements: Vintage sizing can be notoriously inconsistent, so it's important to take your own measurements and compare them to the item's measurements listed in the description. Don't be afraid to ask the seller for more information if you're not sure about the fit. 2. Check for flaws: Vintage items are often sold as-is, so it's important to inspect them carefully for any stains, tears, or other damage. Some wear and tear is to be expected with older clothing, but make sure you're comfortable with the condition of the item before you buy. 3. Think about how you'll wear it: While it's tempting to buy pieces that are purely for the sake of nostalgia, you'll get more use out of your vintage clothes if you can incorporate them into your current wardrobe. Consider how you'll style the item with other items you already own before making a purchase. Where to buy modern '70s-inspired clothes If you're not able to find or afford authentic vintage clothing, there are plenty of modern brands and designers who have taken inspiration from the '70s and created their own retro-inspired pieces. Here are a few places to look: 1. Urban Outfitters: This popular retailer has a wide range of '70s-inspired pieces, from printed maxi dresses to velvet blazers to platform shoes. 2. Free People: Known for its bohemian and hippie-inspired styles, Free People has plenty of '70s-inspired pieces in its collection, including peasant blouses, wide-leg pants, and flowy maxi skirts. 3. ASOS: This online retailer has a section of its website dedicated to vintage-inspired clothing, with plenty of '70s-inspired pieces like flared jeans, printed blouses, and retro sneakers. 4. Reformation: This sustainably-minded brand offers a variety of vintage-inspired pieces that are made from eco-friendly materials. Look for flowy dresses, high-waisted pants, and classic denim jackets. Tips for buying modern retro-style clothes While modern retro-style clothes may not have the same authenticity as true vintage pieces, they can still be a fun and fashion-forward way to capture the spirit of the '70s. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when shopping for modern retro-style clothes: 1. Look for quality materials: While modern clothes may not have the same wear and tear as vintage items, you still want to make sure you're investing in pieces that will last. Look for natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and wool, as well as high-quality synthetic materials like rayon and Tencel. 2. Pay attention to details: One of the defining features of '70s fashion was its attention to detail, from embroidery and lace to fringe and tassels. Look for modern pieces that incorporate these same details, as they'll help capture the retro vibe. 3. Mix and match: One of the benefits of modern retro-style clothes is that you can mix and match them with more contemporary pieces to create a unique and personalized look. Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and textures to create a look that's all your own. Conclusion Whether you're a die-hard fan of '70s fashion or simply looking to add some retro flair to your wardrobe, there are plenty of options available when it comes to buying vintage or modern retro-style clothes. From the free-spirited hippie style to the glittery glam rock look, there's something for everyone when it comes to '70s fashion. By following these tips and considering your own personal style, you can create a memorable and stylish look that's both timeless and on-trend.