“What this generation needs is a formal education.”These ads for After Six formal menswear date from 1956 to 1979.
Bill The Hatter was (and still is) a mail order company founded in Chicago in 1949 dealing in men’s hats, shoes and clothing. The ads here are for their funky 1970’s men’s fashions.
“Extra Point: Orlon”These ads for men’s suits made from Du Pont “Orlon” acrylic fibre date from 1957. The ads all show men standing in front of a faint American Football scene.
“In fall slacks Orlon adds the future.”These ads for men’s suits and slacks made from Du Pont “Orlon” acrylic fibre date from 1958. The ads had little illustrations of spaceships, satellites, and other flying crafts at the bottom.
“The age of Orlon.”These ads for men’s suits and slacks made from Du Pont “Orlon” acrylic fibre date from 1959. The ads had a space theme with plants, rockets and spacemen in the background.
“The Letterman look.”These ads for men’s fashions made from Du Pont “Dacron” polyester, and “Orlon” acrylic fibre date from 1960-61. The ads had a sports theme and the models used were mostly college age.
“Things happen when you wear Eleganza!” These ads for mail order company Eleganza date from 1969-74.
“Rise On!” These ads for Flagg Bros menswear, shoes and accessories date from 1972-79.
“Cool cats look better with Hi Styles!” These ads for Hi Styles date from 1972-74. Far out!
“Unmistakable international…unquestionably today’s fashions.”These ads for International Fashions date from 1970-75. They feature daringly dressed men with a lady hanging around admiringly.
“Body-clinging knits stress masculinity with lean, sexy look.” Ebony magazine’s September 1970 fashion shoot for men, taken in New York Central Park, was based around “machismo”. And striped trousers.
“Movin’ Together” Ebony magazine’s April 1971 fashion shoot for men was based around a “what’s his and hers” theme, with the women wearing her man’s clothes.
“Furs, plaids and bold colours spice men’s fashions for fall ’72.” Ebony magazine’s September 1972 fashion shoot for men was based around layering different colours, patterns and fabrics. And plaid. Lots of plaid.
“If you’ve got it, flaunt it – elegantly!” Ebony magazine’s April 1973 fashion shoot for men was all about colourful leisure looks with comfort, class, plaid and pinstripes. The photoshoot took the “tremendous trio” to the Caribbean island of Curacao where they lounged about on bridges, rock pools and against craggy walls.
This series of adverts for Sears “The-Men’s-Store”, dating from 1968-69, were photographed in the New York Playboy Club.
“Fresh, fashionable, very wearable.” These ads for Sears “The Men’s Store” were part of their Menswear Report campaign. They all date from 1976.
“Your Saturday Night 3pc special makes you the big gun.”These small black and white ads for Swank date from 1972-74 and feature some splendidly named men’s suits, descriptions and poses.
