Unforgettable 70s Fashion: Laying on Beds to Button Jeans

As fashion trends continue to evolve and change, certain eras stand out for the unique and sometimes quirky clothing styles they brought. One particular era that many can remember nostalgically or even laugh at is the late 1960s and early 1970s. During this time, jeans were so tight that laying down to zip them up became a common practice among fashion enthusiasts. In this article, we explore this vintage fashion phenomenon and how it shapes our understanding of denim today.

Why Laying on the Bed to Button Jeans?

Back in the late 1960s and early 1970s, jeans were known for their extremely tight cuts, often referred to as 'skin tight'. These jeans were so form-fitting that traditional methods of dressing were not feasible, leading to the inventive solution of laying down on the bed to zip them up. It was common enough that a friend of mine actually tried this method, much to our amusement. Today, we might find this practice amusing, but it was a common reality for those who wanted to wear their stylish, form-fitting denim.

Using Pliers Instead of a Wire Coat Hanger

While laying down on the bed may have been a natural move, there's an even more extreme method that was occasionally employed: using a wire coat hanger. Some individuals reported using this tool to help with the challenging process of zipping up their jeans. However, it's important to note that while this method might have worked for some, contemporary fashion advice suggests using pliers as a safer and more practical alternative. Pliers can provide the necessary grip and support to zip up tight jeans without the risk of injury that a wire hanger might pose.

The Consequences of Oversized Jeans

While the tight jeans of the 1970s were stylish, they came with a price in terms of comfort. These jeans often left visible marks on the wearer's legs, including the imprints of the seams and the denim fabric. This was not just a fashion statement but a sign of the discomfort and even pain that came with wearing such tight clothing. Some enthusiasts would even wear their jeans wet to make them fit better and leave a more polished, molded shape on their skin. While there's no denying the unique look these jeans provided, the sacrifice of comfort and skin health was real.

The High-Waisted Renaissance

Fortunately, as the 1970s progressed, the fashion scene saw a shift towards a more comfortable and healthier approach to denim. The high-waisted style, which began in the mid-1970s, offered a more relaxed fit and a more dignified silhouette. These jeans were still fashionable, with numerous patches and embroidery, but the low-rise, skin-tight jeans of the early 70s became a thing of the past. The invention of stretch denim around this time also played a crucial role in making jeans more comfortable and accessible for all body types.

Modern Comfort in the Age of Stretch Denim

Today, when we think about denim, we often think about stretch denim – a material that has become so ubiquitous in the fashion industry that it's hard to even imagine without it. Stretch denim allows for a more comfortable fit and a variety of styles, from high-waisted to low-rise. The days of laying down on the bed or risking injury with a wire coat hanger are long gone. Nowadays, it's all about finding the right pair of jeans that not only look good but also fit well and feel comfortable.

While the 1970s remain a fascinating chapter in fashion history, it's clear that fashion trends today have moved towards a more practical and comfortable approach. If you're a fan of vintage denim, it's worth exploring the styles from those days and appreciating the creativity and boldness of that era, while also celebrating the advancements in technology that have made modern denim more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.