Leisure Suits? Again?
Did I dream it? Maybe read it somewhere? Perhaps on 
April Fool’s Day? For a couple of days I’ve had this idea in my head that the much maligned leisure suits of the 70s are making a comeback. Most folks who remember them will groan. But as tacky as they were, they were comfortable (I’ve been called a creature of comfort), 
practical (above all else I am a practical man), and relatively inexpensive (those who know me well would readily agree that I am cheap a man who recognizes and appreciates value). So, I for one would not loudly object if the sleazy leisure suits reappeared on the American scene.
These artful uses of leftover upholstery and drapery material were popular back when I was. In the day, I owned three — a baby blue, a lime green, and
the requisite beige. All were some kind of stretchy knit material that was a blend of polyester and highly combustible flame thrower fuel. Smokers had to take special precautions lest they spontaneously ignite on the disco dance floor. None of the jackets were lined, and as I recall, the workmanship was not up to Brooks Brothers level. The typical leisure suit had top stiching and they were worn with those gaudy shirts with the collars that looked ready to take flight. Nevertheless, we all had them and wore them. That is, until someone decided they were no longer hip or cool or jivin’ or whatever. 
Never has an entire genre of clothing disappeared so quickly. First, they went into garage and yard sales. Next stop was Goodwill or other second hand store. Finally, most found their true calling as chopped up pieces were used for wiping down diesel engines in one of those bigass truck wash-o-matic palaces.
Still, if they really do appear once again on the haberdasher’s radar, I’ll probably get in line. But please, no lime green, and no bell-bottoms. I see stove-pipe legs, no cuffs, and Nehru (no lapel) jackets with lots of pockets (think photographer’s vest). Those of you who are groaning, just you wait. You’ll be lime green with envy when you see how hot, hot, hot I am…
13 Comments so far
ooooh, I love me some leisure suits…but only when they look like this.
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Daddy had a baby-blue and a beige. I know my brother and I each had one, but I can’t recall now what my suit’s color was. I suspect it was some shade of blue, though, seeing as I had few clothes back then that weren’t blue.
Every period has its fashion outliers, but the ’70s . . . the whole decade was an outlier.
What were we thinking back then?
Dare I say it? We used to make fun of our dad’s friends who wore leisure suits — did they think they would become John Davidson (remember him?)? Please, please, don’t put me in that position, because I’d just have to do it all over again. Though I suppose a leisure suit is better than the pajama bottoms that everyone where everywhere nowadays.
As long as you post a photo on here!
maybe it’s hillary and pelosi doing it with appearing so often (always in hillary’s case) in those pantsuits that at least look like leisure suits.. nostalgia is created and soon it’ll be men in them too…
Oh I hope not. Those things are hideous. I refuse to wear that much polyester. We need to save the oil for our cars not making suits out of it.
I agree with Elsie. Oversized cargo pants worn at the lowest possible point before gravity claims them are far more outre’ than a blue leisure suit that looks neat and has a modicum of dignity. Looking back on our 1970’s photos can make us wonder, but I would be willing to bet the first decade of the 21st Century will be more puzzling.
OT:
As per your suggestion over at my place, Winston, I’m a recent convert to Dudeism. To be all laissez-faire with the world is indeed a comfort. Thank you, sir; that spare corner of the study will soon have a shrine erected in your honor.
No.
To elaborate: Noooooooooooooooo!
Please No!!!!1
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