Stretchy material such as spandex, polyester and Lycra were the fabrics of choice during the disco era. Because these fabrics could fit tightly and cling to the body, clothing made of such material was very much in demand. Bold, dramatic colors and wild, geometric patterns were all the rage. Shiny, light-reflecting fabrics such as satins and silks as well as gold lamé or sequin-encrusted garments could make the perfect disco statement.
Men's trousers were wildly flared at the bottom and tightly fitted around the waist and thighs. These pants also sported a high waist and the famous elastic Ban-roll waistband that insured that the pants would stay in place through a night of dancing. Tightly fitting shirts were left unbuttoned so that the chest as well as multiple gold neck chains could be left exposed. Lapels on shirts and jackets were wide to an exaggerated degree. The leisure suit, a cornerstone of '70s men's fashion, got its start on the disco dance floor and quickly became a popular garment for everyday occasions.
Women's clothing in the disco era was about looking good while being able to move on the dance floor. Tight, restrictive skirts were seldom seen, but glitzy dresses with free-flowing skirts or bright, satin hot pants and sequined tops were all the rage. Taking their inspiration from dance wear, jumpsuits made out of Lycra or spandex accentuated a woman's body while still allowing her to show off her dance skills. These outfits were often offset by bold headscarves and oversized earrings.
The platform shoe is an icon of 1970s disco fashion. Taking the wearer to dizzying heights, the exaggerated sole of the '70s platform shoe could add several inches to the overall height of the disco enthusiast who sported them. The disco goldfish shoe was an interesting, if extreme, example of novelty footwear. The large heel and sole of the shoe was made of a clear acrylic material. A hollow heel served as an impromptu goldfish bowl for the unlucky fish that was forced to stomp the night away along with its dancing owners. Many questioned whether or not it was humane to subject a living fish to this kind of treatment, and the goldfish shoe eventually fell out of favor.
As of 2009, there is currently a healthy market for vintage disco clothing. Vintage disco dresses can sell for anywhere from $50 to $75, while original men's polyester disco-style shirts may go for $60 to $100, depending on the style. A pair of vinyl men's platform shoes can sell for $80 or more if they are still in good condition. However, many vendors of vintage clothing attach the disco label a little too freely, asking big money for ordinary clothing that may have been worn in the 1970s but certainly never in a disco.
The vested white suit worn by John Travolta in the movie "Saturday Night Fever" established an indelible image of 1970s fashion. Travolta had originally thought that a black suit would have been a better choice. Costume designers advised Travolta that a black suit would be lost in the dark disco set, and a white suit with a black shirt was selected. The original suit worn by John Travolta was once owned by film critic Gene Siskel.