If there’s one era that defined fashion rebellion and an unconventional sense of style, it would undoubtedly be the 1970s. This transformative decade witnessed the rise of various subcultures, each with its unique fashion statement.
The 70s Drug Dealer Fashion was a decade of cultural change and experimentation, and this was reflected in the fashion choices of drug dealers at the time.
In this article, we will delve into the intriguing world of 70s drug dealer fashion, exploring its iconic elements, influences, and enduring legacy.
Let’s dive in our review!
Also read: What Perfumes Were Popular In The 1970s
70s Drug Dealer Fashion: A Retro Blend of Style and Rebellion
1.The Rise of 70s Drug Dealer Fashion
The emergence of 70s drug dealer fashion can be attributed to a confluence of factors. It represented a counterculture movement that defied traditional norms and embraced ostentatious displays of wealth. Drug dealers aimed to showcase their prosperity through their clothing, creating an image of power and influence.
2. Fur Coats: Extravagance Meets Notoriety
Fur coats became a hallmark of 70s drug dealer fashion, symbolizing luxury and exclusivity. 
3. Wide-Lapel Suits: Commanding Attention
Wide-lapel suits with bold patterns and vibrant colors were another key element of drug dealer fashion. 
4.Platform Shoes: Elevating Style to New Heights
Platform shoes were a quintessential component of 70s fashion, and drug dealers took this trend to new heights—quite literally. 
5.Oversized Sunglasses: Hiding More Than Just Eyes
Oversized sunglasses served both as a fashion statement and a practical accessory for drug dealers. These shades not only shielded their eyes from the sun but also added an air of mystery and intrigue to their overall appearance.
6. Bold Accessories: Flashing Status and Wealth
In the realm of 70s drug dealer fashion, bold accessories played a pivotal role in showcasing status and wealth. Gold chains, chunky rings adorned with precious stones, and ostentatious watches were among the favored embellishments.
7.Flamboyant Suits 70s Drug Dealer Fashion
Flamboyant suits were a popular choice among drug dealers in the 1970s, with many opting for bright colors and bold patterns.The flamboyant suits worn by drug dealers in the 1970s were a reflection of the flashy, opulent lifestyle that many of them aspired to.
These suits were often made of bright, bold colors and patterns, and were often adorned with gold jewelry and other flashy accessories.
They were a way for drug dealers to show off their wealth and status, and to intimidate their rivals. This fashion trend was popularized by the depiction of drug dealers in movies and TV shows of the time.
- This trend included making a statement
- standing out in a crowd,
- projecting an image
- Associated with of success and wealth.
- Fresh clean
- Decently priced
- Easily recognizable
- Potentially draw Sunwanted attention from law enforcement.
8. Fur Coats As 70s Drug Dealer Fashion
Pros of this trend included projecting an image of wealth and success, as well as providing warmth in the colder months. Cons included the high cost of these coats and the ethical implications of wearing fur.
9. Leather Jackets 70s Drug Dealer Fashion
Pros of this trend included the durability and versatility of leather, as well as the ability to project a tough, rugged image. Cons included the high cost of leather jackets and the difficulty of finding a good fit.
10. Bold Graphic Tees 70s Drug Dealer Fashion
Pros of this trend included making a statement and expressing individuality, as well as being a relatively affordable option. Cons included the potential for the designs to be misinterpreted or to draw unwanted attention.
11. Denim 70s Drug Dealer Fashion
Pros of this trend included the durability and versatility of denim, as well as the ability to project a laid-back, casual image. Cons included the potential for denim to be uncomfortable in hot weather or to fade over time.
Influences on Drug Dealer Fashion
The fashion choices of drug dealers in the 70s were influenced by various cultural phenomena that permeated society during that time.
8. Blaxploitation Films: A Window into the Underground World
Blaxploitation films of the 70s, such as “Super Fly” and “Shaft,” provided a glimpse into the underground world of drug dealers. The stylish outfits worn by the protagonists in these movies became a source of inspiration for real-life drug dealers. From luxurious fur coats to flamboyant suits, these films fueled the imagination and fashion choices of those seeking to emulate their on-screen heroes.
9. Pimp Culture: Exaggerated Elegance and Swagger
Pimp culture, with its exaggerated elegance and swagger, heavily influenced drug dealer fashion. Pimps, known for their flamboyant attire and extravagant accessories, embodied a larger-than-life persona. Drug dealers embraced elements of this subculture, incorporating vibrant colors, flashy fabrics, and eye-catching details into their own style.
10. Disco Movement: Music, Dance, and Fashion Fusion
The disco movement of the 70s played a significant role in shaping drug dealer fashion. Disco music, characterized by its infectious beats and energetic dance culture, had a profound impact on the fashion choices of the era.
Drug dealers embraced the disco aesthetic, incorporating shimmering fabrics, sequins, and metallic accents into their outfits, reflecting the vibrancy and hedonism associated with the disco scene.
11.High Fashion: From the Runway to the Streets
High fashion also left its mark on drug dealer fashion. Influential designers of the time, such as Halston and Yves Saint Laurent, showcased glamorous and daring collections that trickled down from the runways to the streets. Drug dealers keenly observed these trends and integrated elements of high fashion into their own distinctive style, resulting in a fusion of opulence and rebellion.
The 1970s were a time of cultural upheaval, where societal norms were questioned and individualism was celebrated. Drug dealers, often associated with illegal activities, sought to establish a distinct identity that went beyond their illicit endeavors. They turned to fashion as a form of self-expression and rebellion, crafting a unique style that left an indelible mark on the era.
Below we take a look at the 50 best drug dealer fashion trends of the 1970s, highlighting the pros and cons of each.
12.The Enduring Legacy of 70s Drug Dealer Fashion
The impact of 70s drug dealer fashion extends beyond the decade itself. Its influence can still be felt in contemporary fashion, music, and popular culture. Elements like fur coats, wide-lapel suits, oversized sunglasses, and bold accessories continue to inspire designers, musicians, and fashion enthusiasts to this day. The rebellious spirit and audacious style of 70s drug dealer fashion serve as a testament to the era’s boldness and unapologetic self-expression.
70s Drug Dealer Fashion FAQs
1. Were all drug dealers in the 70s dressed in extravagant outfits? Not all drug dealers of the 70s dressed in extravagant outfits. The fashion choices varied among individuals. However, the extravagant style became synonymous with the drug dealer subculture of the time.
2. Did drug dealers of the 70s only wear fur coats? While fur coats were a prominent feature of 70s drug dealer fashion, they were not the only item worn by drug dealers. Wide-lapel suits, platform shoes, oversized sunglasses, and bold accessories were also key elements of their distinctive style.
3. How did drug dealer fashion influence mainstream fashion? Drug dealer fashion of the 70s had a significant influence on mainstream fashion. Elements such as wide lapels, bold patterns, and oversized accessories became popular trends that transcended the subculture and made their way into the mainstream fashion scene.
4. Can I incorporate elements of 70s drug dealer fashion into my wardrobe today? Certainly! The fashion of the 70s, including drug dealer fashion, continues to inspire modern trends. You can incorporate elements like wide lapels, bold patterns, platform shoes, and statement accessories into your wardrobe to add a touch of retro style and individuality.
5. What other cultural influences shaped fashion in the 70s? Aside from drug dealer fashion, the 70s saw the influence of other cultural movements such as hippie fashion, disco style, and punk rock aesthetics. These diverse influences contributed to the vibrant and eclectic fashion landscape of the era.
Conclusion
The fashion choices of drug dealers in the 1970s were diverse and ever-evolving, reflecting the cultural changes and experimentation of the time. From flamboyant suits and fur coats to sleek leather jackets and bold graphic tees, there was a style to suit every taste.
70s drug dealer fashion represented a distinctive blend of style and rebellion. Through extravagant fur coats, attention-grabbing wide-lapel suits, towering platform shoes, oversized sunglasses, and bold accessories, drug dealers crafted a fashion aesthetic that transcended the boundaries of conventional society.
Influenced by blaxploitation films, pimp culture, the disco movement, and high fashion, drug dealer fashion of the 70s carved its own niche, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and influence fashion today.
While each trend had its pros and cons, one thing is certain: the fashion of drug dealers in the 1970s was and is always bold, daring, and unforgettable.