Bollywood has long been a trendsetter when it comes to fashion, with its vibrant song-and-dance sequences influencing not just the screen but the streets as well. One of the most iconic and enduring styles to make a comeback in recent years is the Bollywood retro look. Drawing inspiration from the golden era of Hindi cinema, this style brings together elements from the 1950s to the 1980s, creating a timeless blend of nostalgia and classic charm. Diverse Bollywood Retro Styles celebrates the glam, drama, and exuberance of an unforgettable cinematic era.
The Golden Era of Bollywood Fashion
In the 1950s and 1960s, Bollywood’s leading men were known for their sophisticated and on-point style. Actors like Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, and Dilip Kumar on-screen looks were classic and elegant, often wearing impeccably tailored suits, waistcoats, and slim ties. The look was sharp, but it retained an air of accessibility, making it popular amongst their cult following.
The 1970s however, marked a shift to more flamboyant, experimental styles. The rise of stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, and Dharmendra introduced a new, rugged masculinity. Big collars, bell-bottom pants, colorful printed shirts, and dramatic coats became the hallmarks of this period. Fashion in this decade was brash, bold, and experimental, reflecting the social and political upheavals of the time.
By the 1980s, while the aesthetics of the earlier decades still held influence, the Disco era took center stage. Stars like Mithun Chakraborty, Rishi Kapoor, Sridevi, and Govinda brought a shiny, glittery energy to their dance numbers, making sequins, metallic fabrics, and vibrant colors a staple of the time. The ’80s embraced the glitzy glamour of the disco floor, marking a new chapter in Bollywood’s ever-evolving style narrative.
Key Elements of the Bollywood Retro Look for Men
Printed Shirts
Printed shirts are the most colorful and vibrant element of retro Bollywood fashion. During the ’70s and ’80s, men in Bollywood embraced bold patterns such as florals, stripes, and geometric prints, often in bright, contrasting colors. These shirts were often paired with high-waisted pants or bell-bottoms. They became iconic due to their association with stars like Vinod Khanna, Jeetendra, and Amitabh Bachchan. Today, the retro flair of printed shirts has made a strong comeback. Whether it’s a floral shirt or a funky geometric pattern, the printed shirt remains a statement piece. These days they are also worn on t-shirts to give a vibrant casual party look.
High-Waist Pants
High-waist pants were quite a common feature of men’s fashion in Bollywood from the late ’60s to the ’80s. These trousers were designed to sit above the waistline, creating a longer, more refined shape. Popularized by stars like Dharmendra and Shashi Kapoor, high-waist pants defined the trousers and jeans collections of the time. The pants often came in both formal and casual styles, making them versatile for any occasion. Today, high-waisted trousers are slowly but certainly making their way back to mainstream fashion trends, specifically formal and partywear. Men can wear these pants with everything from tucked-in shirts to a relaxed untucked casual look with elegance.
White Shoes
White shoes, especially white sneakers or loafers, have always been a symbol of effortless style in retro Bollywood fashion. The trend dates back to the ’70s and ’80s when ‘Jumping Jack’ Jeetendra often sported clean, white footwear with everything from suits to casual outfits, especially in iconic dance numbers. The simplicity and freshness of white shoes balanced the louder, bolder fashion choices of the time. Today, white shoes continue to be a timeless staple, easily transitioning from a casual day look to a more sophisticated evening party. Modern interpretations include sleek white sneakers, white loafers, and even formal shoes, all of which help add a clean and refined touch to any combination.
Bell Bottom Pants
Bell bottom pants became one of the most iconic fashion statements in Bollywood during the ’70s. Their dramatic flare at the ankle created a striking contrast with the slim fit at the waist, with stripes, and prints on a variety of fabrics. Stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Vinod Khanna, and Feroz Khan made bell bottoms synonymous with the free-spirited, energetic vibe of the time. These pants paired well with printed shirts, turtlenecks, and casual blazers, reflecting a time of bold experimentation with fashion. The modern reinterpretation of bell bottoms features a more tailored fit and is often paired with a variety of contemporary tops, creating a fusion of retro and modern styles.
Suspenders
Suspenders were a popular accessory in retro Bollywood fashion, especially during the ’50s and ’60s. Often seen in black-and-white films, suspenders were worn with high-waist trousers or suits, adding a playful yet sophisticated twist to formal wear. They were often paired with formal shirts and waistcoats, completing the gentleman’s look. Suspenders are still a great way to add a touch of vintage charm to modern fashion. Today, they are worn both as a fashion statement in casual settings or to elevate a formal look, paired with slim-fit trousers or even denim for a quirky yet stylish effect.
Tuxedos
Tuxedos are the epitome of elegance and sophistication, representing the timeless formalwear seen in Bollywood during its golden era. Actors like Shammi Kapoor and Dev Anand often donned tuxedos for events or party songs, flaunting the suave gentleman look. Tuxedos are still widely worn in modern-day weddings, parties, and red-carpet events. The Bollywood retro look incorporates tuxedos into contemporary settings, where guys mix them with bold accessories or unique fabric choices.
Waistcoats
The waistcoat, a key element of classic Bollywood fashion, was a staple in the wardrobes of actors. Slim-fitting waistcoats were worn over shirts, often paired with matching trousers to create a clean, structured silhouette. Today, waistcoats are still popular, worn as part of formal suits or even with casual jeans to add an extra layer of sophistication. The modern waistcoat often comes in slimmer, more tailored cuts, giving it a contemporary edge while maintaining the elegance of its vintage predecessor.
Denim Jackets
Denim jackets were a staple of casual, street-smart fashion in Bollywood during the late ’70s and ’80s. Popularized by the landmark movie Sholay where Jay and Veeru dawn the cool casual Denim Jackets. The denim jacket remains a classic piece in any wardrobe and collection. Today, denim jackets are available in various cuts, from oversized to fitted styles, and can be worn with almost anything from jeans for a double-denim look to casual trousers for a laid-back yet stylish outfit. Their rugged charm and versatility make them an essential part of the modern retro wardrobe.
Checkered Shirts and Suits
Checkered shirts and suits were popularized in the ’70s and ’80s, becoming a statement of bold and experimental fashion. Bollywood actors like Shashi Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan often wore checkered patterns to stand out, combining traditional cuts with creative designs. Whether it was a bold checkered suit for a special occasion or a casual checkered shirt paired with high-waisted pants, the pattern was synonymous with a new era of boldness in fashion. Today, checkered prints are making a comeback in both formal and casual wear, seen on everything from tailored suits to shirts, adding a pop of color and pattern to any outfit. Modern checkered styles often feature finer patterns and more subdued colors, making them wearable for a variety of occasions.
Bumble Jackets
Bumble jackets, or puffer jackets, were popular in the ’70s and ’80s for their warmth and comfort. They were a more casual yet fashionable alternative to the formal suits and tuxedos of the time. Stars like Vinod Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan wore these jackets, adding a rugged, athletic edge to their otherwise glamorous personas. Today, the retro puffer jacket has been updated with sleeker designs and more contemporary colors. But it retains the cozy, statement-making appeal that defined it during Bollywood’s golden era. They are particularly popular in colder weather, offering both style and functionality.
Accessories
Accessories played a key role in completing the Bollywood retro look for men. The ’60s and ’70s saw Bollywood stars wearing oversized sunglasses, leather belts, wristwatches, and chains, which added a distinct flair to their outfits. Bold, statement-making accessories helped actors express their personalities, with gold chains and chunky rings being especially popular. Modern retro looks incorporate these accessories in a more subtle way, with updated versions of large sunglasses or vintage wristwatches becoming key pieces in creating a stylish, old-school aesthetic.
Hairstyles
Hairstyles were a significant part of the Bollywood retro look, with many actors sporting distinctive haircuts that became iconic. Amitabh Bachchan’s thick hair in the ’70s and Rajesh Khanna’s puffed-style hair defined an entire era of Bollywood masculinity. These bold haircuts complemented the dramatic and fashionable outfits of the time. Today, retro hairstyles are being reimagined with modern twists. Men can experiment with retro hairstyles to complement their overall retro look, adding an old-school charm to contemporary outfits.
The Modern-Retro Look
Today, Movie stars like Ranveer Singh, Aamir Khan, and Ayushmann Khurrana are seen owning these yesteryear-style clothes with ease. While they honor the legacy of Bollywood’s golden age, they update these styles with modern fabrics, sharper fits, and innovative tailoring, making it more accessible to younger generations.
The retro look in Bollywood has transformed from a mere tribute to the past, into a current fashion statement. It resonates with the desire to relive the glamour of past eras while infusing it with modern sensibilities and self-expression.
Conclusion
The Bollywood retro look for men is a timeless blend of classic tailoring and diverse range. It’s a celebration of the past, inspired by iconic actors and their unforgettable roles, but it also has a place in today’s fashion statements. By incorporating the key elements of this style, whether it’s through a printed shirt, tailored suit, or dramatic sunglasses you can bring the Golden era of Bollywood into your wardrobe.
