Northern Soul 70's Fashion

[3 Before 8]

Hi Susan I haven`t the big 50 yet

[Guest Jean Smile]

hi,

i was reding your post and a friend of mine got the essential look of a pair of bags with about 16 buttons on each side pocket at the back,then he had sewn northern soul badges down the side.He looked like those trousers one of them kendo karate instructors look in , the one`s that fight with sticks.I bought him in Wigan Casino for him.

Thanks

Hope this helps,or it isn`t too late,hope you passed aswell,as i`m currentlly studying 2 courses with the OU.

[Guest]

Paul Smith? Iconic casual Notts.Following a tradition in this area.Main Stand City Ground.?

Roxy Threads had its day,as did Birdcage.Things move on.

Wear what you like.

I'm still waiting to see Debbie as Betty Page.

btw,Flat caps are making a comeback.

But they are only creditable if worn like this chap .......

Malc

Edited March 11, 2011 by Malc Burton

[Casper]

thats exactly as i wear it Malc ... hey thats my cap !!

( Norman was a wonderful guy .. sadly missed )

susan x

Edited March 11, 2011 by casper

[Guest Brett F]

Is that cos most people on the scene are now pushing 60?

It used to be Talc and Speed

Now its Ralgex and Heart Pills.

Now that is funny...

[Guest madmarx]

Green Fred Perry Polo, or table tennis shirt as was its more likely use back in the day ( few of us if any played Polo) , " chester barnes" , he was the boy

Karmen Ghia 3 button fastener cords

Oxford brouges or etons ( toe caps) i also had a remarkable pair of Veldtschoen leather soles ( cost me a fortune)

Sheepo ( first one from Brunskills in Bradford, later got a Moorland)

Tootal scarf

Gatsby Cap.

Took to wearing a levi shirt with a school tie and blazer for a while for some reason, also went a bit smarter to the Highland rooms , Mohair jacket etc .

Badges Spanish waisters and patch pockets were for divs

[Guest MBarrett]

" chester barnes" , he was the boy

MM

Was talking to some folks about Chester Barnes just a while back. I grew up in Clacton. Chester Barnes first played table tennis at Clacton Butlins and he came back for a few summer seasons as the table tennis coach.

You probably recall he was British champion at a very young age. He was a few years older than us so he was a bit of a cult hero. And he was always falling out with the authorities which added to his charisma.

He turned up one year on a top of the range scooter which meant he went on an even higher pedestal.

A couple of my friends definitely played against him and doubtless lost.

Shame that the Chinese dominated table tennis at the time so he never became world champion.

I believe he is a race horse trainer nowadays.

[Tanktop]

Hi sue, the best thing for you to do is go along to an established soulnite/niter & find out for yourself. Dont just study about it, get involved & live it. You will still find plenty of 70s fashion knocking around the dancefloor nowadays, especially with the young & upcoming soulsters. By the way, my 70s avirex bowling shirt is still up for grabs on general sales, nudge nudge wink wink, say nomore.

[Guest rasfoz]

MM

Was talking to some folks about Chester Barnes just a while back. I grew up in Clacton. Chester Barnes first played table tennis at Clacton Butlins and he came back for a few summer seasons as the table tennis coach.

You probably recall he was British champion at a very young age. He was a few years older than us so he was a bit of a cult hero. And he was always falling out with the authorities which added to his charisma.

He turned up one year on a top of the range scooter which meant he went on an even higher pedestal.

A couple of my friends definitely played against him and doubtless lost.

Shame that the Chinese dominated table tennis at the time so he never became world champion.

I believe he is a race horse trainer nowadays.

Yes he used to be assistaint trainer to martin pipe he now works for his son david pipe

[Ritchieandrew]

OK..............here's my slant on it, it may not be totally on Topic, but here's a potted perstective to somebody (myself) who was "on the scene" through al these Eras.

1966 The first Quality denim jeans & jackets are worn: Levis, Wrangler, Dickies. Most 'Mod suits' had longish side vents & 3" pocket flaps with mulit button cuffs. Shoes were mainly brougues, shirts were button down Ben Sherman.

1968 Lee Rider jeans appear, suits have changed to 18" centre vents, and two tone fabric is available, hair is short & tidy. Levis debut the 'Shorthorn Leather Jacket' shoe wise Loafers make an appearence, along with "Smooths & "Royal style Brogoues."

Shirts are still button down but with a more fitted body (Brooks Bros were the best if you could get them.) The Twisted Wheel moves to Whitworth Street, & the "Real Northern Mod scene" playing Sixties Soul is in full swing. Blazers with brading and "Soul Badges" make an appearence. Crombies are seen in greater numbers along with Burberry style macs, trouser bottoms are slightly wider, & the first "Skinheads appear."

1971 Hair is now longer, Bomber jackets are being worn in large numbers, jeans & cords become wider, Solatio shoes & Carmen Ghia chords appear. The Wigan Casino style of dress has arrived (1974), along with the "Golden ere of Northern soul.

1976 A big backlash against the previous style is seen, as the golden erea of Northern Soul ends, & the more 'Modern' style records are played. Short V neck sweaters are still in, along with Letterman jackets, & Levis 501 jeans (now small e.) Converse Hi tops are popular, along with the quality American footwear, which is being imported by J Simons in London, along with Quality Chino's, Pendleton shirts and Baracuta Harringtons, which again make a comeback.

1976 to The Present: As the demise of selvage edge jeans is completed by 1986, and the 1968 / 1976 style will become "Retro Cool" to some (Mostly knocking on the door of 60 yrs old like me) things appear to have gone full circle Soul fashion wise.

Regards Ricardo.

[Guest madmarx]

MM

Was talking to some folks about Chester Barnes just a while back. I grew up in Clacton. Chester Barnes first played table tennis at Clacton Butlins and he came back for a few summer seasons as the table tennis coach.

You probably recall he was British champion at a very young age. He was a few years older than us so he was a bit of a cult hero. And he was always falling out with the authorities which added to his charisma.

He turned up one year on a top of the range scooter which meant he went on an even higher pedestal.

A couple of my friends definitely played against him and doubtless lost.

Shame that the Chinese dominated table tennis at the time so he never became world champion.

I believe he is a race horse trainer nowadays.

..

That was thing back then table tennis in the Youth clubs, used to play for hours as a kid. Wonder if its still popular, never seem to hear of it other than olympics and stuff., suppose its cos its not a money sport.

No good to me now , reactions, hand speed and vision all gone west , such is life .... still wear a mean Fred Perry though, all be it several sizes larger

[Guest Eastbank Bootboy]

Flat caps making a come back?

maybe among northerners, not down here mate

Edited April 3, 2011 by Eastbank Bootboy

[Wiggyflat]

The beard and flat cap is massive in London....it's a looking old before your time thing....Frank Elson was way ahead of the game.

[Guest Eastbank Bootboy]

let's not forget the second half of the 7ts; pegs, pointed shoes, Hawain shirts, a layered wedge haircut

[Guest paski]

Before the circular skirts came in us girls wore Travira suits, jacket, short skirt, ben shirman shirts & a tie!

The boys wore stayprest trousers or 2-tone suits with either ben sherman shirts & tie or their fred perry t-shirts.

sorry I don't have any pics!

[Chris L]

The boys wore stayprest trousers or 2-tone suits with either ben sherman shirts & tie or their fred perry t-shirts.

sorry I don't have any pics!

Taken circa 1968 or 69 (not me)

[Guest POTTERIESPECK]

LEV STA PREST TROUSERS

[Guest]

Taken circa 1968 or 69 (not me)

Is that Wilbur Post from " Mr Ed " ?

Malc

Edited July 14, 2011 by Malc Burton

[Guest soul over easy]

just read all the comments regarding the 70s era,first thing we should all remember is the clothes of the 70s wasnt a northern thing? Baggies,budgie jackets,bowling shirts,full length leather coats etc,everybody wore them ...the average guy going down the pub or snooker hall,to the lads going down the footy all wore this attire,Yes at 16/17 i wore 5inch waiste band cords with flaps on the back,bowling shirts etc,but couple of years on soulies was wearing leather bomber jackets,pegs,sileto shoes or flat leather shoes,v neck tank tops with shirt and ties,fred perry,s under a crew neck jumpers.looking back it was the pegs,V neck tops, shirt and ties that looked smartest for me...i wouldnt wear the 70s fashion nowadays, but i wont knock people who wish to wear the stuff,it just annoys me though when bags etc are suppose to be the northern code dress? and i cant remember seeing hardly anybody wearing the 70,s clothes at venues in the 80,s? mostly mods or scooterist wearing green bomber jackets comes to mind or people sporting the 80,s fashion...think i was about 17ish when i did get a girl to embroid northern soul on a brown beret i wore with a wigan patch sewn on hehehehe best forgot...

[Davetay]

LEV STA PREST TROUSERS

I had a couple of pairs of LEVI STA-PREST, in 71 or maybe 72, but no white ones.

I did have a pair of white skinners, and white dungarees around about that time.

[Guest]

I had a couple of pairs of LEVI STA-PREST, in 71 or maybe 72, but no white ones.

I did have a pair of white skinners, and white dungarees around about that time.

Paul Donnelly still has a pair .

Malc

[Mak]

Paul Donnelly still has a pair .

Malc

I bet he can't get in them though.

The colour was called Pewter not white . I had a pair of those along with a pair of Ice Blue and a pair of Bottle green ones . I still have a Bottle Green leather Levi jacket which I got in 1970 .

How about these Tshirts and cords! ,anyone remember the t shirts with comic pages printed onto them

Edited July 15, 2011 by MAK

[Guest soul over easy]

as anybody remebered to mention cap sleeve t shirts or cheese cloth shirts?oh and around 71 /72 time who remebers team jumperes they use to have two bands on youre sleeves, bottom half of jumper would be red,blue,black,etc top half white or some times yellow to match the black suppose that would be a wolves thing? they were jip upcrew neck and two bands on the sleeves.And what about the clock work orange look that had a minor period people painting there eyes and stuff wearing white boilers or skinneres and bowler hats lol... another footy thing me thinks? lol.Going back to the northern theme mid late 70,s addidas t shirts round collar nice and light for dancing in ....ktf

[Citizen P]

I bet he can't get in them though.

The colour was called Pewter not white . I had a pair of those along with a pair of Ice Blue and a pair of Bottle green ones . I still have a Bottle Green leather Levi jacket which I got in 1970 .

How about these Tshirts and cords! ,anyone remember the t shirts with comic pages printed onto them

most popular being the " Dragonette"-

"Just the Facts Ma'am"

Tony

[pikeys dog]

This years look is Crown Green Bowler - just ask Brett Franklin for the lowdown.

[Guest POTTERIESPECK]

For sale on e- bay only a couple of weeks ago. Levi Sta Prest PRINCE OF WALES checked trousers. which had never been worn.

[Davetay]

This years look is Crown Green Bowler - just ask Brett Franklin for the lowdown.

Already been done, lol.

A few years again there was a few of us wearing the crown green bowling caps at Prestatyn.

We even played a game of Imagine Bowls on the Dance Floor.

[Davetay]

Already been done, lol.

A few years again there was a few of us wearing the crown green bowling caps at Prestatyn.

We even played a game of Imagine Bowls on the Dance Floor.

Here you go, found some photos....

[Davetay]

For sale on e- bay only a couple of weeks ago. Levi Sta Prest PRINCE OF WALES checked trousers. which had never been worn.

We all thought we where the Bee's Knees back then, there where some great trousers around back than.

Prince of Wales, Rubert, Wines, Stones, Royals, Two-Tone or Tonic (depends where you lived for what theycalled) etc, happy times.

[Citizen P]

We all thought we where the Bee's Knees back then, there where some great trousers around back than.

Prince of Wales, Rubert, Wines, Stones, Royals, Two-Tone or Tonic (depends where you lived for what theycalled) etc, happy times.

If you lived in Manchester at that time, most the shops (Ivors, Justins etc) were supplied by a firm called Arthur Gatenby just off Silk Street in Salford.

If you had a girlfriend who worked there, , they could buy from the factory at no more than 2 quid a pair, so you had all the latest colours/designs before they hit the shops....

Tony

[Soulsaddler]

Around 1973/74 there was a Soul Night at The Royal Hotel in Walsall (30p admission if I remember correctly)

There was a guy who took orders from his car outside for Corduroy Bags made to order. He had a mate who was a tailor I think.You could have any size waistband and as many pockets and buttons as you wanted and a choice of about 5 different colours. He usually had them ready for you the following Sunday - for the princely sum of a fiver!

There were some horrendous creations but we all thought we looked great.

[Casper]

just read all the comments regarding the 70s era,first thing we should all remember is the clothes of the 70s wasnt a northern thing? Baggies,budgie jackets,bowling shirts,full length leather coats etc,everybody wore them ...the average guy going down the pub or snooker hall,to the lads going down the footy all wore this attire,Yes at 16/17 i wore 5inch waiste band cords with flaps on the back,bowling shirts etc,but couple of years on soulies was wearing leather bomber jackets,pegs,sileto shoes or flat leather shoes,v neck tank tops with shirt and ties,fred perry,s under a crew neck jumpers.looking back it was the pegs,V neck tops, shirt and ties that looked smartest for me...i wouldnt wear the 70s fashion nowadays, but i wont knock people who wish to wear the stuff,it just annoys me though when bags etc are suppose to be the northern code dress? and i cant remember seeing hardly anybody wearing the 70,s clothes at venues in the 80,s? mostly mods or scooterist wearing green bomber jackets comes to mind or people sporting the 80,s fashion...think i was about 17ish when i did get a girl to embroid northern soul on a brown beret i wore with a wigan patch sewn on hehehehe best forgot...

you and your berets Tommo! lol....you can borrow mine if you want lv susan xx

[Guest soul over easy]

maybe i should of been called frank spencer ? even in the early 80.s i continued to wear a beret regularly but without the embroidery and wigan badge lol...see youn 2moz sue and casper ...ktf.

[Davetay]

If you lived in Manchester at that time, most the shops (Ivors, Justins etc) were supplied by a firm called Arthur Gatenby just off Silk Street in Salford.

If you had a girlfriend who worked there, , they could buy from the factory at no more than 2 quid a pair, so you had all the latest colours/designs before they hit the shops....

Tony

Lucky for some I had to wait for Ivors and Justins etc.

My girlfriend at the time was from Salford, but she worked in a office just off Deansgate.

[Davetay]

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[Mike]

probs may be due to it being a bmp file Dave

better if convert it to gif or jpg first

your graphic programme should have a "save as" or similar thing

that way its smaller size wise and also will display

[Casper]

,it just annoys me though when bags etc are suppose to be the northern code dress? and i cant remember seeing hardly anybody wearing the 70,s clothes at venues in the 80,s?

not quite right Tommo you cant change history so dont let it annoy you .. we were having baggies made at tailors long before high street shops began to retail them .. true they fell out of favour in the 80 's ... but at the end of the day "baggie pants n' buttons n' pockets etc are the only true visual identity northern soul ever had .. everything else was just taken from the mod , skinhead , suede head scene ..

in the 70's every sub culture had a dress code .. and baggies etc,... that was northern soul , me ? I went from 69 skinhead to suede head to soulie .. who would have thought that we would have still been doing this 40 years on lol

pete

[spike1]

From 73-75 i wore the common crap that every other 14-15-16 year old could get hold of

1976 when I started going nighters with Gray Weaver ,Mona Rob Salway and the rest of the chesterfield Crew instated to " earn"' a bit of cash and could afford to have my trousers made to measure buy top class dancing shoes but I still and still do stick to wearing Fred perry shirts.

I disagree that the " northern look of those days was the same as every one else.

Not for us the platform shoes and tank tops flared trousers just look at that twat Paul o Grady when trying to dance on his show

I still wear the fred perry stuff to dance in but I like to wear sta pres style trousers not baggies but it's great to see others dressing how we used to back in the day !!

Keep on keeping on

[Casper]

From 73-75 i wore the common crap that every other 14-15-16 year old could get hold of

1976 when I started going nighters with Gray Weaver ,Mona Rob Salway and the rest of the chesterfield Crew instated to " earn"' a bit of cash and could afford to have my trousers made to measure buy top class dancing shoes but I still and still do stick to wearing Fred perry shirts.

I disagree that the " northern look of those days was the same as every one else.

Not for us the platform shoes and tank tops flared trousers just look at that twat Paul o Grady when trying to dance on his show

I still wear the fred perry stuff to dance in but I like to wear sta pres style trousers not baggies but it's great to see others dressing how we used to back in the day !!

Keep on keeping on

spot on spike .. closest to "highstreet" trousers n' suits i ever had to were "spencers" who made em for the masses ... not bad trousers , but not the same as having em proper tailor made ... £5.00 depost n' £5.00 a week , balance on collection ... a fortune in those days as an apprentice lol .... we were never ever the same as everyone else ... that was the whole point in designing yer own ... and fred perry , slazenger, levi etc all superb icons of a wonderful time

pete

[Guest Brett F]

This years look is Crown Green Bowler - just ask Brett Franklin for the lowdown.

Thank you Joe, i was wearing a suede Bosalino cap back in 1988, very terrace chic, whilst all the hoodlums wore baseball caps i looked like a Harlem drug dealer.. seeing as i'm now 47 i rather like my Kangol galaxy organic cap......and it suits my age...

Edited July 16, 2011 by Brett F

[Guest Brett F]

OK..............here's my slant on it, it may not be totally on Topic, but here's a potted perstective to somebody (myself) who was "on the scene" through al these Eras.

1966 The first Quality denim jeans & jackets are worn: Levis, Wrangler, Dickies. Most 'Mod suits' had longish side vents & 3" pocket flaps with mulit button cuffs. Shoes were mainly brougues, shirts were button down Ben Sherman.

1968 Lee Rider jeans appear, suits have changed to 18" centre vents, and two tone fabric is available, hair is short & tidy. Levis debut the 'Shorthorn Leather Jacket' shoe wise Loafers make an appearence, along with "Smooths & "Royal style Brogoues."

Shirts are still button down but with a more fitted body (Brooks Bros were the best if you could get them.) The Twisted Wheel moves to Whitworth Street, & the "Real Northern Mod scene" playing Sixties Soul is in full swing. Blazers with brading and "Soul Badges" make an appearence. Crombies are seen in greater numbers along with Burberry style macs, trouser bottoms are slightly wider, & the first "Skinheads appear."

1971 Hair is now longer, Bomber jackets are being worn in large numbers, jeans & cords become wider, Solatio shoes & Carmen Ghia chords appear. The Wigan Casino style of dress has arrived (1974), along with the "Golden ere of Northern soul.

1976 A big backlash against the previous style is seen, as the golden erea of Northern Soul ends, & the more 'Modern' style records are played. Short V neck sweaters are still in, along with Letterman jackets, & Levis 501 jeans (now small e.) Converse Hi tops are popular, along with the quality American footwear, which is being imported by J Simons in London, along with Quality Chino's, Pendleton shirts and Baracuta Harringtons, which again make a comeback.

1976 to The Present: As the demise of selvage edge jeans is completed by 1986, and the 1968 / 1976 style will become "Retro Cool" to some (Mostly knocking on the door of 60 yrs old like me) things appear to have gone full circle Soul fashion wise.

Regards Ricardo.

That was a great read Ritchie, i remember going to J. Simons in Covent garden back in the mid 80's, it was the only place i could get 'Bass weejun loafers' from, plus fantastic Hartford roll neck sweaters imported from the USA, what a great shop, haven't been there in years, is it still open ?

[Guest Brett F]

An interesting thread, i remember my first nighter been Clifton hall, Rotherham circa 82, i was pure terrace chic back then, i can honestly only recall about one or two people in the (so called) northern fashion of bags, vests etc, people were still relatively young and mainly seemed to be in current fashions. My look was straight leg Inega jeans, Adidas gazelle, Slazenger v -neck, wedge haircut, Fila bj track top, i recall the Darlington crowd being dressed similar (or was it Middlesborough ?) I suppose different backgrounds, ie where you came from influenced the look you adopted, i was following my team Sheff Utd and the terrace look was still underground and i was only 17/18 back then. Good read, really enjoyed it.

Brett

[Soulman]

An interesting thread, i remember my first nighter been Clifton hall, Rotherham circa 82, i was pure terrace chic back then, i can honestly only recall about one or two people in the (so called) northern fashion of bags, vests etc, people were still relatively young and mainly seemed to be in current fashions. My look was straight leg Inega jeans, Adidas gazelle, Slazenger v -neck, wedge haircut, Fila bj track top, i recall the Darlington crowd being dressed similar (or was it Middlesborough ?) I suppose different backgrounds, ie where you came from influenced the look you adopted, i was following my team Sheff Utd and the terrace look was still underground and i was only 17/18 back then. Good read, really enjoyed it.

Brett

Wedge.... you mean you had a hair style back then rather than todays lack of one. What about the Preston Street Dancers, they used to be crazy dressers

Steve

[Guest BIG H]

An interesting thread, i remember my first nighter been Clifton hall, Rotherham circa 82, i was pure terrace chic back then, i can honestly only recall about one or two people in the (so called) northern fashion of bags, vests etc, people were still relatively young and mainly seemed to be in current fashions. My look was straight leg Inega jeans, Adidas gazelle, Slazenger v -neck, wedge haircut, Fila bj track top, i recall the Darlington crowd being dressed similar (or was it Middlesborough ?) I suppose different backgrounds, ie where you came from influenced the look you adopted, i was following my team Sheff Utd and the terrace look was still underground and i was only 17/18 back then. Good read, really enjoyed it.

Brett

Ditto!! except i was from the frozen north of Aberdeen, remember seeing a few of the old guard in baggies etc but most of us young uns had our own new style

Harry

[Paul-s]

peter borough 77.bmppeter borough 77.bmp

wouldnt call it fashion.ha!

Edited July 16, 2011 by paul-s

[Guest saddler]

Have some great memories of the Royal Hotel Walsall . Clothes wise for me it was spear point shirts coupled with Oxford bag Dungarees for football i went for the Clockwork Orange look Soulsaddler may know you back then i was known as Isaac.

[Guest]

That was a great read Ritchie, i remember going to J. Simons in Covent garden back in the mid 80's, it was the only place i could get 'Bass weejun loafers' from, plus fantastic Hartford roll neck sweaters imported from the USA, what a great shop, haven't been there in years, is it still open ?

It is Brett .

Lady B and I were down in London last week , and one of the morning was spent in CG , and happened to walk by it .

Still very upmarket as it was back in the 80s ( more so , as there are no prices these days on items in the window ) , and good to see the firm still in business .

Malc

[Guest Soultown andy]

Flat caps making a come back?

maybe among northerners, not down here mate

Not anywere i know in the north west,thank f*ck .

[Guest uroffal]

It is Brett .

Lady B and I were down in London last week , and one of the morning was spent in CG , and happened to walk by it .

Still very upmarket as it was back in the 80s ( more so , as there are no prices these days on items in the window ) , and good to see the firm still in business .

Malc

John Simons closed his Covent Garden store some time ago (not sure who owns that store now), but John opened at a new address at the back end of last year at 46 Chiltern Street London W1U 7QR Tel: +44(0)20 3490 2729. Happy to say he's still peddling classic American clothing like the aforementioned Bass Weejuns etc

Edited July 17, 2011 by uroffal

[Guest saddler]

The name of the guy who made bags at the Royal was Warwick never bought any of him but i still have two pairs made at Gatesby's a shop that used to be in Stafford st Walsall. Single button waist no patch pockets i never really liked the high waistband pockets thing.