His & Hers Holiday Hell

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Of all of the terrible fashion trends that have come and gone, I don't think too many people would disagree with me if I said that the matching couple clothing phenomenon was one of the worst. It seems to have its roots in the 60s and really hit its stride in the 70s before (thankfully) burning out, at least in Sears catalogs, by the time the 80s rolled around. When I look at these pages from the 1975 Sears Wish Book holiday catalog, so many questions come to mind. Who actually wore his and hers matching outfits? Was one half of the couple responsible for buying both outfits, or did they shop for them together? The fact that these are so prevalent in Christmas catalogs makes me wonder how one was supposed to go about giving these as a gift - talk about awkward.


But enough jabbering from me - time to take a little trip into 70s geekdom:




OK, the couple in blue look halfway normal, but there is something so wrong about seeing a man in bedtime attire that shows off his legs that does not resemble boxers or briefs. The thick rugby stripes and huge honking collar are just not helping. 


There's nothing with wearing your heart on your sleeve, but as an applique decorating your sleepwear? I don't know what man would be caught dead in that thing who wasn't named Elton John.




Why is the name of the brand "Hands Off"? It should be "Sexy Time." Think of how much fun it would be to unbutton your partner's bottom on that red union suit.




I wanna be a cowboy...and you can be my cowgirl. 





"The same ugly shirt, for the both of you!"




"Let's play the Hillbilly Brother and Sister in Love game."




Gives new meaning to the I"m with Stupid" shirts. 

4 comments:

  1. I remember clearly the matching outfits from the Sears or JC Penney catalogs from back then but I never saw anyone actually wear them in real life.
    As for the last picture with the T-shirts, with the exception of the HIS/HERS design, I would totally wear any of them today if I had them. The one that says Spirit of 76 is just awesome!

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  2. Wow, thats a blast from the past! As Luis said...I don't recall seeing anyone ever wearing those matching outfits! They were definitely the height of what was BAD in the 70s!

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  3. I enjoy looking at your old catalog pictures. I have good memories of being happy when the Sears and JC Penney catalogs would come in the mail. It was always fun looking through them. My mom and dad actually did have matching western shirts. They were supposed to go to a square dancing event but mom got sick so they couldn't. My cousin had the bib overalls in the late 70s.

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