My latest wrestling obsession has been the classic outfits and in-ring styles worn pre-1980. The wrestlers would often enter the ring in gorgeous long robes or shiny satin jackets, and peel those outer layers off to reveal thick, high-waisted trunks, often worn over tights or leotards that didn’t match.
When these looks were the current fashion, I didn’t really give them a second glance. But now that these are vintage designs that we don’t often see anymore, these old costumes really rev my engine. They remind me of my earliest days of pro wrestling excitement.
So I wanted to feature a brief tribute to the old-style Trunks-N-Boots look, the colors and cuts that now have me itching to go watch some hot old brutal-style 1970’s grunt and groan rasslin’ on YouTube.
Some of you snarky gear-snobs are probably thinking: WTF?? These throwback costumes are not even hot. The old-timey trunks don’t even hug their asses — there are wrinkles and folds in the fabric. And those butcher singlets and under-designed masks just look pathetic and dated.
Well I am no fashion expert — I just know what trips my trigger. And I would be willing to bet there are other wrestling fans out there of a certain age whose triggers are also tripping over these classic costumes.
“Old School” Oliver John and his long-haired partner in the flowery robe seem to understand the appeal and arousal of vintage wrestling costumes. Modern wrestlers who dress in traditional looks stir up the memories and emotions of the fans of classic pro wrestling.
The great Ric Flair really understood the importance of the flamboyant, outlandish wrestling costumes, the sequined robes opened wide to offer a pre-match peek at his chest, his gold belt, and his snug spandex trunks.
Don’t get me wrong — I love modern style wrestling gear too. But lately, I must be in a nostalgic mood, because the sequins, spandex, and feather boas of 30+ years ago are really catching my fancy lately. Maybe this current obsession is due to easy accessibility of vintage wrestling these days, with entire episodes of 1970’s wrestling programs now appearing on YouTube.
