I had never even
seen a bicycle helmet until I went off to college in fall of '76. My roommate had one of the original Bell mushroom helmets - actually his second, since his first helmet got destroyed in a car/bike crash and probably saved his life. He
always wore his helmet. It wasn't until I rode TOSRV '77 that I wore a helmet - a Skid Lid that someone had left behind at our club-sponsored Century ride the week before.
Gloves? Yeah, I had the crochet-backed things from Bike Warehouse (pre-nashbar), and I still get that same style when I can find them.
I never had padded shorts back then, so yes, I rode in 'tennis gear', complete with the ubiquitous three-stripe tube socks! I also wore the 'warm-up' style sweatpants, zippered jacket with the stripe on the sleeve and legs... and my beloved Puma Road Runner shoes.
So yes, cycling has evolved a bit over the past 40 years!!! Bikes, clothing and 'gear'.