Before the 1960s, menswear was largely defined by tradition: suits, ties, and hand-knitted jumpers. Young men mirrored their fathers’ attire. However, the late 1950s witnessed the rise of the Mods, a youth culture craving self-expression through clothing. London embraced Continental styles, particularly Italian slim-fit suits and Parisian beatnik looks. John Stephen’s Carnaby Street boutique, opened in 1957, offered affordable and stylish suits, significantly influencing London street style.
The early 1960s saw subtle yet daring changes in suits: collarless jackets, popularized by The Beatles, and slim-fitting trousers paired with heeled boots. Off-the-peg menswear boutiques proliferated, and traditional tailors adapted to the increasingly informal societal shift. Flamboyant elements like embroidery and printed shirts became acceptable in everyday menswear, particularly in London.
By the mid-1960s, London’s fashion-conscious youth challenged Victorian-era masculine etiquette. A new “modern dandy” emerged, embracing frills, velvet, and traditionally feminine elements. Entrepreneurs capitalized on this, blending traditional tailoring with modern design flair from newly established menswear courses. This era marked a significant departure from the conservative menswear of previous decades.
Influential boutiques like Hung On You, Blades, and Granny Takes a Trip catered to this new aesthetic. Designer Michael Fish, known for his work in film and fashion, opened “Mr Fish” in 1966, offering “peacock” styles: wide ties, colorful suits, and culturally influenced separates. This bold approach further solidified the era’s menswear revolution.
The late 1960s saw the rise of military-inspired fashion, fueled by Mick Jagger’s iconic appearance in a Victorian guardsman’s jacket. However, the Vietnam War and student protests in France shifted societal consciousness. Consumerism waned, and interest in vintage clothing, particularly from the 1930s and 40s, grew. This marked a transition towards more sustainable and individualistic style choices.
As the 1970s approached, wider lapels and trousers became fashionable, blurring the lines between menswear and womenswear. Blue denim jeans, initially a counter-culture garment, gained mainstream popularity. The 1960s menswear revolution paved the way for the unisex and informal styles that defined the following decade. It was a decade of unprecedented change and experimentation in men’s fashion.
