The 1960s mens fashion was a decade of revolutionary change, reflecting the social and cultural shifts happening worldwide, and at mens-fashion.net, we aim to guide you through this iconic era with tips on how to incorporate vintage style into your modern wardrobe. By exploring these influences, you can discover timeless menswear and find unique ways to express yourself, creating a personalized vintage style that is both authentic and contemporary. Dive into classic aesthetics and experience fashion evolution through mens-fashion.net.
1. The Swinging 60s: A Decade of Transformation
The 1960s was a time of significant change. Man landed on the moon, and Beatlemania swept the world. Americans were obsessed with all things British, from James Bond to The Rolling Stones. It was a decade of great social change with civil rights movements and the Vietnam War protests that influenced consumerism and fashion.
Sean Connery as James Bond, influencing fashion trends with his sophisticated style.
The Kinks and The Rolling Stones, iconic bands that popularized British fashion trends in America.
1.1 The Peacock Revolution
The Peacock Revolution was a sartorial revolution characterized by bold colors, large patterns, and artistic expression. Men were challenging conventions of dress, blurring the lines between men’s and women’s fashions. There was no real standard uniform of dress, and people wore what they wanted, whether formal, informal, trendy, or traditional.
Young men embracing the Peacock Revolution with vibrant and expressive outfits.
David Bowie challenging gender norms in fashion with a golden floral dress.
2. What Fashion Subcultures Defined the 1960s?
The 1960s saw a rise in diverse fashion subcultures, each making a unique statement. These subcultures significantly influenced Mens 1960s Fashion, shaping trends and individual styles.
2.1 Mod Style
The “modernist” or “mod style” was popularized by The Beatles. The mod style embraced tailoring and making it your own, featuring tighter-fitting suits, bolder colors, and patterns. Polo shirts, turtlenecks, spear point collars, and tab collars were also common. Fabric-covered buttons were popular, along with higher-necked, double-breasted jackets.
The Beatles popularizing the mod style with their sharp and tailored outfits.
2.2 Bohemian/Flower Power
The “Bohemian” or “flower power movement” was relaxed, eclectic, and carefree. It was the uniform of the non-conformist.
Jimi Hendrix embodying the Bohemian style with his floral top and jacket.
2.3 Greasers
The “greasers,” also called “rockers” in the UK, listened to rock-and-roll and rode motorcycles. They wore T-shirts, leather jackets, blue jeans, and boots or Converse sneakers.
A group showcasing the greaser style with leather jackets, T-shirts, and jeans.
2.4 Skins
The “skinheads” or “skins” originated in the working-class neighborhoods of London. They were originally called “hard mods” and wore Doc Marten’s boots, jeans with braces or suspenders, and button-down shirts.
Young men representing the skins subculture with shaved heads and practical workwear.
2.5 Space Age
The 1960s were the apex of the Space Age, leading to futuristic or space-inspired fashions.
A couple dressed in futuristic space-age-inspired outfits.
3. How Did Hair and Facial Hair Trends Evolve in the 1960s?
The hairstyles of the 1960s evolved from traditional to more unique looks. Early in the decade, hairstyles were quite traditional, continuing from 1950s styles. During the peacock revolution, many men’s hairstyles got longer overall and also, more bowl-shaped. Most men went clean-shaven with occasional beards or longer sideburns seen.
A variety of unique hairstyles that became popular during the 1960s.
Men sporting clean shaves, beards, or long sideburns, reflecting diverse facial hair trends.
4. What Types of Hats Were Popular in Mens 1960s Fashion?
Hat-wearing wasn’t as popular as it had been in previous decades. However, men still wore hats in the 1960s, and the dominant styles were the fedora and the trilby. These styles were growing smaller with narrower brims and shallower crowns. Hats started to be manufactured in different fabrics, colors, and patterns, including tweeds, cottons, plaids, and even suede and leather varieties.
Fedora and trilby hats, the most famous designs that remained popular during the 1960s.
The trilby hat, shaved down and angled differently to stay fashionable.
4.1 Other Headwear
Beatniks and hippies used scarves as headbands.
Hippies showcasing their style by wearing scarves as headwear.
5. What Were the Dominant Shirt Styles in the 1960s?
Shirts in the 1960s were vibrant, with men wearing much more colors and patterns than ever before. Shirts could come in almost any pattern imaginable, from stripes to polka dots to checks. Solid block colors were also trendy. Conventional shirts, polos, turtlenecks, and cardigan sweaters were sold in coordinated colors. 1960s shirts were worn fitted and tight. The point collar was still most popular.
Men in the 1960s showcasing shirts with different colors and prints.
The point collar style remaining popular in shirts during the 1960s.
5.1 Business Shirts
For business, shirts were more conservative in pastel colors and perhaps with small stripes or checks. Turtleneck sweater and jacket combination was widely popular.
Conservative shirts in pastel colors, suitable for business settings in the 1960s.
6. How Did Suit Styles Evolve During the 1960s?
Business suits were surprisingly still pretty conservative despite all the psychedelic colors of the 1960s. Men were still wearing jackets largely inspired by late 50s styles. The early 1960s suit was characterized by a three-button jacket with rounded quarters and a high gorge. By the mid-60s, Americans were wearing classically British-inspired styles with wider fits and country clothing-inspired patterns.
Men in the 1960s wearing suits inspired by the late 1950s styles.
6.1 Blazers and Slacks
Even in business settings, men could now commonly be seen wearing blazers and slacks instead of two-piece suits, and these jackets could feature bold patterns.
Men commonly wearing blazers and slacks instead of two-piece suits in business settings.
6.2 Peacock Revolution Suits
Young men were bored of the stuffy ideals of masculinity, and, in establishing their own identities, looked to subvert these societal rules. Many pieces of clothing would blur the lines between genders and, overall, take on a more unisex style. In addition to wild colors and patterns, things like velvet and frills would become increasingly more common. Fashion boutiques in London would marry the old style with the new, crossing Western fashions with cultures from around the world. This led to a huge variety of unique garments.
A young man embracing the Peacock Revolution with a unique and vibrant outfit.
Fashion boutiques in London, where new styles mixed with global cultures.
6.3 The Vintage Movement
By the end of the 1960s, many were troubled by the violence that they had seen from the Vietnam War, as well as the other social struggles of the time, so they were becoming more ethically-minded and less consumerist overall. This led to a renewed interest in antique or vintage fashions, focusing on making the most of what was already available rather than simply chasing the next new thing.
Social change movements in the 1960s influencing ethical and less consumerist fashion choices.
Young men reviving Victorian-inspired outfits, reflecting a turn towards vintage fashion.
7. What Were the Key Trends in Trousers During the 1960s?
The trousers of the 1960s were famously tight-fitting, especially in the hips and the upper thigh. Pleats were no longer on-trend. Bell bottoms, which flared out at the bottom, became popular in the mid to late 60s. The most important change to trousers in the 60s is the lowering of where the trousers sat on the body.
Various styles of trousers popular in the 1960s, showcasing different cuts and fits.
Bell-bottoms, a defining trouser trend that emerged in the 1960s.
The lowered waistline of trousers, a significant change in 1960s fashion.
7.1 Casual Trousers
Much like jackets, trousers could also come in a variety of wild and wonderful patterns and colors. These were casual fashions, not typically worn in a business or other traditional environment.
8. How Did Ties Evolve in the Mens 1960s Fashion?
The beginning of the 60s saw very skinny ties, which were often knitted. These were very much within the mod school of thought. Most ties in the 1960s were tipped and fully lined. When the peacock revolution hit, ties went wild too. Thanks in part to cheaper fabric printing methods, ties exploded with a wide array of crazy colors, patterns, and designs. Perhaps to accommodate these new louder patterns, ties also became wider and wider as the decade went on.
Skinny ties, a popular style at the beginning of the 1960s, influenced by the mod movement.
8.1 Scarves and Ascots
Men were increasingly wearing their shirt collars open in a more casual style, so scarves became popular once again, as did day cravats or ascots. Scarves could also be worn with neck rings, which was a revival of a 100-year old fashion.
Scarves and ascots regaining popularity as casual alternatives to ties in the 1960s.
Scarves worn with neck rings, reviving an older fashion trend from the 1860s.
9. What Shoe Styles Gained Popularity in Mens 1960s Fashion?
The Chelsea boot experienced a renaissance in the 1960s, popularized by The Beatles, making them arguably the most important shoe style of the time. The Chelsea boots of the 1960s were much more modern looking. Another phenomenon of 1960s footwear is the so-called “Cuban heel.” Taller heels got their start to aid with getting on and off of horses. The modern version, however, came to prominence again when it was featured on the feet of Latin American dancers and came to be known as the “Cuban heel.” In the 60s, in particular, they were popularized to worldwide acclaim by The Beatles. Other shoes of note in the 1960s were monk strap shoes, suede shoes, sneakers, cowboy boots, and tassel loafers.
Black Chelsea boots, a key footwear style that saw a revival in the 1960s.
The Cuban heel, a unique heel style that gained prominence in men’s footwear during the 1960s.
The Beatles wearing Chelsea boots with Cuban heels, a combination that became known as “Beatle boots.”
The combination of Chelsea boots and Cuban heels is called Beatle boots.
10. How Can You Incorporate 1960s Menswear Into a Modern Wardrobe?
Incorporating 1960s menswear into your modern wardrobe allows you to blend classic style with contemporary trends. Focus on key elements like tailored suits, vibrant shirts, and iconic footwear to create a look that pays homage to the past while remaining relevant today.
10.1 Key Pieces to Incorporate
- Tailored Suits: Opt for slim-fitting suits in neutral colors like gray or navy. A three-button jacket with rounded quarters captures the essence of early 1960s style.
- Vibrant Shirts: Embrace bold patterns and colors, such as stripes, polka dots, or checks. Fitted shirts with point collars add a touch of vintage flair.
- Chelsea Boots: A pair of Chelsea boots, especially those with a Cuban heel, is a must-have. They can be paired with both casual and semi-formal outfits.
- Accessories: Skinny knit ties, scarves, and fedora or trilby hats can complete your 1960s-inspired look.
10.2 Styling Tips
- Mix and Match: Combine vintage pieces with modern items for a balanced look. For example, pair a vintage patterned shirt with contemporary slim-fit jeans.
- Focus on Fit: Ensure that your clothing fits well. Tailoring is essential to achieve a polished and authentic 1960s silhouette.
- Color Coordination: Pay attention to color coordination, matching your shirt to other elements in your ensemble for a cohesive appearance.
Gentlemen in the 1960s showcasing outfits with bold colors and printed designs.
10.3 Occasions to Wear 1960s-Inspired Outfits
- Casual Events: A pair of Chelsea boots with slim-fit jeans and a bold patterned shirt is perfect for casual outings.
- Business Casual: Combine tailored slacks with a turtleneck sweater and a blazer for a sophisticated business casual look.
- Formal Events: A well-tailored suit with a skinny tie and Chelsea boots is ideal for formal occasions, providing a classic yet stylish appearance.
11. Modern Outfit Inspired by the 1960s Menswear
Today, Preston is wearing a look inspired by the Ivy and mod styles. The central element is a bold, plaid jacket featuring tones of blue, red, brown, and beige. He’s wearing it over a pastel blue shirt and, to ground the outfit while maintaining the color feel, his trousers are navy blue in a bird’s eye weave and are also relatively close-fitting. This combination of wider jacket and tighter trousers then directly mirrors the styles of the 60s.
The trousers are flat-fronted and they also feature side adjusters. He’s wearing a simple pair of silver cufflinks today with an understated geometric design, and while they don’t happen to have tassels, his dark oxblood penny loafers fit into the color feel as well as the Ivy style.
His vintage pale blue pocket square features a Glen check pattern, but he’s wearing it in a point style today, so what you’re mainly seeing is the pale blue color as well as the burgundy contrast edge.
His remaining elements today are all from Fort Belvedere and these would include his burgundy mini carnation boutonniere, his two-tone solid socks in dark blue and red, and his navy blue knit tie, which is thin in width and also features subtle red stripes.
Also, in just a slight nod to the wilder hairstyles of the time, he’s elected to leave the product out of his own hair today and go for a more natural look.
For all of the Fort Belvedere accessories he’s wearing, you can take a look at the Fort Belvedere shop here.
12. Conclusion: Embrace the Timeless Style of the 1960s
The 1960s was a decade of diverse fashion ideals and styles, with many wild styles emerging after the peacock revolution. Not every man was wearing bold colors and patterns all the time, but paisley trousers and velvet jackets weren’t for everyone. Explore these iconic trends further at mens-fashion.net, where you can discover new articles, seek personalized advice, and stay updated with the latest fashion insights.
A gentleman in the 1960s exemplifying classic business attire with a well-tailored suit.
At mens-fashion.net, we offer comprehensive guides, expert tips, and the latest trends to help you refine your personal style. Whether you’re looking to elevate your everyday outfits or make a statement at a special event, our resources are designed to keep you informed and inspired.
Discover more style tips and trends at mens-fashion.net today!
FAQ About Mens 1960s Fashion
1. What were the main influences on mens 1960s fashion?
The main influences on mens 1960s fashion included British pop culture, the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War protests, and the Space Age, leading to diverse styles like mod, Bohemian, and space-inspired looks.
2. How did the Peacock Revolution impact mens 1960s fashion?
The Peacock Revolution challenged traditional norms with bold colors, large patterns, and artistic expression, blurring gender lines and promoting individuality in menswear.
3. What were the key characteristics of mod style in the 1960s?
Mod style featured tailored, slim-fitting suits, bold colors, and patterns, often paired with polo shirts, turtlenecks, and Chelsea boots, influenced by bands like The Beatles.
4. Which shoe styles were most popular in mens 1960s fashion?
Chelsea boots, particularly those with Cuban heels (known as “Beatle boots”), were highly popular, along with monk strap shoes, suede shoes, and tassel loafers.
5. What changes occurred in mens trouser styles during the 1960s?
Trouser styles shifted to tighter fits in the hips and thighs, with lower waistlines and the emergence of bell-bottoms in the mid-to-late 1960s.
6. How did tie styles evolve in mens 1960s fashion?
Tie styles evolved from skinny knit ties at the beginning of the decade to wider ties with bold colors and patterns by the late 1960s, reflecting the Peacock Revolution.
7. What role did hats play in mens 1960s fashion?
While hat-wearing declined compared to previous decades, fedoras and trilbies remained popular, often made from new materials like tweed, cotton, and leather to appeal to younger generations.
8. How did hairstyles and facial hair trends change in the 1960s?
Hairstyles evolved from traditional styles to longer, bowl-shaped cuts, while most men remained clean-shaven or sported occasional beards and long sideburns.
9. What was the significance of the vintage movement in the late 1960s?
The vintage movement emerged as a reaction to consumerism and social struggles, promoting ethical fashion choices and a renewed interest in antique styles from the 1920s to the Victorian era.
10. Where can I find more information and advice on mens 1960s fashion?
You can explore comprehensive guides, expert tips, and the latest trends on mens-fashion.net to refine your personal style and stay updated with fashion insights. Contact us at Address: 227 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001, United States or Phone: +1 (212) 217-5800, or visit our website mens-fashion.net.
