Men's Fashion of the 1960's: A Time of Wide Ties & New Fashion Trends

Social Trends

Various new fashion trends began emerging for men in the 1960s. The trends of the early, mid and decade end are easy enough to identify. Traditional and conforming attire for men do change according to society. Brighter, colorful tones began taking the world of the 60s man to a higher, more open-minded fashion sense and focus than ever before in history. The inspiration of this fashion sense is found in Edwardian styles of dress as well as Modernist, Hippie and Italian designs.

European and Modernist Influences

European fashion styles were all the rage in the 60s as modernists came along at the beginning of this era. This allowed young men to move out of their box, while searching for and establishing new trends. The innocent and daring fashions of the 50s moved along into the psychedelic patterns and gregarious prints. Dull, pale shades were lacking in style and no man wanted to be considered lacking in style. On the contrary, fashion for men thrived on color and plenty of it. Men wanted anything bright and flamboyant in the early 60’s. A fashionable man may be found in cravats and frills on his shirts. The Hippie era created a buzz of wide ties over narrow skinny ties. No, men wanted various and unusual patterns, prints and stripes.

The Rockers versus the Mods

Men of the 60s were either a Rocker or a Mod, and they were notorious rivals. Consider the characters of the classic beach blanket movies. Mods preferred classic fashions and British bands like The Beatles. However, the Rockers were often found on big Harley Davidson bikes with their hair slicked back while wearing leather jackets, listening to the swinging rock-and-roll 50s favorites. The trendiest of Mods were listening to the Beatles while riding along in their Vespers, while wearing the latest fashion inspired by Italian and French designers. Most often their wardrobes consisted of pants, tailored suits with slim shirts and skinny ties trimmed to just an inch. Mods most often wore their trademark fashion statement, the anorak jacket.

Edwardian Movement

In 1966 men began embracing the Edwardian social graces and fashions. For instance, Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones created a trend in wearing double-breasted suits of velvet. Longer hairstyles for men became popular at this time, while they wore such apparel as frill collar shirts and brocade waistcoats. The patterns, prints, colors and textures of the fashion era were astounding. Men and women were both searching for or wearing the long Nehru jacket with its luxurious stand-up collar.

Hippy Movement & Even Wilder Style

Near the end of the decade fashions became more bizarre as individuals began personalizing and altering their own clothing. Getting in touch with your feminine nature became easier for men while allowing their hair to grow longer. The Hippie influence brought about the popularity of florescent colors, paisley patterned shirts and polka dot neckties. Wide took first place again with a 5" wide tie trend as well as the wearing of bell-bottomed pants. Almost everything was tie-dyed or featured paisley prints, pop art, or floral prints. Commonly neckties and shirts were sold as a package deal as fashion designers continued creating with rich bold colors. Today, vintage designer neckties are some of the most sought after to complete the wild look of the 60’s.