What Was Men's Fashion In The 1960s
                     What Was Men's Fashion In The 1960s
Think about what was men's fashion in the 1960s, and one feels as though one is stepping into a time machine. The 1960s 
were a decade of change, freedom, and visual growth. Men's fashion evolved greatly throughout this period, mixing timeless 
classics with strong current ideas. From laid-back summer wear to exact cut suits, the 1960s had something for every male.
What Was Men's Fashion in the 1960s? Let’s Break It Down!
For men's style, the 1960s were really important. Most men wore basic, unassuming clothing before this decade. But 
everything descended into anarchy in the 1960s! Popular were bright colors, strong patterns, and unusual accessories. Let's 
explore the specifics now. 
Top Men’s 60s Fashion Trends
Harrington Jackets
When people ask, what was men's fashion in the 1960s? the Mod style is among the first that springs to me! This tendency 
is very interesting; it never truly disappeared. For Mod enthusiasts, the Harrington jacket—a classic still looking modern 
today—was a must-have. This jacket shouts 1960s attitude with its cropped cut, upturned collar, and (usually) tartan lining.
Though you may get exquisite wool or suede jackets inspired by the original, the Baracuta G9 Harrington is the most famous. 
Some recent versions lack the tartan, but we love it! This jacket looks fantastic with skinny jeans and boots for 1960s style. 
Chelsea Boot
Perfect 60s rock 'n' roll is a pair of well-polished Chelsea boots: sleek, sensual, and little dangerous. Though tradition has it 
Queen Victoria wore them for strolling, they have been around for years; they became stylish in Chelsea, the hub of the 
swinging 60s. When considering what was men's fashion in the 1960s, Chelsea boots were quite important and usually 
worn with slim-cut suits or mod-inspired ensembles. Modern Chelsea boots come into two camps: those loyal to the 
vintage, delightfully flexible and ideally with a stacked Cuban heel (think Saint Laurent); and tough, clompy Chelsea boots 
more in keeping with the ugly shoe trend (Bottega Veneta, et al). Wear the former with really crisp tailoring; the latter with 
cargo trousers or denim. Either way, highlight what's under by choosing a somewhat cropped fit.
Knitted Polo
We believe the knitted polo shirt is the best garment ever designed, alongside the Harrington in the Mod hall of fame. A 
neat collar and snug fit make the knitted polo look 'done up' yet also comfortable. It's also really pleasant if you use a 
nice, natural wool like merino. Knitted polos are adaptable and may be worn with chinos, jeans, shorts, and suits. 
They can highlight color and design. Choose one with a strong stripe or contrast placket for 60s style.
Mad Men Tailoring
Never has a show influenced men's fashion like Mad Men. The show is credited with starting the 60s renaissance, which 
continues today. In the late 2000s, the program revived the popularity of suits, particularly the well-fitting businesswear 
of the early 60s, as rendered by the show's costume designers.
 The 50s suits were muted, in respectable greys and blacks, but the 60s suits were tighter fitting, narrower lapels, and 
usually worn with a slim tie.
Tweed
Ivy League style represented the American dream at the outset of the decade. The 60s model of preppy style was more 
formal than the 80s, with Oxford shirts with knitted ties and tweed jackets. 
The contemporary preppy trend combines streetwear with minimalism for a subversive twist on aspirational style. Wear 
large tweed with slightly cropped trousers or straight-legged denim, which would have been sacrilegious in the Ivy 
League.
Cheap Shoes 
The ultimate 60s Ivy style? Today, penny loafers go well with raw denim and sweatpants (think brown loafers with big lug 
soles, colorful, vintage sweats, and a carefree attitude). In the 1960s, Bass Weejuns were a popular choice for men's 
loafers. 
Black Turtleneck
Black roll necks, worn by women, men, beatniks, and Black Panthers with black berets, symbolized 
revolution in the 1960s. Naturally, they've stayed. Fit and finish are crucial when pairing one with 
an outfit: sleek but not clinging (muscle fit is forbidden), and made of cashmere or merino.
Psychedelic
Over the 1960s, men's fashion changed dramatically. The Beatles came out in black and grey 
suiting and disintegrated 10 years later in a color and pattern explosion. Like many others, LSD 
broadened Paul, John, George, and Ringo's perspectives, making their music and clothing stranger.
We don't recommend hallucinogens or Sgt Pepper-style satin. Big, psychedelic designs have been 
trending for a while, with Dries Van Noten and Palm Angels experimenting with twisted prints and 
acid neon colors. Opt for bold designs and colors or a basic look with a psychedelic shirt, white tee, 
and black slacks. 
1960s Fashion Icons: Who Set the Trends?
In fashion in the 1960s, stars and musicians prevailed. The Beatles produced famous matching 
clothes and boots early in the decade. Later, singers like Jimi Hendrix and Mick Jagger inspired 
wilder fashions including frilly blouses, velvet coats, and headbands. TV personalities mattered as 
well! While Steve McQueen's motorcycling jackets made every man want to appear like a rebel, 
Don Draper from Mad Men brought back stylish suits.
Accessories: The Little Things That Made a Big Difference
Without accessories, no ensemble was finished. Added accent were thin belts, bracelets, and scarves. 
Trendy also were hats like the flat cap or beret. Men wore cuffs or carried pocket squares, a folded 
fabric in the coat pocket, for formal occasions. Indeed, some fearless men even wore necklaces—
something unusual prior to the 1960s fashion!
What Did Kids Wear in the 1960s?
Children's fashion followed that of the adults! Boys wore striped polo shirts for fun and miniature 
replicas of suits for formal events. Playgrounds favorites were "high-top sneakers" and baseball hats. 
Summertime shorts with checkered shirts or suspensers kept lads cool. Indeed, some had bow ties for 
family pictures as well.
Sports and Outdoor Fashion: Ready for Adventure!
Men in the 1960s embraced the outdoors for hiking, surfing, or baseball. Must-haves were cargo 
shorts, zip-up windbreakers, and tough boots. Durable, athletic clothing helped brands like Levi's and 
Adidas gain recognition. Tight-fitting trunks smaller than modern designs and striped towels were 
poolside basics for swimming.
Why 1960s Fashion Still Matters Today
Ever run across someone sporting tie-dye shirts or bell-bottom jeans? Thank you for the 60s! Many of 
the trends from this decade find favor once more. Inspired by this legendary period, designers now use 
classic motifs and slim-fit suits.