Men’s Fashion of the 50s
If the 1950s brought men’s fashion back into the limelight, the 1960s helped to define a generation. The ‘60s saw a burst of color that hadn’t been a part of men’s fashion in many years, adding a youthful slant to the style of the time. Given the fact that pop culture saw a veritable explosion in the 1960s, it should come as no surprise that Americans began to really pay attention to the way they dressed, putting far more emphasis on bold styles than ever before. The following elements of men’s fashion were exceptionally popular during the 60s, many of which can still be incorporated into one’s look today.
The Colorful Suit
Suits went through quite a few changes in the ‘50s, quickly moving from boxy, broad pieces to the Italian varieties that were both streamlined and sharp. The 1960s took the men’s suit in yet another direction, quickly incorporating a great deal of color into the mix in ways that had not been done in the past. The pale, tonal shades that were popular just a decade before were left behind, replaced by bright and colorful shades that helped to define the era. Frills and cravats also became popular in men’s suits, and people began to wear much wider ties; even 5-inch wide neckties came into fashion for a period of time, often featuring extremely loud prints. Early 1960s suits were often finished off with trouser straps and leather boots, both of which lended a unique look to suits of the time.
Mod Culture
Much of the look that was spawned in the 1960s came out of the Mod (short for Modernists) culture that was so popularly-embraced in Britain at the time. Mods were heavily tied to rock and roll at the time, influencing the fashion of The Who, The Kinks and other popular acts. Unlike rock and roll fashion that had preceded this group, however, the Mods chose to embrace style that was synonymous with high-fashion at the time; think heavily-tailored suits underneath the trademark anoraks that became such a huge part of this look. Those who were actively part of the movement referred to their style as the City Gent look, often wearing slim-fitted button-down shirts, and occasionally pairing them with skinny Levi jeans. While Mod fashion is said to have ultimately led up to the style embraced by late ‘60s hippies, the two looks couldn’t be more diverse from one another.
Neckwear (1960 – 1969)
While the late 50s introduced the skinny tie, the 60s went a completely different direction. Ties in the 60s became wider than ever before and ties of 5 or even 6 inches in width became popular. This ultra wide necktie is called “Kipper Tie” – a fashion accessory that today’s man only should reserve for a 1950s Halloween costume. Also worth mentioning are frills and lace-decorated cravats – both fashion accessories that were popular in combination with brightly colored suits (just think of the bright orange and light blue suits and matching cravats worn by Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels in Dumb & Dumber).
Takeaways for the Modern Man
It should come as no surprise that the modern man has a lot to gain by studying the Mods. After all, these individuals put a great deal of emphasis on leaving the past behind and embracing a hyper-modern sense of style. Stick to tailored pieces, leaving boxy items in the closet. Skinny jeans and a well-tailored button-down makes for the perfect base ensemble for anyone who likes to dress casually, for example, and is the perfect look for today’s fashion-forward man. The same can be said for suits and other types of formal attire; tailoring is everything, and should never be overlooked.
More on Men’s Fashion History:
The Previous Decade: Mens Fashion in the 50s
Beau Brummell – The Father of Modern Suit
