Men's Fashion 1960's- The Modern Man (From Worcester News)

Men's Fashion 1960's- The Modern Man

11:29am Monday 19th July 2010 in Retail Therapy By Lydia Johnson, Fashion and beauty writer

THIS era of men's fashion was all about the 'Mods'. Although men's fashion was not quite as daring as the ladies, more and more men were reaching out for their individuality, and breaking away from the conservative look that had plagued them for so many years.

As mentioned, in the early to mid-sixties the focus was mainly on the Mods, short for Modernists, who enjoyed immense sophistication, Italian motor scooters, and Jamaican ska music. The Mods originated in London in the late fifties, but the sixties really saw them claim their place in fashion history. Often referred to as being 'fashion-obsessed' and 'egotistical', but at the same time 'hyper cool', the Mods sported tailor-made Italian suits with narrow lapels, thin ties and wool or cashmere jumpers. Mohair clothes and hairstyles imitating that of French Nouvelle Vague icons such as Jean-Paul Belmondo were also favourites amongst the amphetamine fuelled youth. The subculture gained a reputation for all night parties and violent clashes with rival 'gangs' such as the Rockers, who were renowned for being 'scruffy louts', as newspapers were quick to label them.

In the same way that women had their boutiques, men did also, one of the most famous being 'John Stephen' on Carnaby Street in London. Carnaby Street and Kings Road became the most fashionable streets in London, with a number of clothes shops and boutiques lining both.

However, when the Mod style peaked in the mid-sixties, the hippie's took over. Peace and love was in the air, as hair was grown long, flares were let loose, and Flower Power was all around. Tie-dyed shirts and psychedelic patterns were very much in fashion, in Britain as well as in America, where the style originated from. Music, sex and drugs played a large role in hippie culture as well as the fashion; drugs such as marijuana and LSD were used to explore other states of consciousness and to provide inspiration.

The sixties was an incredibly important time for fashion. Men everywhere were shrugging off the confines of a suit and were embracing new styles, whether it be Mod, hippie, or whatever they fancied. The sixties were already pretty wild, and with the birth of the skinhead and punk in the seventies, fashion could only get wilder.