Welcome to the Sixties

The 60s were notorious for the two conflicting youth British subcultures; Mods and Rockers. 

Mods

Mods originated from London in the late 50s and early 60s. They influenced some aspects of fashion. The mods often wore tailored suits that were of dark colour. As the years went on, the mods took to wearing Levi jeans with 1 inch turn ups along with Fred Perry tops, desert boots and parka coats. 

During the mid 60s RAF emblems and union jack jackets were all the rage between the mods. Also scooters became popular. Vespas being the most popular. 

The Rockers

The Rockers (leather boys, ton-up boys) were a biker community that originated in London. The society was based around Cafe Racer Motorcycles and Rock 'n' Roll music. By 1965, the term 'Greaser' had also become common. 

Fashion Revolution

As well as all these brilliant trends, another fashion revolution was happening...inside the textile mill. 


Synthetic materials were being created such as Acrillian, Orlon and Poplin were developed.
These materials, along with nylon (1938) took over from wool and cotton.

They were cheaper to produce, easier to dry, they didn't crease- the list could go on!

Pop Art

Society rejected the wartime values of quality and permanence. 'Pop Art' emerged. 

Pop artists started to embrace commercial and the American Culture. 

Every teenager began to follow fashion cults. 
-Jukebox Culture
-Marylin Monroe
-Elvis Presley
-Marlon Brando
-Jayne Mansfield
-Jane Russell

Youths

The youths of South London, were inspired by the 'dandie style' and adopted their clothing to create the aggressive yet stylish ''teddy boy''.

These jackets were extremely colourful, and the trousers were so narrow they called them 'Drainpipes.'

Thick sole 'Brothel Creepers' and boot lace ties were also popular. Men greased back their hair with Bryll cream (long quiff at the front and D.A at the back) 

Menswear

Throughout the war years mens fashions had hardly changed. But during the 50s menswear steadily moved its way into the limelight. 


It was suddenly fashionable to be fashionable. 



After the war years, attitudes dramatically changed. Following the trend of nostalgia, brought on by Dior's New Look, Men adopted the style of Edwardian attire. 

The business men of London wear the first to wear the look. Men wore bowler hats, long line single breasted jackets and narrow pinstripe trousers.

In 1948, the Royal College of Art opened its school for fashion design. Also, in 1953, Vogues started its own young fashion feature. 

Mary Quant

In 1955, Mary Quant adopted the same silhouette. She opened up her first store in London called ''bazaar''.