16 Clothing Rules Everyone Followed in the ’60s
Fashion in the 1960s had its own set of unwritten rules—and everyone knew them.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
The 1960s were a time of social change, but fashion still came with clear expectations. From church attire to proper skirt lengths, people dressed with precision and purpose. Here’s a stylish throwback to 16 clothing rules that shaped how Americans dressed during that iconic decade.
1. Hats Were a Must for Church
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No Sunday outfit was complete without a hat, especially for women. It wasn’t just fashion—it was respect and tradition.
2. Women Wore Gloves for Formal Events
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Are you attending a wedding, tea party, or upscale gathering? Gloves were essential. They added elegance and modesty, not just warmth.
3. Men Never Left Home Without a Hat
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Whether a fedora or flat cap, men topped off every outfit with a hat. It was part of being well-dressed and respectable.
4. Denim Was for Work, Not Fashion
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Jeans were considered too casual for school or social outings. They were strictly for laborers or yard work. It wasn’t until later that denim made its way into everyday style.
5. Skirts Had to Cover the Knee (At First)
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Early in the decade, anything above the knee was scandalous. Hemlines gradually rose with the rise of youth culture.
6. Ties Were Expected in the Office
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Business attire wasn’t complete without a tie—no exceptions. Even casual Fridays didn’t exist yet. Dressing down wasn’t a thing.
7. White Was for Summer Only
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You simply didn’t wear white after Labor Day. This fashion rule was taken seriously, especially in the South. It marked seasonal change and social awareness.
8. Matching Was Mandatory
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Your shoes had to match your purse. Your belt, your shoes. Color coordination wasn’t optional—it was the mark of being put-together.
9. School Dress Codes Were Strict
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There were no jeans, no bare shoulders, and definitely no short skirts. Uniforms or highly controlled dress codes ruled the classroom.
10. Undergarments Were Structured
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Bullet bras and girdles weren’t just common—they were expected. A woman’s silhouette was shaped, not natural.
11. Boys Wore Slacks, Not Shorts
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Young boys wore shorts, but by adolescence, slacks were the standard. Shorts were for the playground, not polite company.
12. Shoes Were Polished Daily
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Scuffed shoes were seen as a sign of laziness. Whether loafers or heels, they had to shine. Appearance mattered, even at the feet.
13. Hair Had to Match the Outfit’s Vibe
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Bouffants, pompadours, and beehives weren’t just hairstyles—they were part of the outfit. Disheveled hair was frowned upon.
14. No Logos or Brand Names
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Clothes didn’t scream labels. People cared more about fit and fabric than designer tags. Branding wasn’t worn on your sleeve—literally.
15. Pajamas Never Left the Bedroom
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You wouldn’t dream of running errands in loungewear. Even at home, guests meant getting dressed, and the idea of pajamas in public was laughable.
16. Seasonal Fabrics Were Taken Seriously
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You wore wool in winter, cotton in summer. Linen had its time, just like corduroy. Wearing the wrong fabric for the season was a fashion faux pas.