The History of Hippie Fashion in the 70s

Hippie fashions reflected the social attitudes of the era.

The history of hippie fashion in the 1970s is defined by carefree, non-conformist attitudes toward life, love and politics. Fashion was heavily influenced by folk music and rock and roll, as well as by performers and entertainers of the day. The history of hippie fashion in the 1970s reflected social mores and attitudes which were considered "loose and laid-back" when compared to the more conservative 1950s and 1960s. Much of 1970s hippie fashion is regaining popularity as "vintage retro."

Materials

Hippie fashions in the 1970s were Earth-friendly and typically made of natural fibers and free-flowing materials. Brushed fabric or viscose rayon crepe was historically found in 1970s hippie fashions. The advent of central heating in homes and cars brought about the introduction of lighter fabrics as long, heavy woolen coats were replaced with velvet jackets, quilted padded duvet coats and hip-length wool velour jackets and raincoats. Clothes made of floating and romantic fabrics also grew in popularity, as light cotton, voiles and chiffons became standards of the day.

Trends

A popular women's hippie fashion for daytime was flowing, flower child-era peasant skirts and tie-dye sarongs and wraps. Also popular was the high-necked "Granny" dress. Exotic and tropical prints were popular as designers started to emulate fashion trends found abroad. Men's fashion closely followed women's with an edge toward loose-fitting tunics, flared denim pants and bright vivid colors. Hippie men also took to military-style clothing including cargo pants and jackets.

International Influences

The influence of hippie fashion in the 1970s came from every part of the world as styles tended to fit the mood of an era that had returned to nature and was anti-Vietnam War in outlook. Hippies of the 1970s favored fashion from numerous ethnic groups. Nehru jackets and loose-flowing robes were introduced and caftans, muumuus and kimonos, influenced by India, Africa and Asia were popular. Kimonos were often sewn in exotic fabrics and edged in silver, gold or other metallic embroidered trims. Tibetan and Chinese quilted jackets and square armhole waistcoats in mix-and-match prints were favored, as were Indian-imported cotton voile dresses in vivid, bright colors.

Peasant Fashion

Peasant fashion for both women and men featured eyelets with lacing, over-sized rickrack braid, false bibs, front ties, angel sleeves and bell sleeves. Simply-shaped garments of richly patterned print fabrics were popular for men. Macrame bags and bikinis from the Greek Isles and crochet waistcoats and shawls from Spain were all high fashion, as were ponchos and Gypsy tops made from gauzy materials.

Romantic Influences

Many Gypsy blouses and shirts were influenced by Victoria-era designs, as were semi-opaque clothes made of cheesecloth. Favored by both men and women, these garments swung and flared away from the body, following the lines of flared and bell bottom trousers frequently made from denim. Flared trousers and trouser suits with shirts made with wide lapels were popular as well. Hippie men favored fashionable colors such as greens and oranges with hip-length tunics and vests.

Shoes, Coats and Accessories

Platform shoes were a must-have necessity for the 1970s hippie. Platforms typically had soles ranging from 1- to 4-inches thick. Clogs were also popular for their comfort and the chunkiness of their soles. Men favored sandals and military-style boots. Hand-knitted cardigans and zigzagged knit patterns with intricate, bright designs also came into fashion, as did long, knitted wool or acrylic scarves and gloves and knitted chenille turban hats and multi-colored tams.

References

• Fashion Era: The 70s Disco Fashion

Resources

• The Costume Gallery: Women's Fashions: 1970s