The history of hippie & bohemian clothing

The history of hippie and bohemian clothing is a colorful and fascinating one, full of rebellion, self-expression, and, of course, tie-dye. It all started in the 1960s, when a group of young people decided they were tired of the conformist, consumerist values of mainstream society and decided to create their own counterculture. This counterculture, known as the hippie movement, was all about rejecting traditional norms and embracing individuality, freedom, and peace. And what better way to express all of these things than through their clothing? 

 The hippies of the 1960s were all about loose, comfortable clothing that was easy to move in and that reflected their laid-back, carefree lifestyle. This meant a lot of maxi dresses, bell-bottomed pants, and tunics made from natural, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, rayon, bamboo and hemp. And of course, no hippie outfit was complete without a pair of sandals!

 But it wasn't just the cut and fit of the clothing that set the hippies apart from mainstream fashion. They were also known for their bold, colorful patterns and prints, which were often inspired by traditional folk and ethnic styles. Floral patterns, paisley prints, and tie-dye were all popular choices, as were geometric patterns and abstract designs. These patterns and prints served as a way for hippies to express their individuality and their rejection of mainstream fashion norms.

 In addition to traditional hippie clothing, the counterculture movement also spawned a number of other subcultures and fashion trends, each with its own distinctive style. For example, the glam rock movement of the 1970s was characterized by flashy, theatrical clothing, including platform boots and sequined jumpsuits, while the punk movement of the same period was defined by its rebellious, DIY aesthetic, with leather jackets, studded belts, and safety pins all key features. 

 But perhaps the most iconic feature of hippie and bohemian clothing is its accessorizing. Hippies were all about layering multiple garments and adding a wide range of accessories, such as headbands, scarves, and jewelry, to create a unique and expressive look. These accessories were often chosen for their symbolic or spiritual meaning, such as peace symbols or symbols of Eastern religions.

 So what happened to the hippie movement? Did it fade away into obscurity, taking its tie-dye and bell-bottoms with it? Not quite. While the counterculture movement of the 1960s may have lost some of its momentum in the decades since, its influence on fashion and culture has continued to be felt. Many designers and fashion brands have drawn inspiration from the hippie movement and incorporated elements of its style into their collections. And of course, there are still plenty of people out there who embrace the hippie aesthetic and proudly wear their tie-dye t-shirts and bohemian styled dresses with pride.