FASHION 1960s

Fashion in the 1960s Singapore was mainly influenced by the hippie or ‘A go-go' period. This meant mini-skirts, bell-bottom jeans, flashy-coloured outfits, tie-dye, batik fabrics and loud prints.

In the early 60s, simple, geometric dresses, known as shifts, were in style. For evening wear, full-skirted ball gowns were worn. These often had a low décolletage and had close-fitting waists. For casual wear, capri trousers were the fashion for women and girls. Short dresses were also very trendy in the 60s. Stiletto-heeled shoes were popular.

In the mid-60s, the mini-skirt was introduced. With that, the mini dress came into style as well – it usually came in an A-line shape or sleeveless shift. Hemlines kept rising until by 1968, they had reached well- above mid-thigh. These were known as micro-minis . This was when the "angel dress" made its appearance on the fashion scene. A micro-mini with flared skirt, and long, wide sleeves, it was usually worn with boots, patterned tights, and was often made of lace, velvet or sometimes cotton.

However, the not-so-trendy Singaporean folks wore a simple two-piece flowery printed cheongsam top and matching cotton pants. They usually paired this outfit with a pair of slippers or clogs.

By the late 60s, the androgynous hippie look was in style. Both sexes wore frayed bell-bottomed jeans, tie-dyed shirts, work shirts, and headbands. Wearing sandals or going barefoot was also part of the hippie scene.

Fringed buck-skin vests, flowing caftans, colourful gypsy-style skirts, scarves, and bangles were also worn by teenage girls and young women. Indian prints, batik and paisley were the fabrics preferred. For more conservative women, there were the lounging pyjamas. These consisted of a loose fitting top over wide-legged, pleated trousers, and were usually made of polyester or chiffon.

Bikinis

Fashion show of models wearing bikinis in 1967,

Bikinis first introduced.