Guide to Hippie Clothing

Authentic hippie clothing was made during the 1960s and 1970s.  The clothing is breezy, sometimes foreign inspired, and relaxed.  Clothing made in India with stitched embroidery was popular among hippies.  Current designers use hippie styles to reinvent updated vintage inspired clothing.   

Bellbottom Pants

Amongst the most popular icons of hippie culture are bellbottom pants.  These pants are usually made from jean material and may include embellishments such as patches.  The pants feature a wide flare at the ankle and both men and women wear them.  Some sewers handcraft bellbottoms out of quilting or corduroy material.  Strips of fabric are sewn in sheets then cut into strips to make squares.  These pants were popular on Grateful Dead fans, as well as jam bands like Widespread Panic and Phish.

Tie-dye Shirts and Accessories

Tie-dye is a technique to color shirts in spiral or fractal patterns.  The shirts are purchased white then rubber bands or string is wrapped around sections of the shirt, then the dye is applied in sections to create the circular patterns.  These shirts were popular for baby boomers and remain popular for many different markets including children’s wear.

Hemp Accessories and Clothing

Hemp is a durable cloth and yarn made from the hemp plant.  This is a popular material choice for many current manufacturers of hippie styled clothing and accessories.  Crafters make belts, necklaces, and handbags using hemp twine and yarn.  Glass pendants with mushroom or other designs add to the appeal of hemp wear.