Hippie clothes have long been a symbol of free-spiritedness, individuality, and rebellion against societal norms. Emerging in the 1960s and 1970s, the hippie movement was all about peace, love, and rejecting the mainstream. This blog will explore the essence of hippie fashion, what hippies wore, where to find these clothes, and how you can style them to make a statement.
What Are Hippie Clothes?
Hippie clothes are distinctive garments that reflect the laid-back, natural, and eclectic style of the counterculture movement. They often feature bright colors, patterns, and flowing fabrics. Think tie-dye, bell-bottom pants, fringe vests, floral prints, and comfortable, oversized garments. The hippie look embraces a relaxed and bohemian vibe, often using natural materials like cotton, linen, and leather. Many hippie clothes are handmade or vintage, making them unique and full of character.
What Do Hippie Clothes Look Like?
Hippie clothes typically have an earthy, organic aesthetic with bold prints, psychedelic patterns, and an overall sense of freedom. Key items include:
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Bell-bottom pants: Loose-fitting pants that flare out at the bottom, often paired with a wide belt.
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Tie-dye shirts and dresses: Colorful, swirled patterns that reflect the hippie love for individuality.
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Fringe jackets and vests: Leather or fabric fringes add a carefree, bohemian touch.
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Peasant tops and dresses: Flowing, off-the-shoulder garments that emphasize comfort.
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Floral prints: A symbol of love and nature, often seen in skirts, blouses, and dresses.
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Headbands and flower crowns: A quintessential hippie accessory that reflects the connection with nature.
The beauty of hippie clothes lies in their individuality and creativity—no two hippie outfits are exactly alike!
Where Did Hippies Get Their Clothes?
Hippies often embraced a DIY approach when it came to clothing. Many of them repurposed old garments or altered clothes they already owned. They also bought clothes from thrift stores, flea markets, or secondhand shops. The hippie movement was all about sustainability, so many preferred buying vintage or secondhand items that were unique and had character.
Where Did Hippie Fashion Come From?
Hippie fashion originated from the counterculture movement of the 1960s, especially in places like San Francisco and New York. The style was influenced by various factors, including the bohemian aesthetic of earlier decades, the free-love movement, and a rejection of the mainstream fashion industry. Hippie fashion incorporated cultural influences from different parts of the world, such as Indian, African, and Native American styles, along with a growing interest in environmentalism and spirituality.
What Kind of Clothes Do Hippies Wear?
Hippies generally wore loose, comfortable clothes that reflected their free-spirited attitude. Some of the main clothing items included:
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Maxi dresses
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Bell-bottom jeans
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Peasant tops
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Tie-dye shirts
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Fringed jackets and vests
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Sandals and moccasins
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Headbands and flower crowns
The style was a mix of comfort, individuality, and a love for nature.
How to Dress Like a Hippie?
Dressing like a hippie is all about expressing your personality, embracing comfort, and avoiding conventional fashion norms. Here’s how you can dress like a hippie:
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Embrace Natural Fabrics: Stick to natural, breathable materials like cotton, linen, and hemp.
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Opt for Bold Prints: Don’t shy away from colorful patterns like tie-dye, paisley, and floral designs.
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Go for Loose, Flowing Styles: Choose oversized tops, maxi dresses, and wide-leg pants.
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Layer with Accessories: Think scarves, long beaded necklaces, peace sign jewelry, and large sunglasses.
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Footwear: Go for comfortable shoes like sandals, moccasins, or barefoot-inspired footwear.
The key to a hippie look is comfort and authenticity—feel free to mix and match items to suit your personal style!
Where to Buy Hippie Clothes?
If you’re looking to add some hippie flair to your wardrobe, there are plenty of places to find hippie clothes, both online and in stores. Here are a few options:
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Vintage Shops: Hippie fashion often comes from vintage stores or secondhand shops. This is a great way to find authentic, one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect the 60s and 70s styles.
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Thrift Stores: Many thrift stores offer a wide variety of retro clothing, including hippie-inspired pieces. You can find everything from vintage bell-bottom jeans to crocheted tops.
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Online Retailers: Websites like Etsy, Amazon, and specialized bohemian stores sell hippie clothes in a wide range of styles and prices.
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Hippie Marketplaces: In some cities, there are dedicated hippie marketplaces or boho boutiques where you can find unique clothing and accessories. Look for shops that specialize in ethnic, bohemian, or alternative styles.
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Custom Makers: For a truly personal touch, some artisans and designers create custom hippie clothing. Look for independent creators on platforms like Etsy who make handcrafted hippie garments.
Where Can I Get Hippie Clothes Near Me?
To find hippie clothes near you, you can start by searching for local thrift stores, flea markets, or vintage shops. Many cities have areas or districts known for their alternative and bohemian fashion. You could also check out local arts and crafts fairs or markets, where independent sellers often showcase handmade hippie-inspired clothing.
Where to Buy Cheap Hippie Clothes?
If you’re on a budget, thrift stores and flea markets are your best bet for finding affordable hippie clothes. Many people also sell their pre-loved hippie garments online through platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Depop, where you can find unique items at lower prices.
Where to Buy Vintage Hippie Clothes?
Vintage shops and online marketplaces like Etsy and eBay are fantastic places to find vintage hippie clothes. Look for stores that specialize in retro or 60s-70s style, as they will often carry authentic vintage hippie pieces. These clothes are not only a great way to embrace the past but also contribute to sustainable fashion by giving new life to old garments.
How to Make Hippie Clothes?
If you’re crafty and want to get hands-on, making your own hippie clothes can be a fun and rewarding project. Start with basic garments like old jeans, t-shirts, or dresses, and give them a hippie twist:
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Tie-dye: Create your own colorful designs on t-shirts, scarves, or even dresses.
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Fringe: Add fringe to jackets, vests, or bags for that classic hippie touch.
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Embroidery: Add floral or peace sign embroidery to jackets, jeans, or bags.
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Alterations: Transform a regular dress into a bohemian masterpiece with a few easy alterations.
Making your own hippie clothes lets you get creative and customize your wardrobe to your own style.
How Hippies Dressed in the 70s?
In the 1970s, hippie fashion reached its peak. This was the era of bell-bottom jeans, fringed leather jackets, and long flowing skirts. Hippies in the 70s embraced bright, bold colors and patterns, often drawing inspiration from nature and spirituality. Many wore clothes that were handmade or altered, giving each outfit a unique and personal touch.
Hippie fashion in the 70s was also heavily influenced by the peace and love movement, with peace signs, flowers, and symbols of unity appearing on clothing and accessories. The era’s music, particularly the rise of Woodstock and other counterculture festivals, played a significant role in popularizing the hippie style.
What Stores Sell Hippie Clothes?
Many specialty stores and online shops cater to the hippie and bohemian crowd. Look for boho boutiques, online marketplaces, and eco-friendly retailers that focus on sustainable fashion. Some well-known stores for hippie-style clothing include:
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Free People
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Urban Outfitters
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Lulus
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ModCloth
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H&M’s Conscious Collection
These stores carry everything from dresses to accessories that capture the essence of hippie style.
Conclusion
Hippie clothes are more than just a fashion statement—they represent a way of life and a connection to peace, love, and nature. Whether you’re looking for vintage pieces, handmade items, or simply want to create your own unique style, there are countless ways to embrace this timeless, free-spirited fashion. With a little creativity, you can find or make the perfect hippie outfit that suits your personality and makes you feel connected to the world around you.