Rejecting the consumerism of mid-century America, youth embraced psychedelic clothing as a creative reflection of the changing culture. Considered rebellious, unconventional and anti-establishment, psychedelic clothing style design can be seen in fur-trimmed vests, wide bell-bottom denim trousers, flowing caftans and floral embellishments, used on both men’s and women’s garments. Characteristic features of psychedelic clothing include intense vivid color and swirling abstract patterns.

Fashionable hippies, eager to reject mass-market clothing, began tying off sections of fabric in random patterns using string and rubber bands. The cloth was then hand-dipped into pots of colored fabric dye, producing a unique, multicolored T-shirt, dress or scarf. The popularity of these artistic, kaleidoscopic designs spread rapidly, and tie-dyed fashion was born. The well-dressed hippie took care to accessorize the look, with both genders adding headbands, beads, fringed shawls and ethnic jewelry.

Rock music exerted a powerful influence during the subversive '60s, and musicians served as role models for psychedelic fashion trends. Rock ‘n’ roll album cover art was featured on tees, along with the iconic peace symbol and groovy flower-power imagery. Pop Art inspired colorful, vibrant fashion design, as did underground comics and poster images.

Multicolored hues, optical design effects and imaginative images continue to find their way into contemporary fashion. Custom creative attire with a funky, free-spirited vibe owes its fashion provenance to the heady days of the 1960s. While sometimes parodied,vestiges of the Age of Aquarius’ psychedelic clothing continue to be embraced today by enthusiasts of Bohemian and vintage styles.