What was popular in the 1960s may not be so popular today. There may be some trends that boomers will still want to look back on from the good old days as they remember what life used to be like. Here are 17 forgotten trends from the ‘60s.
Easy-Bake Oven
The easy-bake oven was introduced in 1963 and was an instant hit. This is supported by Do You Remember?, which writes, “In its first year of production, it sold half-a-million units.” It used light bulbs as a heat source, making it a great choice for kids.
Flower Power
Flower Power symbolized the hippie revolution and passive resistance. It became a popular symbol to protest against the Vietnam War, as demonstrators would offer a flower to the military police. Flower Power is still remembered today, but more in terms of fancy dress than in protests.
Go-Go Boots
Go-go boots took off in 1964. They were created by the designer André Courrèges and were a pair of knee-high boots. They were made popular by Nancy Sinatra, and this meant it wasn’t long until everyone was wearing them. They became one of the biggest fashion trends in the ‘60s.
Lava Lamps
Smithsonian Mag writes, “At a certain moment in the late 1960s, the lava lamp came to symbolize all things countercultural and psychedelic.” Lava lamps were invented in the ‘60s and became a decorative novelty. They consisted of a glowing wax substance in a glass container and symbolized the psychedelic movement of the ‘60s.
Love Beads
Love beads were a popular accessory in hippie culture. They were often handmade and symbolized peace and love. Even though they were long necklaces, they were still popular among men and women, as it was what they symbolized that mattered most. Long necklaces may still be worn today, but they’re no longer referred to as love beads.
High-Bosomed, Sleeveless Dresses
These dresses became popular after Audrey Hepburn wore hers in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” Thanks to Hepburn’s influence, the dress became iconic, and in 1962, it took the female population by storm. These dresses became a symbol of sophistication and elegance due to their simplicity.
The Young Look of 1963
Retrowaste writes, “In 1963, the young look swept through the fashion world like a great tsunami. This look included knee-high skirts, sleeveless dresses, lower heels, and close-cropped, natural hair.” This look marked a shift toward a more natural appearance compared to the previous artificial look.
Platform Shoes
Platform shoes gained popularity in the late 1960s and then really took off in the 1970s disco era. The platforms were one to two inches high, which did create quite a few accidents, but they were all in the name of fashion. Platform shoes weren’t quite forgotten, as they made a comeback in the 1990s.
Rickie Tickie Stickies
These colorful flower stickers were used to decorate just about everything. They played a prominent part in the decade as they represented the ‘60s love for vibrant and whimsical designs. They were stuck on automobiles, walls, and many more places, such as windows and objects.
Sea-Monkeys®
Sea-Monkeys® were invented by Harold von Braunhut and were marketed as “instant life” in magazines. They’re now sold on Sea-Monkeys.com, which writes, “Three generations of Americans who have been enticed by ads in the back of comic books, have grown up nurturing, naming, and staring goggle-eyed in fascination at the little flecks whose resemblance to monkeys requires a little imagination.”
Slogan Buttons
Slogan buttons became both a fashion statement and a political tool. They were worn on hippie backpacks to express how they felt about certain political movements. They were a great way to give a voice to the people, especially as social media didn’t exist in the ‘60s.
Superballs®
These were made from a super resilient synthetic rubber called Zectron®. Superballs became a huge craze, and by 1965, six million had been sold. They were known for their extreme bounciness and could bounce nearly all the way back from the height at which they were thrown.
Twiggy and the Mod Fashion
Twiggy was an icon of the 1960s, especially for fashion. For example, L’Officiel writes, “The British model’s bold eye makeup, cropped cut, and androgynous aesthetic became a true reference for the decade’s Mod look.” Mod fashion highlighted youth culture and innovation thanks to bold inventions such as the mini skirt.
Beatlemania
The Beatles’ popularity peaked in the 1960s, and they didn’t stay a small rock band in the U.K. for long. Fans showed extreme devotion and sometimes even fainted at concerts. Beatlemania didn’t just impact music but also fashion and culture. They had an effect worldwide, which was what led them to the success they received.
Canned Chinese Food
This was a bizarre culinary trend that took off in the 1960s. You could get everything canned, from chicken chow mein to orange chicken, and it was as unhealthy as it sounds. It’s now considered an unappetizing part of history, and it wasn’t long until this trend died out.
Cheese Balls
Southern Living describes cheese balls as “a seasoned cheese spread shaped into a ball and served as playful party food.” A fun fact regarding cheese balls is that the first one was rumored to have been bestowed on President Jefferson in the White House and was a whopping 1,235 pounds. The cheese ball is still consumed today, with National Cheese Ball Day on April 17.
Pineapple Meatballs
The 1960s loved anything that was pineapple, including pineapple meatballs. They were a sweet and savory dish that became a prominent part of the American culinary experiment. Pineapples would be put on a kebab stick and alternated with meatballs. It reflects the era’s interest in Hawaiian flavors and the exotic culture.
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