1960 -1969
Twist and Shout

Everything changed. The decade of the 1960s witnessed the beginning significant alterations in American society. The conformity, and relative innocence of the 1950s gave way under the pressures associated with members of the Baby Boom generation entering young adulthood. These young adults were growing up with freedoms and a level of prosperity that contrasted dramatically with the lives of their parents who knew want and the uncertainties of war as adolescents and young adults. As teen culture became stronger, the term “Youthquake” came to mean the power of young people and was taken up in the world of fashion appearing in magazines such as Vogue under Diana Vreeland. Teenagers during this period had more time to enjoy their youth, and the freedom to create their own culture separate from their parents. These “Baby Boomers” had unprecedented buying power and corporate America was ready to capitalize on the opportunities it presented. Independent tastes in clothing and especially music began to chip away at social and racial barriers. The generational divide widened as the decade progressed and continued into the 1970s.
Developed by Guest Curator, James Hanley
Please scroll through the timeline below.
Indicates what can be viewed at The Bryan Museum
Indicates Galveston History
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Polka Dot Swimwear
The release of the novelty song “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka dot Bikini” in June of 1960 by Brian Hyland probably had something to do with the popularity of polka dots early in the decade. The song reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart that year and was played by teenagers around the world.
*on view at the bryan museum
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1961
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1963
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Twist and Shout
by The Beatles
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New Swimwear Milestone
January 20 when Sports Illustrated published its first swimsuit issue featuring German-born model Babette March on the cover in a white bandeau top and boy short bottoms. Sports Illustrated’s object inaugurating this annual feature may have been little more than taking the opportunity to objectify the female body, but it has become a tradition that continues to attract the attention of men and women alike.
1964 -
Men's Swimwear
The bathing suits worn by men in the 1960s became more diverse than they had been in the previous decade. Trunks were made of cotton and synthetics, and appeared on the nation’s beaches in both traditional patterns, like plaids and stripes, and in colors which were mostly bright in tone.
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1965
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Way Out are Way In
Some were inspired a “space age” aesthetic associated with United State’s NASA programs. Some just had a temporary sort of costume quality to them like the “Way Out are Way In” shades that appeared in a display with Annette Funicello’s endorsement that appears to the left.
Wayfarers and aviators remained the sunglass styles of choice for men.
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Colorful Swimwear
Contrasting “Mod” neon color blocks and jewel-tone bathing suits became fads during the decade. Psychedelic green, pink, orange were seen everywhere. Polka dots, stripes, and checks in pastel colors were also common. The “Boho” or bohemian look made its appearance at the end of the 1960s and gained popularity in the 1970s.
1968