Remember These? 15 Clothing Items from the 60s That Required Special Care

Ah, the 1960s – when clothing care was practically an art form! From delicate synthetic fabrics to high-maintenance natural fibers, our wardrobes required special attention and precise handling. Let’s stroll down memory lane and remember those finicky fashion items that kept us busy at the ironing board and laundry sink.

1. Crinolines and Petticoats

Those fabulous full skirts didn’t keep their shape by magic! Crinolines and petticoats required careful washing by hand in cool water and gentle reshaping while damp. The nylon and tulle needed special attention to prevent crushing, and we’d often hang them upside down to dry, letting gravity do the work of maintaining that perfect fullness.

2. White Go-Go Boots

Those iconic white vinyl boots were the height of fashion, but keeping them pristine was a daily challenge. We’d carefully wipe them down with special vinyl cleaner, using cotton swabs to get into the creases. Regular maintenance with white boot polish was essential to prevent yellowing, and we learned quickly to store them stuffed with paper to maintain their shape.

3. Madras Plaid

Authentic bleeding Madras was a status symbol but required careful handling to maintain its distinctive look. These Indian cotton plaids were designed to bleed and blend colors with each washing, creating unique patterns. We’d wash them separately in cold water to control the bleeding, and some folks even saved the colored water to re-dye faded pieces!

4. Sharkskin Suits

Those sleek, iridescent sharkskin suits were the epitome of cool, but they demanded professional care. The synthetic blend fabric would lose its distinctive sheen if not cleaned properly, and home ironing could leave permanent shine marks. Most of us learned the hard way to trust only the best dry cleaners with these precious garments.

5. Bouffant Dress Slips

These essential undergarments kept our dresses looking perfectly shaped, but maintaining their structure was a real chore. We’d hand wash them in special lingerie soap, then dip them in liquid starch to restore their shape. The drying process involved careful reshaping and sometimes even using a special slip hanger to maintain the proper fullness.

6. Leather Go-Go Vests

Those groovy leather vests needed regular conditioning to prevent cracking and maintain a supple texture. We’d use special leather treatments and store them carefully to avoid moisture damage. The fringed versions required extra attention to keep the strands from tangling, and heaven will help you if you get caught in the rain wearing one!

7. Velvet Mini Dresses

Velvet was everywhere in the ’60s, but keeping it looking plush was a real challenge. These dresses required professional cleaning, and we’d use special velvet brushes to maintain the nap. Storing them also required careful thought—they had to hang with plenty of space to prevent crushing and never in plastic bags that could trap moisture.

8. Stretch Pants

Those form-fitting stretch pants were revolutionary, but the early synthetic fabrics needed special handling to maintain their elasticity. We washed them by hand in cool water and laid them flat to dry—never hung them! The stirrups at the bottom required careful attention to prevent stretching, and we’d often reshape them while damp.

9. Beaded Sweaters

Those gorgeous beaded cardigans and shells required incredibly gentle handling to prevent the loss of their decorative elements. We’d hand wash them in wool-specific detergent, carefully supporting the weight of the wet garment to prevent stretching. Drying them flat on a towel was essential, and we’d often need to reshape the beaded patterns while damp.

10. Paper Dresses

Yes, we wore paper dresses! These disposable fashion statements couldn’t be washed but needed careful handling to prevent tearing. We’d store them flat to avoid creases, and some brave souls would attempt to iron them on the lowest setting. Most were meant to be worn once or twice – true “fast fashion” before the term existed!

11. Nylon Stockings with Seams

Those seam stockings were the height of sophistication, but keeping those seams straight was an art form! We’d hand wash them in lukewarm water with special hosiery soap, never wringing or twisting. Drying required careful shaping and smoothing to keep the seams perfectly straight, and we’d even use rulers to ensure they were aligned correctly before letting them air dry.

12. Sequined Evening Shells

Those glamorous sequined tops required meticulous care to prevent losing their sparkle. Most needed professional cleaning, but between visits, we’d spot clean carefully with a soft cloth. Storage was crucial – we’d stuff the sleeves with tissue paper and lay them flat in drawers, never hanging them to prevent the weight of the sequins from distorting the fabric.

13. Mohair Sweaters

Those fuzzy mohair sweaters were all the rage, but maintaining their cloud-like softness was a real challenge. We’d wash them by hand in cool water with special wool wash, never rubbing or wringing. After gently squeezing out excess water, we’d lay them flat to dry, carefully reshaping them and using a soft brush to restore their characteristic fluff.

14. Vinyl Raincoats

Those bright-colored mod vinyl raincoats were fashion statements, but they needed special care to prevent cracking and sticking. We’d wipe them down with a damp cloth after each wear and use special vinyl cleaner to maintain their shine. Storage was tricky – they had to hang with plenty of space to prevent the vinyl from sticking to itself, especially in warm weather.

15. Psychedelic Print Shirts

Those wild, colorful prints needed careful washing to prevent the dyes from running or fading. We’d wash them in cold water, often with color-catching sheets to prevent the vibrant colors from bleeding. Ironing was an art form too – always on the reverse side with a pressing cloth to prevent the synthetic fabrics from melting or getting those dreaded shine marks.