Mod culture is more than just a fashion statement. It’s a lifestyle that emerged from the streets of London in the late 1950s, blossomed in the 1960s, and has continued to influence music, fashion, and youth culture for decades. At Mazeys, we’re all about keeping the Mod spirit alive, from the sharp suits of the 60s to the punk-infused Mod revival of the 80s. Today, we’re exploring the evolution of Mod fashion through different eras and how it continues to inspire style today.
The Birth of Mod Clothing: 1960s
The 1960s were the golden age of Mod culture, a period when young Brits, tired of the conservatism of the 1950s, embraced a new look and attitude that was all about being stylish, modern, and forward-thinking. Mod, short for "modernist," was a term initially used to describe jazz lovers, but by the early 60s, it had become synonymous with sharp-dressed, scooter-riding youth with a love for rhythm and blues.
Origins of Mod Fashion
Mod clothing in the 1960s had its roots in the late 1950s when young Londoners, influenced by Italian tailoring and French cinema, began adopting a more polished and sophisticated look. This new wave of fashion was a direct response to the rockers, who favoured leather jackets and motorcycles. Mods, in contrast, embraced slim-fitting suits, tailored lines, and a love for everything modern, sleek, and stylish. Their fashion choices were as deliberate as their taste in music, which ranged from American jazz to British beat music.
The rise of Mod clothing in the 1960s was closely tied to the music scene. Bands like The Who and The Small Faces were not only leaders in the Mod sound but also the Mod look. Their fans mirrored their style—tailored suits, button-down shirts, and Chelsea boots were the staples of the sharp-dressed Mod crowd. The iconic parka became a must-have, providing both a practical and fashionable way to keep clean while riding scooters.
For that authentic 60s look, consider exploring our collection of Mod jackets and coats, a must-have for any scooter-riding Mod.
Key Features of 1960s Mod Clothing
Mod clothing from the 1960s was all about clean lines, tailored fits, and minimalism. While both men and women embraced Mod fashion, men’s styles were more sharply defined. Here’s a breakdown of the key pieces that defined Mod clothing in the 1960s:
- Men's Fashion: The slim-cut suit was the cornerstone of 60s Mod style. Mods favoured suits made from mohair or other lightweight fabrics, with narrow lapels, slim ties, and high-buttoning jackets. Shirts were typically button-downs, often from brands like Ben Sherman, and were paired with skinny trousers and Chelsea boots or loafers. Check out our Ben Sherman collection to complete your 60s Mod look.
- Women’s Fashion: While men leaned towards sleek suits, women embraced the shift dress, a simple yet bold design that allowed for ease of movement and exuded youthful energy. Mini skirts became a hallmark of Mod fashion, thanks to designers like Mary Quant, and were often paired with bold tights, flats, or Mary Janes. Add a touch of Mod style to your wardrobe with our 60s-inspired dresses.
- Accessories: No Mod wardrobe was complete without a selection of well-chosen accessories. Parkas were essential for scooter rides, and Mods took great care in choosing sunglasses, scarves, and hats to complete their look. For a modern take on the Mod parka, browse our Lambretta parka collection.
Popular Mod Brands in the 60s
The 1960s Mod fashion scene was shaped by a number of iconic brands that remain influential to this day. Names like Ben Sherman and Fred Perry were synonymous with Mod style, and their clean, sharp designs were staples in every Mod’s wardrobe. Fred Perry’s polo shirts, with their iconic laurel wreath logo, became a key piece for the style-conscious Mod, offering a blend of sport and street fashion that was ideal for both day and night.
The Harrington jacket, another Mod classic, became essential wear in the cooler months, often paired with a crisp button-down shirt and smart trousers. At Mazeys, we carry a wide selection of Harrington jackets to keep that timeless look alive.
The Evolution of Mod Clothing in the 1970s
As the 1960s came to a close, the original Mod movement began to fade. By the early 1970s, the world had moved on to the excesses of glam rock, with styles becoming bolder, flashier, and more extravagant. However, Mod fashion didn’t disappear—it evolved.
Transition in Mod Fashion
The early 1970s saw the Mod look lose some of its prominence as British youth culture gravitated towards other subcultures. However, the spirit of Mod was kept alive by a dedicated few who continued to embrace its clean, sophisticated look. The early ‘70s also saw Mods blending with other styles, including elements of glam rock and the burgeoning punk scene.
To stay true to the roots of Mod fashion while embracing modern trends, check out our range of mod-inspired polos.
Emergence of the Mod Revival
By the late 1970s, Mod fashion was ready for a revival. Bands like The Jam, led by Paul Weller, helped bring Mod style back to the forefront of youth culture. Weller himself was a huge fan of the original Mod movement, and his sharp suits and button-down shirts were a clear nod to the 1960s. The Mod revival of the late 70s was about more than just fashion—it was about reclaiming the energy and style of the original movement while injecting a fresh sense of rebellion.
The late 70s and early 80s Mod revival wasn’t just about looking sharp. It was about making a statement, both politically and stylistically. Mod fashion became intertwined with the punk and ska scenes, leading to an edgier, more aggressive style. Gone were the days of purely clean-cut suits—Mods in the late 70s often sported more rugged, urban looks, mixing traditional Mod items like slim trousers with band T-shirts, biker jackets, and Doc Martens.
Pair your outfit with our desert boots to stay true to the Mod aesthetic while adding a modern edge.
80s Mod Clothing and the Revival Scene
While the original Mod movement thrived in the 1960s, and its revival took root in the late 1970s, the 1980s was a pivotal decade that saw Mod fashion evolve once again. This period was a more punk-infused, rough-edged version of the classic Mod look, drawing on the rebellious spirit of both the original Mods and the punk rockers who had taken over British youth culture.
The 1980s Mod Revival
The Mod revival that began in the late 70s carried through to the 1980s, solidifying itself as a key part of the youth culture at the time. While the original Mods of the 60s were all about sleek, tailored suits, the Mods of the 80s embraced a more eclectic and sometimes aggressive style. The punk movement had influenced the fashion world, and Mods were no exception. However, despite these influences, the 80s Mods still valued the sharp, tailored look that defined their predecessors.
Explore the rebellious edge of 80s Mod fashion with our range of biker and cowboy boots.
Key Features of 80s Mod Clothing
- Men's Fashion: Tailored suits remained a crucial part of the 80s Mod wardrobe, but they were often paired with bold patterns, checked trousers, and graphic T-shirts. Skinny ties were still in fashion, but they were often worn with more casual pieces. Colours became bolder, with more emphasis on creating striking, contrast-heavy outfits. For some retro inspiration, check out our vintage Mod shirts.
- Footwear: Shoes were a vital part of Mod clothing in the 1980s, with desert boots and Doc Martens becoming as popular as the classic loafers and Chelsea boots of the 60s. These shoes added an edge to the classic Mod look, blending punk’s grittiness with Mod’s sophistication. Our selection of loafers is perfect for those wanting a timeless yet stylish look.
Influence of 80s Mod Clothing on Music
The 1980s Mod revival was closely tied to the music scene, particularly with bands like The Jam, The Specials, and Madness leading the way. These bands didn’t just define the sound of the era—they defined its look, too. Paul Weller of The Jam became an icon of 80s Mod fashion, influencing a new generation of youth who blended the classic elements of Mod clothing with the rebellious attitude of the time.
Mod Clothing in Contemporary Fashion
Today, Mod clothing remains as iconic as ever, with designers and brands continuing to draw inspiration from the timeless styles of the 60s and 80s. Contemporary fashion often borrows elements from the Mod aesthetic, whether it’s slim-cut suits, polo shirts, or classic footwear like loafers and desert boots.
Mod clothing may have evolved over the decades, but its core principles—clean lines, tailored fits, and a sense of individuality—have remained constant. At Mazeys, we’re proud to offer a wide range of Mod-inspired clothing and accessories that blend the best of the past with modern fashion trends.
Whether you’re looking to channel the sleek sophistication of the 60s or the rebellious energy of the 80s, we’ve got everything you need to embrace the Mod lifestyle today.
The Bottom Line
Mod fashion has undergone significant transformations since its birth in the 1960s, but its core values of style, individuality, and rebellion have remained intact. From the sharp suits and button-down shirts of the 60s to the punk-influenced styles of the 80s, Mod clothing continues to inspire and influence fashion trends to this day.
At Mazeys, we celebrate every era of Mod fashion and offer a wide range of clothing and accessories that pay homage to this iconic subculture. Whether you're a purist looking for classic 60s styles or someone who prefers the edgier 80s Mod revival look, we have everything you need to express your Mod style.
Explore our full range of Mod clothing here, and let’s keep the spirit of Mod alive!