Mod culture was as much about fashion as it was about music. In fact, for the sharp-dressed Mods of the 1960s, the two were inseparable. The Mod movement wasn’t just defined by the music blaring out of the clubs and all-night dances—it was also about the look. The iconic bands of the Mod scene weren’t just making the soundtrack for this stylish subculture, they were setting the trends for how Mods dressed, moved, and lived. In this blog, we’ll explore the Mod bands of the 60s that not only defined the music but also shaped the iconic fashion that still influences trends today.
The Who: The Definitive Mod Band
Few bands capture the essence of Mod culture like The Who. From their loud, rebellious sound to their sharp sense of style, The Who embodied everything that Mods stood for: energy, modernity, and a distinct sense of cool. Formed in 1964, The Who quickly became the voice of disillusioned youth, capturing the Mod spirit with their raw, high-energy performances and smart, clean fashion. Their music and style have since become synonymous with the Mod movement, making them one of the most influential Mod bands of the 60s.
Musical Influence
Musically, The Who were pioneers, blending rock, rhythm, and blues in a way that resonated deeply with the youth of the 60s. Their 1965 album My Generation became a defining record for the Mod scene, with the title track becoming an anthem for young Mods who rejected the conservative values of the older generation. The line “Hope I die before I get old” encapsulated the ethos of the Mods—youthful rebellion, a desire for freedom, and a passion for living in the now.
Other tracks like “The Kids Are Alright” and “I Can’t Explain” further cemented The Who’s place as Mod icons. The driving bass lines, sharp guitar riffs, and powerful vocals perfectly matched the fast-paced, stylish world that Mods inhabited. For anyone who wanted to feel like they belonged to this cutting-edge culture, The Who’s music provided the perfect soundtrack.
Fashion Impact
While The Who's music was key to the Mod movement, their style was equally iconic. Pete Townshend’s Union Jack blazer became one of the most recognisable symbols of Mod fashion. The band regularly wore sharp, tailored suits and embraced the clean, tailored look that defined the era. They weren’t afraid to use bold symbols either—Townshend famously wore a target logo, which has since become synonymous with Mod culture.
Roger Daltrey’s signature look often included classic Mod staples like parkas, slim-cut trousers, and desert boots, which are still worn by Mod enthusiasts today. Whether on stage or off, The Who's clothing choices helped set the trends for young Mods across Britain. They were the ultimate symbol of rebellion through style, blending fashion with a distinctly British attitude.
If you’re looking to capture The Who’s iconic Mod style, check out our collection of Mod jackets and coats at Mazeys. You can also find a variety of parkas to channel that classic Mod look.
The Small Faces: Mod Soul and Style
The Small Faces were the epitome of 60s Mod culture, combining their love of American soul music with sharp British style. Formed in 1965, this band of stylish London lads quickly rose to prominence with their upbeat, soulful tunes and effortlessly cool image. Although they were short-lived compared to other bands, The Small Faces made an indelible impact on both the music and fashion of the Mod scene.
Musical Influence
The Small Faces brought a unique blend of rock, R&B, and soul to the Mod movement. With hits like "All or Nothing" and "Itchycoo Park," they infused the Mod sound with a soulful edge, making them one of the most beloved bands of the 60s Mod scene. Their music was as energetic and youthful as their look, and tracks like “Lazy Sunday” captured the carefree, easygoing vibe that was central to Mod life.
The band’s sound was heavily influenced by American soul artists like Otis Redding and Booker T. & the M.G.’s, which set them apart from other Mod bands that leaned more towards rock. This soulful element not only shaped their music but also became a key part of the Mod identity, as fans of The Small Faces embraced a more eclectic taste in music that included Motown and Stax records.
Fashion Impact
In terms of fashion, The Small Faces were all about sharp tailoring and embracing the latest trends. Steve Marriott and Ronnie Lane epitomised the Mod look with their slim-fitting suits, crisp button-down shirts, and stylish footwear. Their look was simple yet effective—well-fitted clothes with attention to detail that captured the clean lines and minimalism that Mods loved. Whether on stage or off, The Small Faces showed that you didn’t need to be flashy to stand out; confidence and precision were key.
The band’s casual-yet-tailored style made them trendsetters for Mods across the UK, influencing countless young fans to adopt their clean, sharp look. For fans looking to emulate The Small Faces’ effortlessly stylish look, take a look at our Mod shirts and tailored trousers.
The Kinks: Bridging Mod and British Pop
The Kinks may not have been as closely tied to the Mod movement as bands like The Who or The Small Faces, but they were still key players in shaping both the music and fashion of the 1960s. With their blend of British rock, pop, and a bit of blues, The Kinks created a sound that resonated with Mods and mainstream audiences alike. Their fashion choices, much like their music, straddled the line between Mod and broader British culture, making them both influential and timeless.
Musical Influence
The Kinks are best known for their gritty, guitar-driven hits like "You Really Got Me" and "All Day and All of the Night," which became Mod anthems in the mid-60s. These tracks were full of energy, aggression, and attitude—everything that the Mod scene loved. The band’s sound blended the raw energy of rock with the style and sophistication that Mods craved, making The Kinks one of the essential Mod bands of the 60s, even if their association with the movement was more casual.
Their music resonated with both the rebellious Mods and the mainstream, making them a band that brought Mod culture to a wider audience. Tracks like "Dedicated Follower of Fashion" even poked fun at the fashion-conscious youth of the time, further cementing their place in 1960s British culture.
Fashion Impact
Ray and Dave Davies, the driving forces behind The Kinks, were known for their sharp dress sense. While not as overtly Mod as some of their contemporaries, The Kinks still embraced the tailored suits, Chelsea boots, and slim trousers that were so popular with Mods. Ray Davies often mixed traditional British tailoring with a hint of Mod flair, blending classic and contemporary fashion trends. This combination of styles allowed The Kinks to appeal to both Mods and the broader British public.
For those looking to bring a bit of The Kinks’ Mod-influenced style into their wardrobe, check out our Chelsea boots and classic Mod suits for a timeless, sharp look.
The Action: The Mod Cult Heroes
The Action were one of the less commercially successful but highly respected Mod bands of the 60s. Their soulful, R&B-infused sound made them favourites among die-hard Mods, even if they didn’t achieve the mainstream success of bands like The Who or The Small Faces. Despite their cult status, The Action had a significant impact on the Mod movement, both musically and stylistically.
Musical Influence
The Action’s sound was deeply rooted in American soul and R&B, making them stand out from other Mod bands of the 1960s that leaned more towards rock. Songs like "I'll Keep Holding On" and "Shadows and Reflections" were full of the soulful, emotive energy that Mods craved, providing the perfect soundtrack for late-night dances and all-nighters. Their sound was smooth, stylish, and sophisticated, much like their fashion sense.
While The Action didn’t achieve the same level of fame as some of their peers, they were highly respected within the Mod scene for staying true to the movement’s soulful roots. They were a band that Mods could relate to on a deeper level, making them cult heroes within the subculture.
Fashion Impact
The Action’s style was classic Mod: slim-cut suits, button-down shirts, and well-chosen accessories. They were known for their sharp, clean-cut look, which embodied the sophistication and attention to detail that Mods prided themselves on. The band’s understated but stylish fashion choices resonated with Mods who favoured a more refined, less flashy look.
For fans of The Action’s timeless Mod style, explore our collection of tailored Mod trousers and mod knitwear to create your own polished look.
The Creation: Art, Fashion, and Mod Innovation
The Creation were one of the more experimental bands of the Mod scene, blending art, music, and fashion in a way that set them apart from their contemporaries. While they never reached the heights of The Who or The Kinks, The Creation left a lasting legacy within the Mod movement, influencing both the sound and style of future generations.
Musical Influence
The Creation’s music was a unique mix of rock, psychedelia, and art-inspired influences. Tracks like "Making Time" became Mod classics, with their energetic, driving sound perfectly matching the fast-paced lifestyle of Mods. The band’s innovative use of feedback and experimental guitar techniques also made them stand out, pushing the boundaries of what Mod music could be.
While The Creation’s music may have been more avant-garde than some of their peers, their influence on the Mod scene cannot be understated. They represented the forward-thinking, creative side of the Mod movement, constantly pushing the envelope both musically and stylistically.
Fashion Impact
In terms of fashion, The Creation embraced a more colourful, bold look that fused traditional Mod elements with psychedelic influences. Their fashion choices were often more experimental than those of other Mod bands, reflecting the more artistic side of the movement. Bright colours, bold patterns, and a mix of sharp tailoring and looser, more casual pieces were all part of The Creation’s style.
For those looking to embrace The Creation’s bold, experimental fashion sense, check out our range of patterned Mod shirts and psychedelic-inspired pieces.
The Bottom Line
The Mod bands of the 1960s weren’t just about creating the soundtrack for a generation—they were about shaping the look and lifestyle of the Mod movement. From The Who’s rebellious style to The Small Faces’ soulful sophistication, each band brought something unique to the Mod scene, influencing both the music and the fashion of the time. Today, the legacy of these iconic Mod bands lives on, continuing to inspire fashion and culture around the world.
At Mazeys, we’re proud to keep the Mod spirit alive with our collection of Mod-inspired clothing and accessories. Whether you’re looking to channel the sharp style of The Who or the bold fashion choices of The Creation, we’ve got everything you need to embrace the Mod lifestyle. Explore our full range of Mod clothing here and step into the world of timeless style.