Introduction
1967 was a remarkable year marked by cultural shifts, iconic fashion, groundbreaking music, and changing lifestyles. To truly live like it's 1967, immerse yourself in the daily habits, styles, and entertainment of that era. This guide will help you embody the spirit of a 1967 man through lifestyle, fashion, media, and more.
Lifestyle
In 1967, men balanced traditional roles with the winds of social change. You may want to:
- Follow a daily routine involving morning grooming, a shave with a safety razor or straight razor, and dressing sharply for work or social occasions.
- Engage in outdoor activities like fishing, cycling, or amateur sports.
- Spend evenings socializing at local pubs or coffee houses, or attending concerts and cultural events.
- Appreciate emerging counter-culture movements, like the Summer of Love, but maintain classic gentlemanly behavior in public.
Clothing Styles
Men's fashion in 1967 featured a blend of classic and psychedelic influences.
- Suits: Slim-cut suits with narrow lapels, often in muted or earth tones. Three-piece suits were popular for formal occasions.
- Shirts: Button-down collars were common, often paired with thin, solid or subtly patterned ties.
- Casual Wear: Polo shirts, turtlenecks, and colorful patterned shirts reflecting the psychedelic trend.
- Outerwear: Parkas, pea coats, or trench coats, depending on the weather.
- Footwear: Classic leather loafers, brogues or Chelsea boots.
- Accessories: Thin leather belts, modest watches, and narrow sunglasses (like Ray-Ban Wayfarers or Aviators).
- Hair: Short, well-groomed styles like the crew cut or longer styles influenced by rock musicians.
Music and Formats
1967 was a pivotal year for music, marked by the rise of psychedelic rock and iconic artists like The Beatles, The Doors, and Jimi Hendrix.
- Popular Genres: Rock, pop, folk, and emerging psychedelic sounds.
- Formats: Vinyl records (LPs and 45s) were the main format; 8-track tapes were just starting to gain popularity. Radio was still crucial for discovering new music.
- Listening Devices: Turntables, portable record players, or radio sets.
Television
Television was an important entertainment medium but limited in channels: usually three to five depending on location.
- Popular programs included variety shows, westerns, sitcoms like "The Andy Griffith Show", and drama series.
- Black-and-white sets were still common, though color TVs were becoming more accessible.
- Evenings were often spent watching local news, entertainment shows, or live drama performances.
Food
The culinary scene was influenced by classic American dishes and the first hints of international flavors.
- Common meals included meatloaf, casseroles, pot roast, fried chicken, and mashed potatoes.
- Fast food franchises like McDonald’s were expanding.
- Canned goods, frozen foods, and TV dinners were popular conveniences.
- Home cooking with fresh produce and a focus on hearty meals remained standard.
Radio
Radio was still a vital source of entertainment and news.
- AM radio dominated, with various stations playing music, news, and talk shows.
- Top 40 formats were common, spotlighting popular hits.
- Some FM stations started to explore album-oriented rock and longer tracks.
Books
Popular reading material for men included both fiction and non-fiction.
- Thrillers, detective stories, and classic literature were widely read.
- Notable authors included Ernest Hemingway, J.D. Salinger, and new voices emerging in the 60s counterculture.
- Men's magazines like "Esquire" and "Playboy" combined literature, lifestyle, and culture.
Pets
Common pets in 1967 were dogs, cats, and occasionally birds or fish. Dogs were often seen as gentlemen's companions, with breeds like German Shepherds, Beagles, or Cocker Spaniels popular.
Newspapers
Daily newspapers were a primary source of information.
- Local and national papers provided news, editorials, and classifieds.
- Reading the morning paper over breakfast was a typical routine.
Cigarette Brands
Smoking was common and socially acceptable; some iconic brands included:
- Lucky Strike
- Marlboro (rising in popularity with the rugged, masculine 'Marlboro Man' campaign)
- Winston
- Camel
- Viceroy
Smoking accessories like cigarette cases and lighters were also quite fashionable.
Conclusion
To live like it's 1967, adopt the neat and slightly formal style of clothing, immerse yourself in the music of the era through vinyl or radio, enjoy traditional hearty foods, and embrace the daily rituals around television, newspapers, and social outings. By capturing these lifestyle elements and cultural details, you can authentically embody life as a man in 1967.