Unisex clothing was a natural progression from changes in both women’s and men’s roles in society. When looking ahead many fashion designers predicted that people would wear unisex clothing in the future and ever since the 1960s it has been a valid look for both men and women.

Some women began to wear men's jeans and t-shirts in the late 1950s. In the 1960s jeans became a growing cult and by the end of the decade this look was widespread. With men growing their hair long and females with boyish figures, it became difficult to distinguish a boy from a girl in the 60s. Mass manufacturing of clothing meant it was possible for couples to walk around in exactly the same outfits. Both boys and girls wore long hair, headbands, worn out jeans and sloppy casual outfits.

Many adults feared that the gender switches of the young would bring about a rise in homosexuality. Not so, said the younger generation: It's just that we talk about it more openly."

Last updated: June 01, 2003

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