History's Best Selling Fashion of 1966

Make way for the hits of 1966! This remarkable era stood as a testament to the swinging sixties phenomenon and the march of first-rate fashion. Crowd-pleasers such as Vans shared the spotlight with mega-bestsellers Le Smoking and Nehru jacket. Brought to you by top-notch makers from industry leaders like Vans and Yves Saint Laurent, these trailblazing products spurred a pop-culture revolution across the nation and earned a permanent place in cultural lore. Check out the complete rank-ordered ledger below to relive the finest releases of the year.

1. Vans

   Released in 1966 by Vans, Paul Van Doren, James Van Doren

   On March 16, 1966, a humble shoe store opened its doors in Anaheim, California, selling a simple canvas deck shoe directly to customers. This seemingly unassuming venture, started by brothers Paul and James Van Doren, alongside partners Gordon Lee and Serge Delia, would soon birth a global phenomenon known as Vans. Their unique business model, which involved manufacturing shoes on-site and selling them fresh from the factory, immediately struck a chord with local consumers. The initial promise of superior grip and durability quickly made them a favorite among the burgeoning Southern California skateboarding scene, laying the groundwork for Vans' meteoric rise as an authentic symbol of youth culture and individuality.

2. Le Smoking

   Released in 1966 by Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent

   Le Smoking, first unveiled by Yves Saint Laurent in 1966, was not merely a garment; it was a sartorial revolution that instantly captured the zeitgeist of a changing world. This audacious reinterpretation of the classic men's tuxedo for women immediately signaled a profound shift in fashion, challenging entrenched gender norms and offering women an unprecedented silhouette of power and sophisticated elegance. Its launch was a bold statement, quickly embraced by a growing movement of women asserting their independence and desire for fashion that reflected their evolving roles in society. Le Smoking's immediate success lay in its ability to combine masculine strength with feminine allure, making it an instant icon and a commercial triumph for the house of YSL.

3. Nehru jacket

   Released in 1966 by Traditional Indian Tailors, Jawaharlal Nehru

   Emerging from the sartorial elegance of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, the Nehru jacket transitioned from traditional Indian attire to an unexpected global fashion phenomenon in the mid-1960s. Following Nehru's death in 1964, Western fashion discovered this unique garment, quickly embracing it as a chic alternative to conventional Western suits and casual wear. It became an instant fad, particularly among the counter-culture movement and trendsetters, signifying a departure from established norms and an embrace of global aesthetics. Its clean lines and distinctive collar resonated with a generation seeking both sophistication and a subtle rebellion, ensuring its swift commercial and cultural ascendancy across continents.

4. Paper clothing

   Released in 1966 by Scott Paper Company

   The launch of paper clothing in 1966, spearheaded by the Scott Paper Company, marked a pivotal and utterly unexpected moment in fashion history. What began as a promotional gimmick for Scott's paper products quickly exploded into a nationwide craze, captivating a generation eager for novelty and breaking free from conventional norms. Its immediate success lay in its audacious disposability, affordability, and the sheer fun factor it brought to wardrobes. This ephemeral style perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the swinging sixties, offering an accessible, vibrant, and utterly modern approach to personal expression that resonated with millions.