Let the Stussy Tribe take you through the history of tie-dyeing and remind you why people love the tie dye designs and patterns commonly associated with an important era in American history.The modern-day practice of psychedelic tie-dyeing in the United States began in the mid-1960s, but the basic technique has been practiced throughout the world for many centuries.The contemporary method involves dyeing fabric with store-bought or natural pigments. The fabric is folded and twisted before being dipped into a dye bath, which results in a unique mashed-up and twisted design. The end result is a random and beautiful pattern that is impossible to duplicate precisely.

Western fashion picked up on the technique during the period of the Vietnam War, when people related the unpredictable results of the dyeing process to freedom and anti-conformation. The practice became a medium of artistic expression and tie dye shirts was a visual method of protest for those who embraced the free-spirit lifestyle. During a difficult and turbulent period in American history, these progressive ideas helped steer and influence a whole new way of liberal thinking.

Whilst fashion styles have changed continually over the decades, tie-dyeing is still a relevant technique used today. It’s not just a fabric design, but an important part of our history.

HOLIDAY 2018

Stussy 2013: LA Tie Dye collection

For Summer '13, Stüssy offered a small capsule of tie-dye goods all hand-dyed in the United States. The offering consisted of tie dye shirts, tanks, pocket tees, crew, hoodies, brushed boxers and bucket hats.