The Colorful History of Tie-Dye

If you enjoy the hippie look of the 60s you will be familiar with this fabric-dying technique that creates vibrant and colorful patterns. But, you may not know tie-dye’s history began long before that turbulent decade.

The earliest written records of tie-dye come from China and Japan when people used natural dyes from berries, leaves, roots, and flowers to color clothing. These natural items were boiled, and the fabric was then soaked in the hot, dyed water to take on a new color.

India had their version of tie-dye too. This process involves using thread to tie off small pieces of fabric in intricate patterns before dipping the fabric in dye. This method is the most popular and is still practiced today.

Tie-dye was originally called “resist dying” but the term changed during the 60s when America’s counterculture movement adopted the technique as a way to describe binding fabric before dying. It was popular with Americans because of its simple and inexpensive way to express creativity with a free and relaxed fashion style. Hippies and other artists adopted the technique because the patterns were often inspired by hallucinogenic drugs. Tie-dye was also popular with homemakers as DIY clothing kits became more accessible. Everyone was creating their own unique tie-dye patterns. The technique was incorporated in everything from T-shirts to bedspreads and soon became a commonly used pattern for clothing and home decor. The tie-dye look, was a new, fun way to create unique and vibrant patterns, contrary to the plain business looks of the 50’s. During this decade, designers began incorporating this look into their fashion shows, and tie-dye became an iconic theme for the era.

Today, tie dye has a simple design, with splotches of dyed or bleached areas. However, there is something about the tie-dye look that keeps people coming back to it. Each tie dye pattern is unique and bold in its own way. Next time you see a tie-dye shirt, take note of the natural patterns, and eye-catching colors.