1960s Gentleman’s EDC: What Men Really Carried in the ’60s

Just as men’s style has evolved over the decades (and centuries), so too has gentlemen’s everyday carry. Today we’re turning the clock back six decades to explore a typical gent’s EDC of the 1960s!

1. The Wristwatch

By the 1960s, the pocket watch was a relic. The wristwatch reigned supreme, its design mirroring the slim, svelte aesthetic of the era’s tailoring.

Unlike the oversized timepieces popular today, 1960s watches were sleek and understated. However, this was also the decade when the utilitarian dive watch became a status symbol.

2. Cigarettes & Lighter

Tobacco use was ubiquitous, but the rituals surrounding it had evolved. The ornate cigarette case and book of matches were giving way to modern convenience.

While matches were still used, portable lighters like the iconic Zippo became the preferred tool for lighting up. Inexpensive disposable lighters also began to appear very late in the decade.

3. The Pocket Comb

As we have discussed regarding why men stopped wearing hats, the precipitous decline in headwear and a shift toward more naturalistic hairstyles necessitated new grooming tools.

With less pomade in use, a simple comb was all that was needed for touch-ups throughout the day. Plastic or metal combs from brands like Goody or Metalflex replaced traditional horn.

Toward the end of the decade, the rise of the Afro hairstyle saw many black gentlemen prominently carry a hair pick as an expression of cultural pride.

4. The Leather Wallet

While the leather bifold was already a staple, its interior evolved dramatically to accommodate the new age of plastic. The 1950s introduced the Diners’ Club card, followed by American Express and the BankAmericard (the precursor to Visa) in 1958.

To hold these new credit cards, alongside membership cards and various forms of identification, wallets were designed with an increasing number of slots—often 8, 10, or even more.

5. Handkerchief or Tissues

The classic reusable cotton or linen handkerchief faced a new, disposable rival. Driven by a push for convenience and a growing squeamishness about germs, single-use tissues gained prominence.

Kleenex, originally marketed as a makeup remover in the 1920s, had become the new standard for blowing one’s nose or mopping a brow.

6. The Business Card Case

As more cost-efficient printing methods emerged, the business card was democratized. It was no longer the exclusive domain of white-collar professionals, which necessitated a proper way to carry them.

• Protection & Presentation: While a wallet could hold a few cards, a dedicated case kept a larger quantity pristine.
• A Statement Piece: These cases, crafted from leather or metal, became another avenue for a gentleman to express his personal style.

Fort Belvedere proudly continues this tradition with our line of leather card cases.

7. Keys and Holders

The modern man had more to lock and unlock than ever before: keys for his car (or cars), his home, his office, and various padlocks. This created a need for better organization. While key portfolios were a common, if sometimes bulky, option, the simple key ring grew in popularity.

8. The Multi-Tool

The simple pocket knife, a gentleman’s companion for centuries, evolved into something far more versatile. Veterans returning from World War II brought with them an appreciation for the utility of the Swiss Army Knife. This style of multi-tool, featuring a blade alongside other implements, became the go-to for handling any small task that might arise in daily life.

9. Sunglasses

As hats disappeared, men needed a new way to shield their eyes from the sun. Sunglasses, once a relatively niche item, became a chic and practical staple, their popularity bolstered by Hollywood icons and public figures.

President John F. Kennedy was frequently photographed wearing American Optical sunglasses, lending the accessory an air of respectable coolness. You can find faithful reproductions at the JFK Library Store.

Classic shapes that defined the era, such as the Aviator, Wayfarer, and Clubmaster, remain immensely popular today.

10. The Pen

The writing instrument in a man’s pocket reflected the era’s shifting values. Practicality and progress began to take priority over tradition and pomp. The fountain pen was largely supplanted by the more convenient and disposable ballpoint pen, a relatively recent writing innovation.

Even among fountain pens, designs shifted. The bold Parker Duofold, with its calligraphy-focused nib, was overshadowed by the trendier Parker Jotter, designed for speed and efficiency over flair.

11. The Umbrella

An umbrella was historically an investment piece, a sturdy accessory that could almost double as a walking stick. In the 1960s, however, it became a far more accessible consumer item.

12. The Portable Camera (A Bonus Item)

While not carried by a majority of men every day, amateur photography exploded as a hobby in the 1960s, making a portable camera a common sight. Kodak dominated the casual market with its wildly successful Instamatic series (1963), while Polaroid’s instant cameras made same-day prints a household phenomenon.

For enthusiasts and professionals, compact and innovative 35mm cameras from brands like Nikon (with its legendary F model), Canon, Pentax, and Minolta set the standard for generations of image-making to come.

Conclusion

As with our 1920s EDC video, some typical EDC items for a gentleman of the ‘60s share commonalities with those of today, while others are quite a bit different!

Are there items you think belong on this list that we neglected to include, or some that you don’t think were as widespread as we suggested?

We’d say it’s a safe bet that more of our viewers lived through the ‘60s than the ‘20s, so we’d like to hear from you in particular in the comments!

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