One item of clothing, one song: the Panama hat and the swimsuit for the Rolling Stones (10/10) – Cover

(Cover photo credit: Mick Jagger and his Panama, October 1973 - Photo Anwar Hussein/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

So, here we are: the last one for the road! Our summer series opened with the Beatles patterned shirt , we close it with Panama and swimsuits of the Rolling Stones, as if to remember the song “ Beatles And The Stones ” by The House Of Love and somehow close the loop.

If some people like to contrast the two formations, I might as well tell you straight away: I never wanted to choose. I have my favorite periods like everyone else. But I love the Beatles AND the Rolling Stones, each band for very different reasons.

“ SATISFACTION ” – THE ROLLING STONES

For the Stones, for example, it's a matter of energy and almost of literature: their story has everything of an adventure novel. If you want to get your hands on some fascinating pages, I invite you to take a look at the writings of Nick Kent .

As for music, most of my interest is concentrated between the mid-60s and early 70s. The group led by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards was then at the peak of its youth, and if only 'from a style and sartorial point of view, it's fascinating.

So what do we start with? It's still summer, head for the Panama hat mentioned by Jordan in our Angie series. The 60s boom seems well and truly over, and the group itself now seems to be going into autopilot.

However, we detect none of this in this photograph other than a man dressed in nothing: a Panama hat, a sky blue shirt, and roll youth .

Before clothes, Mick Jagger has one of the most charismatic bodies and faces in rock. No point trying to be like him. But we can, on the other hand, try to draw inspiration from his ideas in terms of style.

First of all, remember that Panama in summer is not condemned to white shirts . If we look more closely at the look, the marriage of blue and beige is definitely irresistible. Shirt with rolled up sleeves, Shibumi Firenze .

And in the meantime, what are the other Stones doing? They are preparing to write a new page in their history with the arrival in 1975 of guitarist Ron Wood.

For my part, however, I suggest you go back in time, to the years 64-65, at a time when the group gradually detached itself from rhythm'n'blues standards and began to write the first great songs of its history.

…AND THE SWIMSUIT

In 1964, the influential Brian Jones was still in this world. He is a completely captivating character. It can be found on the far right in the photograph above. We discover the Rolling Stones in full, on the beaches of Malibu. If none really went bathe that day , it will not escape you that three of them are wearing very short swimsuits, with sweatshirts or white t-shirts .

If you only remember here the long-sleeved polo shirt and Mick Jagger's outfit , it's normal. At that time, the Rolling Stones singer had an unusual power of attraction. This is probably why the photograph below is even more captivating:

Not only is Mick Jagger wearing a striped swimsuit , but you will notice how the sun, the heat and just one more year were enough to transform our three men.

Brian Jones in particular combines style and relaxation here: sunglasses, and a swimsuit whose details can be seen in the back pockets and belt . The cuts themselves seem to have changed, more modern, and frankly sexier too .

Today, we wear swimsuits more easily longer swims on the beach . For an overview of the cuts, styles and materials, you can of course delve into our dedicated articles here and there , come back to our tips for elegance on the fine sand or simply let Jordan tell you about beach fashion .

For my part, I admit, I hardly show originality in this matter: I own a classic Bulldog model from Orlebar Brown . But I might be tempted one day, if I ever start swimming more, by a model with discreet patterns . Maybe not this one, then:

We can imagine the swimming pool, the deckchairs and the hotel bar and for a bit, we would like to take a few more days of vacation. In any case, you discover here the indestructible Keith Richards in 1966, a towel in his hands and a simple turquoise blue and white patterned jersey for all his clothing . So much for legend and miracle combined!

55 years later, the Rolling Stones are still there, despite their absences. The latter, however, left a lasting mark on the group's sound: Brian Jones obviously , Mick Taylor , Bill Wyman and recently Charlie Watts, drummer and pillar of the band since 1963 and died in August 2021.

All the albums published between 1965 and 1972 are each worth the detour in their own way. If you have never really taken the time to (re)discover them until now, I would suggest that you start with this period.

To go further on hats:

And the swimsuits: