Textile industry has got a long-lasting tradition in our lands. The previous homemade production had been replaced with manufactures, which were established in the second half of 18th century. The so called “spread manufacture” was typical for Czech textile industry in the 90’s of 18 century (looms were divided into several buildings). This arrangement followed the long-lasting tradition of textile production in the Czech countryside and so Czech labour force was involved. More enterprising textile manufacturers began to build mechanical production plants (mills) in which they processed domestic raw materials - wool and flax. With the progressing industrialization the manufactures changed into factories. The growing industry resulted in an increase of Prague's Czech population as people moved to the city from the countryside.
Since the middle of 19th century, the Czech textile industry had established itself at the core of manufacturing in the Habsburg Austrian Empire. Even up to the late 1920s, the textile and clothing industries incorporated in the strongest and the most export-oriented industrial sectors. There were laid foundations of many textile factories, most of them focused on spinning, weaving and cotton dyeing. (e.g. Liebig spinning Mil, Josefa Crha Mechanic Weaving Mill, Knittning Mill Vobořil & Bayer, Spinning Mill Melich and son, Hybler and Son Textile Mill)
In Czech Lands, textile production was always traditionally more important than clothing production. Since the 1930s, both industries had suffered a loss of importance, a situation which the period of central planning (1948-1989) did not change. In fact, these industries were discriminated against other industries as to investments and labour, while a preference was being given to the development of heavy industries. The Czechoslovak Republic was considered to be an industrial country with machinery and car industry and the world’s 16-17th car maker. However, even during the last 40 years of communist rule, when textile and clothing were challenged by many adverse decisions, these industries were considered substantial exporters and resources of foreign exchange.
In the 1960s, there were many revolutionary changes in the world of fashion. Traditional dress code of individual social classes had gone. Various avant-garde styles of the young generation emerged, miniskirts appeared on catwalks. Designs of the 60s were much simpler, made in expressive, bright and eye-catching colours. The outfits were not decorated by so many ornaments; they were based on fresh and young look. Hats of various colours and shapes became very popular accessories. They were considered to make shapes of ladies´ necks longer and slenderer.
In the 60s favourite materials such as tweed, corduroy and silk were replaced by new artificial ones, such as tesil. They soon became very favoured because of their practicality and ease to be maintained. As a result of the enchantment of new materials Wellington boots made of PVC appeared on the market. What’s more, even shoes that people could wear at home such as ordinary slippers and flip-flops became very popular.
Coats were usually double-breasted with metal buttons, simple pockets and sometimes with
The sixties and the seventies of the 20th century
HISTORY OF CZECH TEXTILE INDUSTRY