The ’80s were undoubtedly an interesting time for fashion. Filled with bold designs and bright colours, the decade saw gents fully embrace trends and proudly showcase their style. Of course, over time these brave looks slowly disappeared to make way for the minimalistic ’90s and ’00s. But, they’re now making an incredible return. From bum bags and chunky sneakers to dad jeans and windbreakers, the best of the 1980s is back and better than ever. Here’s how to rock ’80s fashion for men in modern times.
What Was the Fashion in the 80s?
The ’80s were a time of excess and maximalism for both men and women. As such, the decade featured bold styles, bright colours and eye-catching silhouettes. The ’80s also saw a variety of fashion-forward trends, including hip-hop, preppy, workout, rock, and punk styles.
80s Fashion Trends
80s Casual Fashion
Casual fashion in the ’80s saw gents don dad jeans in full force, often with a matching denim jacket. T-shirts and loose shirts were also popular during the time while bomber jackets, leather jackets, windbreakers, and sweaters acted as the outerwear of choice. When it came to footwear, white sneakers were the ultimate casual shoe that’s perfect for a range of looks.
80s Men’s Hip Hop Fashion
Hip-hop was another popular fashion trend in the ’80s. Inspired and influenced by music stars and rappers, such as the members of Run-D.M.C, Beastie Boys, and N.W.A, the style was well known for its oversized silhouettes. Along with baggy clothes, hip-hop fashion also featured sportswear details, like sneakers and athletic caps, and statement accessories, like chunky gold chains.
80s Preppy Fashion
Preppy fashion also played an essential role in the ’80s. Unlike hip-hop trends, which typically featured dark colours, preppy outfits boasted bright hues, including shades of pink, yellow, and blue. Key items for preppy fashion included sweaters, which gents would often wear around their shoulders, as well as slacks and polo shirts.
80s Workout Fashion
Athleisure may be popular today, but workout wear has long been a favourite look for men. In the ’80s, workout fashion was massive and it saw a range of sportswear styles being adopted as everyday wear, including chunky sneakers, sweatpants, tracksuits, windbreakers and athletic shorts.
80s Summer Fashion
Summer fashion in the ’80s was iconic. It featured bright colours, abstract prints, short-sleeved shirts, and short shorts. Another favourite item from the time was the crop top, which was worn boxy and cut across the stomach.
80s Rock Fashion
Like everything in the ’80s, rock fashion was about excess. The hair was big, the clothing was wild, and there was plenty of makeup. Of course, as with all rock looks, leather played a vital role. Accessories were also crucial with jewellery and headbands both becoming seriously popular for men.
80s Punk Fashion for Men
While ’80s rock often took on a glam style, the punk looks of the decade were decidedly edgier. While the trend still saw a lot of leather, it also featured a lot more hardware and eye-catching hairstyles, including brightly coloured mohawks and spikes.
80s Fashion for Men
80s Suits
During the ’80s, suits were worn oversized with broad shoulders. For those in business, pinstripe suits were a favourite and gents would often pair them with a shirt, tie, and suspenders. Outside the office, pastel-coloured suits were on high rotation and were regularly partnered with crew-neck T-shirts instead of button-ups.
