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Flashback Friday to 1980’s Men’s Fashion

By Dudepins @dudepins

No fashion style is as equally loved and hated as 1980's men's fashion. Fashion style of this decade was about maximalism. In fact, it can be summarized by loud, gaudy, and bright-colored clothing. It brought an explosion of colorful styles. Every time we see an outfit that is a bit too loud, bright or colorful, we immediately think about the 80s. Subtlety just wasn't an option during this decade.

1980's men's fashion was largely influenced by movies, TV shows, and MTV. Men wanted to look like Michael Jackson while women were inspired by the outfits of Madonna. Thanks to the expansion of cable television as well the increased globalization of the world, fashion became more diverse than ever.

If you're going to an 80s-themed party and you're looking for wardrobe inspiration, then you came to the right place. In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the most popular fashion trends of the decade. Keep reading and scroll through the photos. You are sure to find something of interest that will make you stand out from the crowd.

Since some of the 80s fashion trends started to come back around a few years ago, you won't have a hard time finding a good outfit that would best suit your taste. Plus, you can give it a modern spin and make these fashion trends officially cool again.

Shirts

Flashback Friday to 1980’s Men’s Fashion

Image Source: www.pinterest.com

The t-shirt has reached a massive, global opportunity in the 80s. Some of the most iconic superstars, logos, and catchphrases have seen print on a t-shirt. During the decade, it wasn't unusual to someone wearing Superman, Bob Marley, Teen Wolf or Frankie Says Relax shirts.

These shirts became more and more of a fashion staple. They were ubiquitous as the graphic tee rose into prominence. Every other person wore these shirts.

Double denim

Flashback Friday to 1980’s Men’s Fashion

Image Source: www.handsomechap.com

Denim clothing continued to be one of the biggest fashion trends in the 80s. In fact, people loved them so much that they even choose to double up on the denim. Not only did they wear denim jeans, they also paired it with jean jackets. The look became popular with both sexes.

Jordache became one of the biggest jeans makers during the 80s. In fact, their jeans became a covetable fashion item. Before they came along, the only companies that produced denim pants were Levi's, Lee, and Wrangler. Jordache paved the way for other jeans makers like Calvin Klein.

Activewear

Flashback Friday to 1980’s Men’s Fashion

Image Source: www.ties.com

Activewear dominated 1980s men's fashion. It became a staple of the modern wardrobe. Sportswear, especially those that supported pro sports teams flew off the shelves for the entire decade. Matching sweatshirts and sweatpants was a popular choice among boys and men alike.

80s activewear was just as vivacious as every other fashion trend of the decade. These outfits were available in bright colors and standout prints. As the style began to characterize the sporty chic of city dwellers and coed campus life, men opted for loose and comfortable fabrics. In most days, they would wear sweatshirts and sweatpants with sneakers.

Suits

Flashback Friday to 1980’s Men’s Fashion

Image Source: www.pinterest.com

Men still wore coats during the 80s. But compared to the previous eras, they no longer wear coats on a daily basis. In fact, they were reserved for office, formal events and business meetings. Since they were categorized as formal clothing, men's coats remained conservative. In fact, it is the only piece of clothing that wasn't drowned in color.

During this era, men's clothing was snug fitting. The same can also be said with their suits. But by mid-80s, tight fitting clothing made way for the sleeves-rolled, wide-shouldered, pastel yachting suits of Don Johnson on Miami Vice.

Pants

Flashback Friday to 1980’s Men’s Fashion

Image Source: www.business2community.com

Men's clothing in the 80s were tight. Although they weren't skin-tight like the 70s, they were snug fitting. This includes the pants. Skinny jeans became a huge trend. In fact, skinny, acid-washed jeans became one of the biggest trends of 80s. However, changes in 1980s men's fashion came in too fast. Eventually, the slim, fitted look was overtaken by looser, much more comfortable pieces.

Parachute pants became one of the most fashionable pieces of clothing of the 80s. They are baggy pants that are tapered at the ankle. They were made suitable for hip hop dancing. These pants are made of nylon, which is similar to that of a parachute. Hence, the name parachute pants.

Shoes

Flashback Friday to 1980’s Men’s Fashion

Image Source: www.sneakernewsme.blogspot.com

The 80s was a big time for sneakers. Reebok Freestyles, Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars, and Nike Jordan Airs were just some of the biggest shoe styles that defined the decade.

Named after Michael Jordan, the Air Jordans were the basketball shoe to have in the 80s. It marked the beginning of a new era of sneakers. It also brought confidence to basketball players across the country.

The Chuck Taylor's was a big hit during the 80s. They came in a wide variety of colors and were worn by all. After all, these sneakers are unisex. They look good on both sexes. These shoes became so popular, they're still kicking today.

Hairstyle

Flashback Friday to 1980’s Men’s Fashion

Image Source: www.worldlifestyle.com

Majority of the fashion trends of the 80s were unisex. Even the hairstyles were enjoyed by both sexes. In this decade, men wore their hair long.

Male ponytails became popular during the 80s thanks to Eric Roberts and Steven Seagal. Eric Roberts managed to look badass in this hairstyle in the martial arts film Best of the Best. Steven Seagal, on the other hand, rocked the style for his whole career.

Accessories

Flashback Friday to 1980’s Men’s Fashion

Image Source: www.80sfashion.org

As compared to the previous decades, people were free to show their individuality and express themselves through their clothing. Because of this, they often wore accessories to complete their look. Even men wore accessories. 1980's men's fashion was big and loud. Everything was taken to the extremes. That included the accessories. In this decade, men wore necklaces with large pendants and medallions.

The fanny packs also became a trend in the '80s. Nothing is more representative of 1980's men's fashion that these bags. These are simple zippered pouches that are wrapped around the waist. Although a lot of people poked fun at fanny packs, the majority of the adult population got hooked on these sturdy strap-ons. They were touted as the perfect cargo-carrying sack to hold your keys, cell phone, and other belongings.

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