The 1980s was a decade of big hair, big shoulders, and big fashion. Men’s fashion in the 80s was all about making a statement. Whether you were dressing for success in the boardroom or hitting the dance floor on a Saturday night, 80s fashion was all about looking your best.
80s Men's Clothing Styles:
From the preppy look of the early 80s to the grunge look of the late 80s, there was a style for every guy. Here’s a look at some of the most popular 80s men’s clothing styles.
The Preppy Look
The preppy look was popularized by films like “Sixteen Candles” and “The Breakfast Club”. This look was all about clean-cut clothes in classic colors like navy, khaki, and white. Polo shirts, button-down shirts, and sweater vests were all staples of the preppy wardrobe. Khaki pants or chinos were worn with a belt, and loafers or boat shoes were the shoes of choice. The preppy look was perfect for guys who wanted to dress like they belonged on a college campus.
The Punk Look
Punk fashion was all about attitude. Clothes were often DIY, with safety pins and ripped fabric adding to the punk aesthetic. Leather jackets, tight jeans, and band t-shirts were all common items in a punk wardrobe. Doc Martens boots were the footwear of choice for many punks. Guys who embraced the punk look wanted to stand out from the rest and make a statement with their clothing.
The Hip Hop Look
Hip hop fashion exploded in popularity in the 1980s thanks to artists like Run DMC and LL Cool J. This style was all about oversized clothes and flashy accessories. Tracksuits, gold chains, and Kangol hats were all common items in a hip hop wardrobe. Sneakers were usually high-top basketball shoes like Converse Chuck Taylors or Nike Air Jordans. The hip hop look was perfect for guys who wanted to dress like their favorite rap stars.
The Grunge Look
Grunge fashion emerged in the early 1990s as an alternative to the flashy styles of hip hop and pop music stars. Grunge clothes were often loose-fitting and comfortable, with flannel shirts being a staple item. Jeans were usually ripped or distressed, and sneakers or combat boots were worn on feet. The grunge look was perfect for guys who wanted to dress down and be comfortable rather than dressing up to make a statement
80s Men's Clothing Colors and Patterns
Whether you were dressing for success in the boardroom or hitting the dance floor on a Saturday night, there was an 80s men’s clothing color or pattern to suit your style. Here are just a few of the most popular looks from this iconic decade.
Neon Colors
No 80s men’s clothing color palette would be complete without neon. These bright, attention-grabbing hues were everywhere in the 1980s, whether you were watching Miami Vice or cruising down Sunset Strip. Neon colors were especially popular in sportswear, such as running shorts and windbreakers. But you could also find them in more formal attire, like power suits and dress shirts.
If you want to rock an authentic 80s look, go for neon green, pink, or yellow. Or if you’re feeling really bold, try pairing two or more neon colors together!
Pastel Colors
While neon colors were perfect for making a statement, pastel colors were ideal for creating a more refined look. These soft hues became popular in the 80s thanks to films like Wall Street and Working Girl. Suddenly, everyone wanted to dress like they belonged on Wall Street – even if they didn’t work in finance!
To get the perfect pastel look, try pairing a light pink shirt with a gray suit. Or go for a more casual look with a pastel polo shirt and khaki shorts. Whatever your style, there’s a pastel color that will work for you.
Stripes
Stripes are always in style – but they reached new heights of popularity in the 1980s. This classic pattern was everywhere during the decade, from dress shirts to swim trunks. And while horizontal stripes had been popular for years, it was vertical stripes that really took off in the 80s. They became especially popular among preppy types who wanted to channel their inner yuppie!
If you want to rock an 80s-inspired striped shirt today, look for one with thin vertical stripes in blue or white. Or go for a more modern take on the trend with a horizontal striped tee in black and white.
Accessories
The 80s was a decade of big hair, big shoulders, and even bigger accessories. Men’s fashion in the 80s was all about making a statement and standing out from the crowd. And what better way to do that than by accessorizing?
From flashy gold chains to colorful silk scarves, there were no shortage of ways for men to add a little extra something to their outfit. And while some of these trends may have been a bit over-the-top, we can’t help but look back on them with a sense of nostalgia.
80s Men's Accessories
Here’s a look at some of the most popular men’s accessories from the 80s:
Gold Chains:
A must-have accessory for any self-respecting 80s man, gold chains were often worn layered and draped across the chest. The thicker and longer the chain, the better.
Silk Scarves:
Worn around the neck or hanging from the pocket, silk scarves added a touch of sophistication to any outfit. They came in all sorts of colors and patterns, so you could always find one that matched your style.
Bomber Jackets:
A staple piece of outerwear in the 80s, bomber jackets were often adorned with patches, pins, and other embellishments. They were the perfect way to show off your personality while staying warm.
Sunglasses:
Whether you were rocking aviators or Wayfarers, sunglasses were an essential part of any 80s outfit. They not only looked cool but also helped protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays.
Hats:
From fedoras to baseball caps, hats were another popular way to top off an outfit in the 80s. They not only kept your head warm but also helped shield your eyes from the sun.
80s Men's Clothing: Where to Shop
The '80s was a decade of big hair, big shoulders, and bold fashion choices. Men's fashion in the 1980s was often flashy and colorful, with many men opting for tight-fitting, brightly-colored clothing. While the '80s may not be known as a particularly fashionable decade, there are still plenty of '80s-inspired clothing options available today. If you're looking to add some '80s flair to your wardrobe, here are a few places to shop for '80s men's clothing:
Newretro.net is the perfect place to shop for '80s-inspired clothing. Our selection of retro sneakers, jackets, watches, sunglasses, and hats will help you channel your inner 80s child. We believe that fashion should be fun, so we've made it our mission to provide our customers with stylish, unique clothing that will make them stand out from the crowd.
If you're looking for something a little more understated than what Newretro.net has to offer, check out ASOS's collection of '80s-inspired clothing. ASOS is a British online retailer that offers a wide range of men's and women's fashion items. Their '80s collection includes everything from acid wash jeans to graphic t-shirts.
Another great option for finding '80s men's clothing is eBay. eBay is a global online marketplace that offers buyers and sellers a platform to trade goods and services. You can find just about anything on eBay, including plenty of '80s-inspired clothing. When shopping on eBay, be sure to check the seller's feedback score before making a purchase to ensure that you're dealing with a reputable seller.
If you want to go all out with your '80s look, consider shopping at one of the many costume shops that specialize in '80s fashion. These shops usually carry a wide variety of '80s clothes, accessories, and props so you can create an authentic '80s look. Just be sure to shop around before settling on a particular costume shop so you can compare prices and find the best deal possible.
Whether you're looking for something flashy or something more understated, there are plenty of places to find '80s men's clothing. With a little bit of effort, you should have no problem putting together an amazing '80s outfit that will turn heads wherever you go!
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