Sunica Design logo

70s & 80s & 90s Men’s Fashion

Are you trying to update your wardrobe? Here are some inspirations! Let’s look at the style and swagger that dominated men’s fashion during the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

Men in 70s, 80s, and 90s fashion

70s Men’s Fashion

It’s true that the 1970s have often been remembered negatively, with popular culture often portraying the decade as marked by social and political turmoil, economic instability, and cultural excess. However, it’s important to remember that every decade has its ups and downs and that it’s natural to look back on the past with a certain level of nostalgia.

The 1970s were a time of significant change and cultural upheaval, and it’s important to remember that the events and trends of that time played a significant role in shaping the world we live in today. While it’s easy to focus on the negative aspects of the decade, it’s also important to recognize the positive contributions and cultural movements, such as the rise of disco and punk music.

Recently, the 70s style is getting a long-overdue chance at redemption.

Hippie Outfits

70s hippie fashion

The 70s rediscovered the style of the hippies in the 1960s. You can see elements of hippie fashion in the collections of prominent designers and subcultures, as well as the staple fashions of Americana clothing.

You can wear it all the time, or you need it for an occasion. Vintage and vintage-inspired hippie clothing are both affordable and easy to find.

This historically accurate hippie costume for men is perfect for 1960s car shows and Woodstock revival festivals. You can also use it for Summer of Love parties, Love-Ins, costume parties, and many other 1970s-themed events. These outfits can present the era and mood. More importantly, Hippies were a discordant and unique group. Their “fashion” was explicitly antifashion.

Peacock Revolution

70s peacock revolution fashion

Historians point to The Beatles as the origin of the Peacock Revolution. The Beatles released their first album in 1963. They introduced the collarless jacket. Soon, the collarless jacket, slim-fit trousers, and high-heeled boots were all in fashion. They also introduced candy-hued suits and paisley shirts over the following years.

Their colorful clothes did not feminize them, as John, Paul, and George were the male sex icons of their time. They succeeded in blurring the lines of fashion gender identification and challenging old notions of dull conformity as the only expression of masculinity.

Jimi Hendrix took the colorful shifts to new heights in 1967 with his first album’s release. Jimi was wearing a Dandie Fashions feathered jacket on the cover of Get That Feeling.

In 1966, Dandie (or Dandy), Fashions launched their clothing line here in Britain. It never made a profit and closed its doors soon after it launched, but its name remained.

Jimi Hendrix was the pioneer of the most extreme version of the style. The ‘modern daddy’ was born thanks to him. These men were powerful and bravely wore feathers, lace, frills, and lace. They preferred the soft feel of silk, velvet, and chiffon. The silhouettes of men changed to more feminine and slimmer lines. Flashy prints that evoke tribal African wear also became more popular.

A whole new generation of men suddenly discarded the old workwear. They wore silk kimonos and African dashikis instead. The 1970s and 1980s saw a new era of self-expression in men. Society changed as the lines blurred further into the 1970s.

Rock Fashion

70s rock fashion

Glam rock was extravagant and eye-catching. Bright colors, sparkles, and sequins became increasingly popular in men’s fashion. Men might wear shiny suits with wide sleeves or brightly colored leisure suits.

The fashion reflected the 70s’ excesses and extravagant lifestyles. The clothing for men was brave and colorful. Tight-fitting shirts, flared pants, and large platforms shoes were the classic look for men. Accessorized with shiny belts and jewelry, the overall look was flashy.

Glam rockers wore this look best. Glam rock was a musical style that emerged in the 1970s. They wore outrageous makeup and put on wild show costumes. They were popular among young people who wanted to rebel against traditional values.

Glam-rock fashion is still considered cool and stylish today. Men who wish to incorporate a little glam rock into their looks can take inspiration from this trend. You could pair a shiny disco jacket and skinny jeans with platform boots to create a perfect look for dancing at 70s-themed parties.

Disco Fashion

70s disco fashion

The Disco fashion for men grew more colorful and was more patterned. Fabrics like silk and polyester were in high demand. Men might wear shiny suits with oversized lapels and brightly colored leisure suits. Men started to wear platform shoes and bell-bottom pants during the disco era.

You will also notice the aviator sunglasses, specs, bold neckties, and long pointed collars on the shirt. This look is difficult to achieve today, so it is best to pay tribute to it by including subtle elements.

80s Men’s Fashion

For both men and women, the 80s was a time of excesses and maximalism. The decade was known for its bold designs, bright colors, and striking silhouettes. There were many fashion-forward trends in the 80s, such as hip-hop, preppy styles, workout, rock, punk, and rock styles.

80s Hip Hop

80s hip hop fashion

The 1980s were the 2nd decade of Hip Hop, in which the new genre developed its identity stylistically and sonically. The Furious Five and Grandmaster Flash were at the forefront of Hip Hop’s 70s era. Hip-hop culture was in its early years. The groups’ fashion featured a cowboy-flamboyant look and Rockstar looks.

The group’s appeal grew worldwide as artists like Eric B. and RUN DMC became more popular. Rakim was the first to dress in classic everyday style in the Bronx, New York. That is why 80s Hip Hop Fashion combines street, sport, luxury, and fashion.

These changes in the 80s would set the stage for 90s Hip Hop Fashion as selected pieces from the 80s, such as bucket hats, air Jordans, and full tracksuits.

Sportswear

80s sport fashion

The 80s were almost the single most influential decade in sportswear history. Tracksuits were a “thing” in the 80s thanks to hip-hop’s rise and unique style.

Coords have become a common way to dress, from brightly colored Adidas tracksuits to matching Velour styles. Although going all 80s-style might seem too extravagant, you still have the option of wearing a matching top or bottom, which will make you more casual.

Today sweats are a signature of many brands, including New York-based labels like Aime Leon Dore and sustainable brands like Pangaia. Tracksuits made from lightweight cotton jerseys in wearable shades such as grey, marl, navy, and black are the best way to get the look.

Preppy Look

A boy with a preppy style outfit

Many looks could match modern clothes, including various styles falling under different categories.

In the eighties, the preppy look was very trendy as we attempted to imitate the college-bound look of school children.

This fashion trend featured several vital characteristics, such as blazers and button-down shirts, polo tops, and a casually draped sweater around the shoulders.

The preppy look is becoming increasingly popular and regained modern designers’ interest.

Punk Style

80s punk fashion

The 1980s were a time when men’s fashion was loud and provocative. The rebellious punks stood out by wearing bright colors, ripped clothes, and in-your-face slogans. You can imitate the 80s style or incorporate this trend into your everyday look with a few essential wardrobe pieces.

Choose clothes made from the same materials and textures as the 80s punks. Leather, vinyl, mesh, and shredded denim are some of the most popular materials used in the punk era. Girls can wear a mini-skirt made of faux leather or leather and a mesh shirt over it. Boys and girls can both wear sport-tight, ripped jeans.

90s Men’s Fashion

Trends tend to change from decade to decade, but there was a clear pendulum swing during the 1990s. The millennium saw a shift away from the bright neon outfits of the 1980s and embraced a more relaxed approach. We can summarize the overarching theme of the movement in three words: casually cool and comfortable. Self-expression was a key influence on the 90s casual fashion for men. There was something for everyone, from preppy style to grunge and over-the-top logo-laden outfits to unkempt styles.

Grunge Style

90s grunge fashion

Grunge fashion is a style that emerged in the United States of America during the early 1990s. This type of clothing is often free from assumptions and air. Grunge is a style that reflects everyday life in a quiet, rebellious manner.

Grunge outfits are casual dresses. You can purchase these clothes at thrift or vintage shops, not high-end stores. These clothes are everyday wearables and can be used to establish a style.

Both grunge and punk are similar in that they rebel against society’s norms. However, compared with the provocative punk, grunge outfits rebelled against society with their mundane and durable clothing.

Grunge fashion’s features are loose clothing, plain shirts, white (or simple) combat boots, snapbacks, and beanies. There are many types of grunge fashion today. You can achieve them by mixing and matching colors, shapes, and designs.

90s Hip Hop

90s hip hop fashion

The 90s saw hip-hop fashion follow the same path as the decade before. Television and MTV were crucial for hip-hop’s rapid rise to the mainstream.

The hip-hop wardrobe continued to consist of oversized T-shirts, sneakers, and sportswear. There was an increase in puffy jackets and Timberland work boots, flannel shirts, and more denim in the form of jackets and jeans.

This look was popularized in R&B music when Jodeci emerged on the scene. They were crooners with a more sexual and edgy look. They appealed to women and men by wearing gangster-style clothes and a bad-boy attitude. Their baggy clothes symbolized toughness and hand-me-down from an older relative.

Minimalism

Minimalist style

Each decade has its own trends and aesthetics, but the minimalism of the 1990s has remained a constant. Even three decades later, subtle nods to the minimalism of the 90s can still be seen on social media and the streets.

The minimalist 90s aesthetic is straight and simple. Think slip skirts, dresses, cropped tees, and fitted skirts with straight-leg jeans or pants.

This look is chic and easy, but it also looks effortless. You can add a shorter knit cardigan to the top to bring you back to the 90s.

They were neutral in color, making them look effortless, chic, timeless, and elegant. You can add some color (such as subtle jewelry) to the cashmere knit if you like.

Bohemian Fashion

90s bohemian fashion

The word Bohemian is a term that has had many meanings throughout history. Its origins are unknown, but it is still used today as a style descriptor. When the first Bohemians arrived in Paris in 1800, they were described as people who lived an unconventional and artistic lifestyle.

A few decades later, the term Bohemian came to describe the unrestrained lifestyles of poor artists who lived in Paris’ streets. They represented an independent section of society and were acknowledged for their artistic freedom and creativity, which is how we see the Boho style today. It’s a fashion identity that often features expressive, free-flowing elements.

It can be overwhelming to choose a style that emphasizes self-expression and individuality, with bold silhouettes and patterns at its forefront. There are many style options and combinations. The best part is that you can understand the foundation of the style and then build your own interpretation.

Last Words

It’s easy to see that trends disappear and return to our wardrobes much faster than before. The rapid pace of the world has influenced the trend of fashion reversal. Style bloggers, Instagram opinion leaders, and other prominent figures with increasing influence are all driving fashion forward. Trends can quickly become popular if one person influences them. Trends in fashion are returning more rapidly than before.

Trends also tend to reflect the characteristics of previous periods of fashion. The old fashion is adapting to a fast-paced world and attempting to create a more unique, comfortable, and distinct style for rushing societies.

If you are looking for more fashion ideas about women’s fashion in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, here it is!