The 1980s were a decade of vibrant and loud fashion, and to top it off, it was highly experimental. Women had new outfits to look forward to, as music, movies, and even youth subcultures were all points of inspiration. If you have lived through this vibrant decade or are just discovering it now, fashion from that time still impacts the clothes we wear today. Now let’s take a look at the top men’s fashion trends from the 1980s.
1. Shoulder Pads and Power Suits
As everyone knows, the 1980s brought us the concept known as Power dressing. Designed for corporates, men moved away from their previously worn suits to newer ones with high collar cuts. These suits with high collar cuts also had a wide lapel and came with bold colors. With a wide double-breasted jacket and a thick patterned tie, something always completed the look. With TV shows such as Miami Vice and Wall Street, the power suit event turned into a symbol of the business as well as an inexpensive bit of performance to show one’s competition.
2. Acid-Wash Jeans
As with many things fashion-related, denim underwent a rebellious transformation in the 1980s, giving rise to acid-wash jeans. These jeans achieved a graphically mottled and worn appearance. They became popular due to being quite effortlessly slung on with tight-fitting graphic tees or leather jackets. This form of denim grew in popularity, especially within the rock scene, and was synonymous with edgy street fashion. It captured perfectly the raw and edgy rebellious look of youth in that decade.
3. Neon and Bright Colors
For the most part, the clothing industry completely slowed down during the 1970s. But by the 1980s, bright colors were coming everywhere for usage. Electric blue, hot pink, oversaturated teal, acid green, and other gaudy colors were all over jackets, sweatshirts, socks, and even sneakers. The uninhibited flourished and full of life vibe brought around by television was paired with aerobics classes and arcades, and many fitness studios ignited people’s ardor. The more colorful the clothes, the better they clashed with other colors. Unlike previous decades, where masculine style was tamed, now it is embraced. Neon was for attention grabbers only, if anyone wore it they shouted for people to look at them.
4. Punk Fashion and Leather Jackets
In the eighties, leather jackets were a symbol of rebellion worn by rock and punk music fans. Adorned with studs and zippers, these jackets were worn by people like Sid Vicious and Billy Idol, who became fashion icons of the era. To complete the look, leather jackets were worn with band t-shirts, ripped jeans, and combat boots. This type of fashion was off the mainstream tracks which embraced a Do It Yourself attitude and roughness, setting the pace for alternative fashion.
5. Sportswear and Tracksuits
The sportswear sector thrived in the 80s due to the creation of colorful, shiny, and branded two-piece nylon tracksuits. They quickly became streetwear and were loved by everyone, including athletes, breakdancers, and hip-hop artists. Suitable for both workouts and nightouts when paired with sneakers, these suits demonstrated that comfort and style can coexist and ease the way for the formal wear line.
6. Tees with Slogans of Graphics
T-shirts in the 1980s and their graphic works serve as a symbol of self-love. Apparel such as t-shirts, pictorials, patchworks of fauvism, abridged novels, and Bolshoi was actively worn. Additionally, t-shirts symbolized the ever-increasing uptake of third-world nations’ cultures tamed by the entertainment industry.
7. Hawaiian and Printed Shirts
In the 1980s, printed shirts, particularly Hawaiian ones, were all the rage. These short-sleeved, loose-fitting shirts were made of lightweight material and featured bold floral prints, sunsets, or even the beach. They had an effortless vacation aesthetic and were often worn either tucked over a tee or buttoned up while looking relaxed. Their popularity was boosted by shows such as Magnum, P.I. The louder the pattern the better because it was all about fun, flair, and not taking fashion seriously.
8. High-waisted and Pleated Pants
Unlike today’s slim-fitted trousers, 1980s trousers were baggier and came in high-waisted and pleated styles. These styles could be found in nearly every outfit, ranging from casual to formal. In comparison to modern trends, they were more forgiving and made the man’s body appear more tall and structured. Plus, they looked great with tucked-in collared shirts and loafers, which were common staples at the time. Emphasizing the waistline while still allowing ease of movement, these pants paired comfort with timeless elegance. Vintage fashion lovers still appreciate the wonderful tailoring of these trousers.
9. Double Denim
Wearing denim with denim, once considered a no-no, was fully embraced in the ‘80s. From denim jackets worn with jeans to chambray shirts paired with matching bottoms, the double denim look exuded confidence and ruggedness. Pop culture heroes like Bruce Springsteen and George Michael embraced this style, ensuring its popularity. Whether light wash or dark, clean or distressed, denim was always practical and effortlessly stylish during the decade.
10. Statement Accessories
Just as clothing was bright, bold, and unapologetically eye-catching, accessories surged with personality and color. Outfits for men’s 1980s fashion included add-ons like aviator sunglasses, snapback caps, fanny packs, fingerless gloves, and even gold chains. Worn around the waist or crossbody style, fanny packs served double duty as flamboyant accessories and functional bags. They were not mere afterthoughts; every piece of clothing and accessory was designed to create a larger-than-life figure. Add-ons such as these were vital for stunting in style and making an unforgettable impression.
Conclusion
Men’s fashion evolved significantly in the 1980s, adopting new trends such as spunky flamboyance and rebellious individuality. The focus in the first decade of the 1980s, defined by men’s tailoring was shifted attention to overzealous power dressing. Fashion in the 1980s for men nearly always dressed the same, regardless of whether they were attending a formal business meeting, a farcical comedy, or simply taking a relaxing stroll on the street. The spirit and essence of the ’80s attitude and approach, which were unapologetically bold, did not truly disappear and remain prevailing.
We hope this Top Men’s Fashion Trends from the 1980s gave you a good starting point for you to build something that stand the test of times. If you are looking to start a clothing brand, we recommend that you read our guide – how to start a clothing brand.
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