The ‘90s shaped an age in pop culture where music, television, and technology not only influenced what people consumed but also how they dressed. Wherever you went, such as skateparks in California or NY’s hip hop scene, 90s male fashion used to be about identity, rebellion, and comfort all at once. Now, this iconic style is resurfacing with a contemporary twist.
Oversized and retro fits are taking the 90’s men fashion trends by storm, so let us chinwag about what styles we can expect to see more of and worn more boldly.
Loose trousers and Baggy Jeans
Of all 90s styles making their way back to our closets, baggy jeans are arguably the most popular. In the 90s male fashion trends saw a shift as from tight denim towards much more relaxed and saggy styles like baggy jeans. With skate culture and hip hop icons leading the charge, teenage rebellion powered this movement. Today, straight and baggy jeans have made a comeback in fashion magazines and street style, replacing the skinny jeans trend of the 2010s. For that vintage aesthetic, these jeans are teamed up with cropped tees and hoodies or oversized flannel shirts.
Grunge Layers and Flannel Shirts
The flannel shirts of today had their fair share of fame during the rise of the grunge movement, thanks to bands like Nirvana. They represented the 90s alternative youth. Typically, they wore flannels untucked over graphic t-shirts or with ponytails holding them up around their waist. The look embodied effortless cool. Cozy touches paired with rugged aesthetics were complemented perfectly with distressed denim and combat boots. Now, layering techniques are keeping flannel shirts timeless as they make a comeback—once again taking center stage in male fashion trends and proving their enduring style appeal.
Color Blocked Windbreakers and Jackets
Originally, lightly weighted jackets along with windbreakers were a must-have staple in the streetwear world. The shine of the windbreakers, along with bold and bright colors from the 80s to 90s, was bound to grab attention. As part of the evolving male fashion trends, Nike, Fila, and Starter were some of the first brands to sport these boldly logoed jackets. It’s amazing to see the joggers get their revival where they pair effortlessly with modern-day trousers alongside casual joggers. As always, windbreakers remain practical for unpredictable weather and add a whisp of nostalgia paired with modern-day outfits.
Cargo Pants
The extra pockets that cargo pants offered made them more appealing to wear, aligning with burgeoning Male Fashion Trends. We saw skaters and ravers don loose earthy-toned cargo pants paired with graphic tees and vests. Though they disappeared for a brief period in the 2000s, they have made a comeback with a more tailored fit. Today’s versions are made from advanced fabrics, offering a blend of sleek and sporty, making them ideal for urban looks as well as casual wear.
Tracksuits and Matching Sets
Men’s athletic wear in the 90s extended beyond the gym. Matching tracksuits quickly became a fashion staple for leisure and athletic wear, epitomizing 90s Male Fashion. These sets were often made from nylon or velour and featured bold colors with brand logos. The tracksuit was a staple during this time and was often worn by rappers, basketball players, and even sitcom characters. It was both relaxed and stylish. With the rise of athleisure, coordinated sets have surged back into style, and luxury detailing, sharper cuts, and minimalistic designs are a hallmark of today’s ensembles. It evokes nostalgia while remaining sporty and street-savvy.
Graphic Tees and Pop Culture Prints
A staple for many men in the 90s was graphic tees. Featuring MTV or Marvel, these shirts advertised cartoons, bands, movies, and even slogans, defining 90s Male Fashion. They were often oversized, faded, and worn with denim or cargo shorts. Today, vintage style graphic tees are making a comeback, often found in thrift stores or reprinted by major brands. These shirts add a dose of charm and instantly elevate an outfit.
Jackets Made of Denim
As with any other article of clothing, denim jackets have and will always remain stylish. Although today many may consider denim jackets to be timeless, we cannot forget the fact that in the 90s, particularly in 90s male fashion, they used to be adorned in boxy, acid-washed, sometimes even embellished styles.These jackets were worn with everything, ranging from hoodies and flannels to bare chests for those warmer days. What is today considered a revival of denim jackets is 90% based on the oversized cuts and washed styles of denim jackets in the 90s. Today, denim jackets are styled with tailored trousers, layering pieces, and sometimes even styled with full denim outfits, paying homage to the infamous “Canadian tuxedo”.
Bucket Hats
From 90s pop culture, bucket hats had quite a broad appeal across various groups, from rappers to ravers and even tourists. They are known for being part of streetwear, bucket hats are often worn with tracksuits and overalls. Currently, fashion houses are playing around with bucket hats, trying to make them even more stylish by adding the likes of corduroy, canvas, and even leather. In contemporary society, they are worn as everyday accessories, during festivals, and as retro chic, which is always in style.
Oval And Slim-Frame Sunglasses
Colored lenses with a metallic finish were all the rage during the ’90s as a key 90s Male Fashion trend, with celebrities like Will Smith and early hip hop stars sporting slim oval sunglasses. Although today’s versions are more polished and sleek compared to their 90s counterparts, they still retain that vintage, futuristic appeal. Now, these sunglasses can be paired with streetwear, casual outfits, or even suits, making them a subtle yet stylish retro fashion statement.
Chunky Sneakers and Dad Shoes
Chunky sneakers, or ‘dad shoes’ as they are popularly known today, made their debut as functional shoes in the 90s. From basketball players to everyday dads, the sneakers’ enormous soles, overtly styled shapes, and tech-y adornments were a hit in Male Fashion Trends. Today, Balenciaga, Nike, and New Balance are bringing these sneakers back into vogue. Their effortless pairing with jeans and streetwear makes them comfortable, cool, and bold.
Why 90s Men’s Fashion Still Works Today
The ‘90s were filled with a plethora of fashion contradictions, such as grunge vs preppy, oversized vs structured, and street versus sporty. That’s what makes this decade so easy to adapt into today’s wardrobes. These trends at hand provide a great sense of nostalgia while still feeling fresh. Comfort, individuality, and personality defined 90s menswear, and today’s fashion. Layer up a flannel, lace up some chunky sneakers, or wear a vintage graphic tee, and you’re making the most of a decade that continues to be a timeless source of inspiration.
We hope this 90s Male Fashion Trends That Are Coming Back 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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