How To Style For 80s Mens Fashion Look?
Old is gold, but could it be bold? If it’s as old as the 80s, then definitely! The 80s mens fashion attire is top of the list as the most daring one in the history of all. It’s not because of the origin of punk fashion at the time, but because of how effortlessly fashion boundaries got expanded.
The 80s was the time when mens attire got exposure to bright, vibrant hues and floral patterns that were confined strictly to feminine fashion. Moreover, the blend of rich textures and symphony of silhouettes made the 80s mens fashion scene extremely ahead of its time.
So, let’s have a quick blast to the past with five charismatic and exceptional 80s fashion men outfits.
Top 5 Popular 80s Attire for Men
Baggy Bottoms for Better Breadth
As you know, being a lean man was not something to be proud of in the 80’s. And while men of the time could easily imitate a broader torso with padded shoulders and extra layers, the same could not be done with bottoms. That’s when the trend of baggy bottoms took off.
Long, loose pants with drawstrings, named the Parachute pants were a hit in 80s fashion men. These breathable pants were also famous because of their smooth maneuver and comfort. People wore these bottoms with loose-fit shirts if they were already broad from the torso. Otherwise, there were always the mighty padded shoulder tops.
Layering with Letterman
There’s no way you could’ve spotted a teenager without a letterman jacket back in the 80’s. High-schoolers and college-goers who were into the 80’s mens fashion swore by this jacket. Why? Consider it a craze, like we have the craze of Stanleys among moms in 2024. Any guy who wanted to feel like a protagonist wore the letterman jacket.
Apart from the insulation and style, people wore this jacket because it matched the hip-hop scene of that time. The street gang, skateboarders, and neighborhood youth wore jackets with huge graphic details and alphabets. That’s what inspired the ‘sophisticated’ kids of school to show a silent rebelliousness by flaunting their letterman.
Masculine Imitation of Hawaiian
There’s a prominent difference between floral and Hawaiian, and the men’s 80s attire had a lot to do with Hawaiian. Commonly known as the Aloha shirts, the garments were strictly half-sleeved with flimsy collars and strong dyes. They were mostly made of cotton, rayon, and sometimes silk.
How did this unique trend of Aloha shirts and denim shorts reach the distant corner of the world? Because of the NFL! Hawaii hosted the NFL Pro Bowl of 1980, making it a popular tourist destination. The population of Hawaii also reached a million during that time, hence making Hawaiian 80s mens fashion super influential.
Denim-on-Denim for Dear Life
Denim-on-denim is one 80s fashion men trends that is still alive today, even in 2024. All the above-mentioned trends have either faded with time or repeated themselves every now and then. But denim-on-denim is for dear life; it’s practically unbeatable. Maybe it's because it’s a safe 80s attire choice for casual occasions, making any simple look chic.
The hack to acing a double-denim mens 80s attire was with the same wash of denim. Pair bell bottoms with a classic denim jacket along with something brown and suede. It was usually a broad brown suede waist-belt that pulled the look together, adding a little contrast to the blue.
Racer Leather Jackets for Rock Gods
We wouldn’t call a racer leather jacket a ‘trend’ because trends come and go. Yes, it played a huge role in shaping the 80s fashion men, but it was there existing in every era, even today. However, there was a specific way to carry the jacket which made this 80s attire distinct.
Any man who had a sense of the 80s mens fashion would wear the racer leather jacket the Heavy Metal Rockstar way. You can do it by pairing a plain T-shirt with a racer jacket and skinny jeans. Dark-wash skinny jeans were only applicable to rock/punk attire since bell bottoms were in during the 80’s. It was like an insurgent streak from the rock/punk community, compelling them to do the opposite of the norm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of hairstyles were trending with the 80s mens fashion attire?
The 80s was a wild era for hair stylists and barbers. With spiked, twisted, and teased hair being in the spotlight meant all the more business for the hair gurus. It was in the 80s that the ultra-iconic Mohawk was introduced. The Mullet haircut was also in the limelight for quite some time during the 1980s.
What was the fitness fashion trend for men of the 80s?
Athleisure fashion was a big part of the 80s mens fashion. Most of the gym 80s fashion men took inspiration from hip hop, making tracksuits and baggy pants a major must-have. Workout tanks, hoodies, and super-short athletic shorts were also common among men in the 80s. Accessories for gym wear included slouch socks, Reeboks, and nylon headbands.
How to dress for a vintage look?
Whatever you wear, if you want to give yourself heavy vintage makeup, focus on the hairdo. Your hairstyle will make the most difference so style it in a vintage manner. Then start with the distinct element of the outfit; anything that stands out immediately. It could be bell bottoms or a dark red colored button-down.
