The 1980’s was the peak period of men’s fashion and this was characterized by boldness and lack of apologies.
It was a time of enhanced freedom, a time for colors and freedom and undoubtedly a time of experimentation.
The boys were not just putting on clothes—they were stating something and often it was as loud as the music emanating from their cassette players.
Music had its breakthrough and such groups as rock ‘n’ roll or pop, hip hop and other trends had their own outlook on the matter.
Stepping up to the scene to take power from the new wave and post punk bands like Duran Duran and artists like Michael Jackson were beginning to dress even bolder.
While music videos like those of Miami Vice, The Breakfast Club, and Top Gun were featuring characters with whom styles became actually as legendary as the films themselves.
Unlike today wearing simple minimalistic clothes, this decades’ fashion was maximalism at its best.
It adopted everything large– large hair, large shoulders, large colors.
The impact of the 1980s went way beyond the alteration of the men’s fashion and was actually a completely new concept of fashion.
Consequently, it was a decade of change, defiance and welcoming of the difference in people.
One needs only to look at the season’s current 80’s tribute to realize that constant reinvention still draws from this time.
In this Guide, let’s explore the main styles that made 80’s men’s fashion unforgettable..
Men’s fashion in the 80’s fashion was well summarized by power suits, this was the look of power and confidence in fashion.
The “business suit” was turned into a piece of formal wear that symbolizes success and desire to achieve that was characteristic of a Wall Street professional.
These suits had overemphasized, broad shoulders, sharp lapels, and easy, baggy pants; these suits said more than the look, they said power, they said class.
The power suit of the 80s was one that was loud and flashy.
While originally sharp, much like business formal wear, power suits were dominated by dark blue, black or gray although the 80s saw the birth of pinstripe, very subtle checks and even pastel!
To dress it down but remain fashionable male counterparts would wear these suits with Tee-shirts instead of shirts, this was made popular by Don Johnson in Miami Vice.
The show also started to come into fashion – pastel suits – especially in coastal areas where they look best in tandem with the azure sky and palm trees.
An updated approach to this look with a sleek, slimming, and thoroughly updated fit of a sleek slim fit suit, paired with updated night-themed features can provide that perfect 80’s feel for the modern man.
Far from being strictly business attire, the power suit also had a life as an outfit that was suitable for dates, both for dinner and clubbing.
When combined with statement pieces, such as thick bangles, pocket squares or eyeglasses, particularly those by famous designers , the suit became an all-occasion garment that summed up the glittery glamor of the eighties.
The 80s were lit—literally! Bright blue neon like electric pink, lime green, blazing orange, bright turquoise flooded our visions. From jackets to T-shirts, tracksuits and even accessories – clothing was illuminated by highlighter-loud colors.
Again, the material of the decade was not merely about brightness – Neon was about energy, pleasure, and joy. Fitness culture also wore these shades, sporting wear and windbreakers in neon would light up gym environments and casual strolls.
When it got to prints, the 80s let their hair down in a way that none of the other decades could. As for prints, there were geometric shapes, abstract patterns, and wild animal prints both on shirts, sweaters, and jackets. Many of these designs came with contrasts in colors to ensure that the combination was clothes that were shockingly bright in their brutality.
Tropical prints returned too, with a modern spin with more vibrant and hectic color schemes brought on by the 80’s.
This year, polka dot and zig zag prints entered wardrobes, as did checkerboard patterns, plaid and argyle of course, adding a collegiate feel to the color-splashed insanity.
Popping out is simple and fun which is why Graphic T-shirts with images, bands, or provocative nomenclature were other strategies used to incorporate the pattern as a unifying theme and individuality as the essence.
Transitioning some au courant looks to the butch lesbian aesthetic of today can certainly be both fashionable and enjoyable.
To avoid this strange competition, it is necessary to achieve harmony, shift it into balance.
To get your multi-colored dress code going, you can start with one bright item — a neon T-shirt, a geometric jacket, or a colorful sneakers, and then complement it with an opposite monochrome business black jeans or a simple white shirt.
So in the 1980s, people did not just wear denim denim, it was more of a STYLE.
Well-fitted jackets, vests and shirts followed the jeans in equal importance.
In the gallery below, we present a selection of clothing and accessories where denim was used as the primary material from day clothes, casual and streetwear to nightwear and dancing attire.
It was such a versatile shoe that wanted little in terms of alteration to reflect the fearless spirit of the era’s trends, and can be paired perfectly with leather, graphic tees, or neon.
Acid-wash denim was probably one of the most popular trends of the decade.
Washing denim through chemicals which gave jeans and jackets that Marshall-Matte finish was a great way of making clothes look tougher and more fashionable.
Another fabric that saw its popularity in the 1980’s was distressed denim.
Knees worn denims with pre-established rips, holes and whisks were in vogue before vogue thought of labeling it grunge fashion statement.
It was yet another method of transition from the clean, preppy style which bored everyone and embraced something raw and worn-in that people desired.
Another staple of 80s fashion included wearing two or more denim items, typically known today as the ‘Canadian Tuxedo’.
Wearing a denim jacket with jeans makes the whole concept cooler and coordinated looking which imparts confidence.
Whenever men wanted to execute the double denim look, they got to vary with the fade of the two jeans being worn. For instance, a light wash jacket will be worn with dark wash jeans as that will make the difference and bring the point to the outfit.
Leather boots, belts, and loud sunglasses helped add that edge to the outfit, thus turning it into a perfect everyday wear.
These leather jackets were indeed daring and aggressive justifying this by calling them children of the 80s.
It was full of different looks with the basic motorcycle look all the way up to sleek bomber styles.
Among other iconic pieces from this era, the biker jacket, with asymmetrical zipper, metal studs and sharp shoulder lapels was into rock and punk.
They were normally worn with torn jeans, T-shirts, and boots, a style that incorporated the pest insurance of rock and roll clothing in the 1980s.
Tom Cruise wearing the bomber jacket for his character Maverick in the movie Top Gun single handedly made the clothing item iconic.
This style derived from military uniforms had elements like; ribbed cuffs, a narrow waist band and zipped front.
Pertaining to its color, it is often in black and brown palettes, more specifically, bomber jacket was recognisable because it provided a mix of ol of formality and roughness which allowed it to be transitioned for casual wear and formal- semi-formal wear.
The aviator sunglasses Cruise wore alongside his bomber jacket became something of the ultimate Fashion It-boy accessory, and the two practically became a signature look that all aspiring 80s men should embrace.
In the glorious 80s leather jackets were all about the attitude. They were more typically worn with spun, washed jeans and acid-wash denim with high ranked boots.
Some men would add metallic tones in their voice and complete their outfits with metallic effects or studded jackets or extra wide belts.
What was Versatility the one thing that could be worn casually or could be made a formal wear by wearing it with formal wear.
In order to wear an 80s leather jacket in today’s outfits, it is all about detailing. Put on a classic looking tight black leather jacket to go with dark wash jeans and a simple T-shirt.
If you want to get a little more street, choose a biker or a bomber jacket with vintage look and wear aviators, combat boots or band tee.
Preppy style in the 80’s was acquired by trendy and fashion ware that was neat, classy and smart rather than the look of overdressed and over-styled.
The colors were bright but minimal and could include navy, red, white, and pastels and the brand only used basic garments for the model to represent leisure.
The polo shirt with collar raised became a symbol of preppy look in the 80s The sportswear look alternatively an urban clothing came to denote young and fashionable.
Fresh and of a classic cut and even the print on them was discreetly understated, polos were formal enough for business meetings.
If dressed up and casual enough for any kind of function, they were definitely wardrobe essentials in any liberal arts college preppies.
Companies like Lacoste and Ralph Lauren have made this simple shirt look classy and corporate.
Another classic piece of preppy attire was the knit sweater: this might be worn as an ordinary garment or alternatively draped around the shoulders as a piece of jewelry. Clotted sweaters and jumpers in pastel, muted or dark colors such as navy and cream were perfect for both sheer and opaque pieces. Argyle patterns, which seemed to embody a rather old-world sophistication, continued as the most popular textural choice, enhancing a perky personal touch to the prepster aesthetic.
Classic buttoned collars in casual soft or oxford weave cotton were either tied at the waist or tucked into chinos or knee-length trousers for a smart casual look.
The button down Oxford cloth shirt went on to become famous especially for its neat and classy appearance.
Some of these were pastel, while some looked like pinstripe and checks; this was a welcome added touch without having to go for an entirely different look that is fun and professional nonetheless.
Being one the epitome of preppy fashion, chinos and khakis were a much more refined option than jeans.
Again available mostly in the colors of Virgo’s – beige cream or khaki, these were comfortable and serviceable pants that could be the anchor for so many ensembles.
Both cuffed or otherwise, chinos were complemented with loafers or boat shoes to round off the artistically casual outlook.
Penny loafers must have been a part and parcel of the preppy clothing palette back in the day.
These were pants for the sophisticated businessman, yet not excessively formal, perfect to be worn with chinos or even dressed shorts.
Boat shoes further enhanced this style originating from the touch of Sperry, embodying the East Coast, yacht-club roots of prep wear fashion.
In these two decades, especially the latter half of, style as depicted in the movies and advertisements was captured by the preppy style.
The Breakfast Club gave such characters as Andrew and Claire which depicted a bit of preppy style by addressing neatness.
On the other hand, Ralph Lauren ads took this style and made it look like a way people want to live, posing models in country clubs, on sailing boats etc, images that spoke of the middle upscale lifestyle.
The brand merged typical American themes with old fashion, ensuring that the brand promoted preppy was not just a fashion statement, but was actually a way of life.
To add some of that 80s preppy vibe into today’s clothing mix, one can easily begin with an iconic piece such as a polo shirt, a knit sweater, or chinos.
If you want to be a little more of a representation of the time period, go for a pastel or a striped polo with chinos
and pair with loafers or boat shoes.
The trends of graphic tees were pioneered in the 80s due to alternative media and a variety of printed media. Music, cinema, sports, and humor also got onto these shirts; that is how men could wear their favorite movies, music, or jokes on their T-shirts.
It was easy to find graphic tees in a wide range of stores and each one was relatively inexpensive while also easy to mix and match with the rest of a man’s wardrobe regardless of his age.
Possibly the most popular application of graphic tees in the 80s was with band T-shirts. Some of them had T-shirts with logos, pictures of the album, tour dates of the artists they preferred.
Also in the 80s, sports fans were also able to make their voice known via graphic tees.
The Team logo, mascot as well as slogans were popular among the guys who wanted to show their support and loyalty to teams and athletes of choice.
If it was for a local high school team or a major league franchise, the graphic tees put team spirit right into the casual wear.
The 1980s was the time for movies, TV shows and iconic characters and graphics T shirts became an artwork of pop culture.
Some of the movies on the shirts include Star Wars, Ghostbusters and Back to the Future among others.
Slogan T-shirts were yet another rage in the 80s and you could find people wearing T-shirts with different funny, witty or rebellious messages on the torso.
From ‘I’m With Stupid’ to ‘No Pain, No Gain,’ these t-shirts were a way of making some sort of social protest—humorous or highly serious.
Graphics tees were often worn by these females oversized, tucked inside high-waist jeans or topped with denim or leather jackets. They were worn with acid-wash jeans or sneakers or Converse shoes, and sided with wristbands or trucker hats for sporty look.
Flash forward to today, and graphic tees would not have been more popular if they were introduced today.
If you are still planning on rocking those graphic tees like what was so famous in the 80s; they should fit neatly with slim or straight cut jeans.
Clothing accessories were the elements that acted as the final touches which made 80s fashion for men complete.
The shades possibly were the most famous accessory of the 80s and no other style could dictate the trend of the decade like the aviators of Ray-Ban.
Versatile shape of aviators and thin metal structure made these sunglasses timeless. It combined so well with leather jackets, bomber jackets, and even business suits and thus you find it on all occasion ensembles.
Another set of classic Ray Bans, Wayfarers immediately rose to fame due to commonly seen movies like ‘The Blues Brothers’ and ‘Risky Business’.
These were thick framed glasses with a very bold appeal, a nymph that young men wanted to possess.
Digital watches were especially more common in the 80s, especially watches from the Casio or the Seiko brands.
For those males who wanted to be extra flashy, the top of lines from names like Rolex were the epitome of 80s watch style.
Using a gold chain was a trend that dominated the 80s jewelry fashions or styles, if there was any.
They can be worn over T-shirts or under unbuttoned shirts and therefore acted as under vests, they symbolized class and courage.
Men love gold chains when it comes to streetwear and also hip-hop styling.
Bracelets and cuff-links that seemed chunkier were purchased and worn more frequently as a piece of jewelry, as were thinner ones that simply referenced the trend.
specialists Leather/or metal restraining devices also served as men’s bracelets and accessorized clothing with a macho look.
With the entire clothing of the 80s focusing on balance, the accessories remained no exception. In the 80s sunglasses were so stylish they were almost mysterious, watches are for success and personality or individuality and chains give the extra edge and style.
To add certain accessories that were typical for people in the 80s into contemporary wardrobe, begin with compromises.
A stylish aviator or round frame with an easy set of Ray Ban spectacles can add a touch of style and class to any type of clothing as well as a simple gold chain or Analog/digital watch with retro features can warm up any outfit into modernity.
Acid-Wash Jeans: Inarguably a staple of the fashion of 1980s casual Clothing, acid wash denim was rebellion and rebellion was fashion. Typically worn high-waisted and sometimes gently tapered, they were worn with everything from oversize T-shirts to motorcycle jackets.
Graphic Tees: Graphic print T-shirts had logos of bands, popular culture or even simply came in slogan based which meant people could express their style.
Sneakers: Nike, Reebok, Adidas and others were popular in the 1980s period among growing youth associated with the culture of wearing shoes. White sneakers, high-top sneakers and brightly colored sports shoes were also used to complement the laid back style fully.
Denim Jackets: Together with graphic t-shirts and hoodies, denim jackets gave an amateur twist to otherwise simple ensembles.
The Look
An ordinary informal wear can be characterized by acid-wash jeans, neon T-shirt, denim jacket, and white high top sneakers.
Back caps and old school watches were layers of character.
Earlier 80s office look were a product of what known as ‘power suits’. As they wanted to appear confident and authoritative these poulication outfits where smart, sleek, and yes defiant.
The defining features of 1980s formal wear, power suits had large, padded shoulders, baggy trousers and bright colors or pinstriping.
Wide Ties: Things were much fresher and connections were made clear in the 80s. The colors were much brighter, the stripes were bolder, and products having wider stripes were even more common.
The Look
An iconic example of an 80s business look might be pinstripe navy or gray, a bold patterned tie of one’s choice, and leather slip on shoes.
To some extent, icons were formalized; accessories such as gold watch, cufflinks added to this formality while hair styles such as the slicked back hair style delivered the formal look.
It was all about expressing or highlighting one’s aesthetic throughout the late-night entertainment era. Male glamour was on full display at late night’s parties; suits were daring, glossy and flashy, and didn’t shy away from patterns and even layering.
Metallic and Shiny Fabrics: For the party and night clubs, it was common to find men in metallic fabric or satin shirts and jackets, and at times pants as well.
Bold Prints and Patterns: As for the party dresses, obtrusive and striking patterns were popular: anything from animal prints to geometry.
Leather Pants and Jackets: Leather was no longer associated with motorcycles; instead, people wore fitted shirts and leather to parties.
Unique Layering: Guys managed to wear vests over shirts, or wore blazers over casual ensembles to come up with unique styles.
The Look
An outstanding 80s party clothing would include a pair of leather trousers, a metallic shirt and a blazer complimented by gold necklaces or aviators. Finished off with high top sneakers or boots the outfit was as bright and energetic as the night life.
Famous for its ‘shaggy in the front and long in the back’ branding; the mullet haircut was probably the signature haircut symbol of the 1980’s.
This hairstyle was favored by rock stars, athletes, and regular men, the line “business in the front, party in the back” was associated with this cut.
How to Style It
On the sides and at the front end, maintain only a little hair and beard.
Let the back also grow long and incorporate layers for the body.
Keep the top sleek by using some light-weight styling gel/mousse, or use a product to give height designing for a modern casual look.
Glamour and elegance followed suit when pompadour became one of the most popular hairstyles of the 80s.
The pompadour fit the requirements of what men sought in the postwar years – managerial, polished, but a hairstyle requiring daily maintenance. It was brought back in the 1980’s by artists such as Morrissey and actors dressed in the fashion of the drama.
How to Style It
To give your hair some voluminous feel, blow-dry it up and backward.
He should apply volumizing spray or hair dressing gel for intensive hold on the top hair and style into place.
Just from the sides, comb them properly to give it that neat look.
Feathered hair is all about layers, softness, and swing, so if you like smelling like a flower garden, feathered hair probably isn’t for you. It suited well with medium to long hair and was mostly done with the center or side hairline.
Feathered hair was appropriate for any occasion – for wearing during the day and for evening receptions.
It was a soft mass with a rough texture that was easy to identify with and certainly did not provide the impression of being overly serious.
Both John Stamos and Rob Lowe were part of the many celebrities that helped bring this trend into the mainstream.
How to Style It
Special request the layers to make it look like the bird’s feather.
When you are blow-drying a round brush should be used to create the volume and shape.
Finally use a light hold hairspray to keep the hair style put without making it look or feel rigid.
To today, update any 80s-influenced style accent on cleaner lines, less soft forms and less raised face product.
To give the above discussed hairstyles a modern look, you should add fade or undercut…
Outfits inspired by the 80s and modern hairstyle inspired by this era are simply perfect for a man.
You may like an improved pompadour haircut, bouncy feathered layers, an incredible updated mullet haircut.
Finally The 80s was all about fashion and personal style.
Own what you’re doing and don’t be shy when it comes to making dramatic, exciting statements.
Whether it’s wearing a shiny printed dress or an oversized blazer, it’s the attitude or recklessness of the 80’s that holds the collections together.
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