The 1980s were a bold time in fashion, and men’s styles were no exception. It was a decade marked by unapologetically big hair, bright colors, and daring choices that defied all the rules. Whether you wanted to look like a Wall Street mogul, a rockstar, or an all-American jock, the ’80s had a look for you. Today, ‘80s fashion for men is making a serious comeback, and it’s easy to see why. In this guide, we’ll revisit the decade’s most iconic styles and show you how to incorporate them into a modern wardrobe.
The Rise of Power Suits
In the ‘80s, a man’s power suit was his armor. Think broad, padded shoulders, sharp lines, and a tailored fit that meant business. Inspired by TV shows like Miami Vice and Wall Street, the power suit was designed to make men look authoritative and, well, powerful.
- Bold Colors: Unlike the more conservative suits of previous decades, ‘80s power suits often came in brighter colors and pastels.
- Strong Silhouettes: Shoulder pads gave men a more dominant look, with jackets designed to emphasize a V-shaped torso.
- Accessories: Skinny ties, pocket squares, and aviator sunglasses were all essentials in completing the look.
The power suit represented a culture of success and ambition. Today, designers are bringing back the broad-shouldered suits but with a modern twist—slightly toned-down colors and more relaxed fits, making it easy to incorporate into today’s wardrobe.
Casual ‘80s Fashion: Denim, Leather, and Logo Tees
Outside of the office, ‘80s fashion for men took a more relaxed turn with denim, leather, and graphic tees.
Denim on Denim
Denim jackets, jeans, and even shirts were hugely popular, often worn together in what we now call the Canadian tuxedo. From ripped to acid-washed, denim was everywhere.
- Acid-Washed Jeans: This was a signature look in the ‘80s, often paired with a plain white tee or a band shirt.
- Denim Jackets: Men would throw these over any outfit, adding a touch of rebellious flair. Embellishments like patches or pins were common.
Leather Jackets
The leather jacket became an essential item thanks to icons like Tom Cruise in Top Gun. It was rugged, effortlessly cool, and added a rockstar edge to any outfit.
- Bomber Jackets: These jackets, often made with soft leather, were popularized by the military aesthetic.
- Perfecto Style: This version of the leather jacket came with asymmetrical zips and plenty of attitude, thanks to rock legends like The Ramones.
Graphic Tees and Logos
Bold logos and band tees were all the rage. Men wanted to make statements, and their shirts did the talking. Brands like Adidas and Nike became mainstream fashion icons, and band tees from groups like Metallica or AC/DC were must-haves.
Sportswear & the Fitness Craze
The ‘80s was a time of the fitness boom, and men’s fashion followed suit. Spandex, track suits, and headbands became staples in every guy’s wardrobe, as fitness went mainstream.
- Track Suits: Matching track suits in neon colors or bold stripes were popular for both athletic and casual wear.
- Headbands and Wristbands: Inspired by aerobics culture, these accessories were worn beyond the gym.
- Sneakers: The rise of brands like Reebok and Nike meant that athletic sneakers were no longer just for the gym—they were for everywhere.
The fitness aesthetic is making a comeback today, with vintage sneakers and retro track jackets becoming popular again.
Streetwear and Hip-Hop Influence
The ‘80s also saw the rise of hip-hop, which brought its own fashion sense to the mainstream. Men’s streetwear was bold, colorful, and expressive, embodying the energy of urban culture.
- Baggy Pants: Breakdancing culture popularized looser, baggier pants that were functional and fashionable.
- Bucket Hats and Tracksuits: Hip-hop legends like LL Cool J rocked bucket hats, while tracksuits in bright colors became synonymous with the genre.
- Chunky Sneakers: From Adidas Superstars to Nike Air Jordans, chunky sneakers became a statement in themselves.
Iconic Accessories: Watches, Sunglasses, and More
Accessories played a big role in defining ‘80s fashion for men. Watches, sunglasses, and hats were all used to enhance personal style.
Watches
Rolex and Casio watches were favorites, with digital watches also making their debut. A solid watch was a must-have for any man who wanted to look successful.
Sunglasses
Aviators and Wayfarers were the go-to styles. Thanks to movies like Top Gun, aviators became the ultimate symbol of cool.
Chains and Jewelry
Many men added gold chains or bracelets to their outfits, a style popularized by hip-hop culture. Men weren’t afraid to flaunt a little bling, giving outfits a flashy twist.
’80s Hairstyles: Big, Bold, and Unique
You can’t talk about ‘80s fashion without mentioning the hairstyles. From mullets to big hair, men’s hairstyles were expressive and unforgettable.
- Mullets: Business in the front, party in the back. The mullet was iconic, especially in rock and roll culture.
- Big Hair: Permed or teased hair was common for guys in glam rock bands. The bigger, the better.
- Spiky Hair: Inspired by punk rock, spiky hair was held in place with copious amounts of gel.
How to Incorporate ’80s Fashion into Today’s Wardrobe
While some ‘80s trends may seem outlandish, many of them are making a comeback. Here are some tips to bring ‘80s style into the 21st century:
- Pick One Statement Piece: Instead of going full ‘80s, pick one piece—like a denim jacket or a logo tee—to make your outfit pop.
- Go Subtle with Accessories: Aviator sunglasses or a classic watch can give you that ‘80s flair without overwhelming your look.
- Experiment with Colors: Don’t shy away from pastels or neon, but balance them with neutral tones for a modern touch.
FAQs About ’80s Fashion for Men
What were the most popular colors in ’80s men’s fashion?
Bold colors like neon, pastels, and primary colors were extremely popular. Men weren’t afraid to experiment with bright, eye-catching shades.
How did men style their hair in the ‘80s?
Big, bold hairstyles like the mullet, spiked hair, and even perms were common for men. Rockstars and athletes alike rocked these iconic styles.
Are ‘80s fashion trends for men coming back?
Absolutely! Many ‘80s trends, such as oversized blazers, vintage sneakers, and graphic tees, are making a strong comeback today. Mixing vintage elements with modern pieces creates a trendy, nostalgic look.
Why was fitness wear so popular in the ‘80s?
The ‘80s saw a major fitness boom, with aerobics and workout culture becoming mainstream. Athletic brands capitalized on this, making track suits, sneakers, and headbands everyday fashion items.
Conclusion
The ‘80s were a time of vibrant, daring, and unforgettable fashion for men. Today, elements of ‘80s style are coming back, allowing men to revisit and reinvent these classic looks. Whether you’re drawn to the power suit, the casual denim-and-leather combo, or the bold athletic wear, ‘80s fashion offers something for everyone. So, grab your aviators, throw on a vintage tee, and embrace the flair of ‘80s fashion for men!
Authoritative Links
- History of ‘80s Fashion for Men: https://fashionhistory.fitnyc.edu/
- Men’s Power Dressing in the ‘80s: https://vintagefashionguild.org/
- The Comeback of ‘80s Streetwear: https://hypebeast.com
