The 1980s had been a revolutionary decade in the fashion industry, as men adopted risky new fashions that had made an indelible impression in the world of fashion. It was a period of excessive colors, voluminous shapes and a blend of professional and informal that formed individual appearance. The clothes of the 1980s were either power suits in the corporate arena or the rebellious punk style, and they are still getting carried over into contemporary fashion. We will discuss in this article iconic trends, cultural influence, and style icons that characterized the 1980s Fashion Men.
Power Dressing: Power Suits and Power Edges.
The style of dressing that was adopted in the 1980s is called power dressing and is particularly used in corporate setups. The crisp, cut suits with broad shoulders were what a business executive wore. Power, authority, and professionalism were the goals of this style.
The suits were commonly coupled with gaudy ties and patterned shirts which were indicators of prosperity and self-confidence. The power suit was now a synonym of ambition, with such brands as Giorgio Armani and Ralph Lauren being the trendsetters.
The Rise of Athleisure
Athleisure was also born during the 1980s and it erased the boundaries between sportswear and everyday street apparel. Feminism. The emergence of fitness culture resulted in the adoption of tracksuits, sweatshirts, and sneakers in the daily attire of men.
The market was controlled by such brands as Nike, Adidas, and Reebok, whose logo-covered clothes became a daily necessity both on the way to the gym and during other trips. The trend was also encouraged by the increasing popularity of aerobics where men entered the fitness trend with style.
Punk Rock Style Effects in the male fashion.
The punk rock movements made a tremendous impact on the 1980s mens fashion that added a rebellious touch to mainstream fashion. Jackets and band t-shirts made of leather, ripped jeans became associated with the punk spirit.
This was in the style of breaking the rules and being an individual in this counterculture. Men started adorning their clothing with studs, patches and extravagant accessories, thus making their appearance both brash and unashamed.
Casual Style: Preppy and Relaxed.
The casual style of the 1980s was inspired by the preppy style that itself was an imitation of collegiate style. Khakis, polo shirts, and button-down shirts were adopted by men to be worn as a casual and sophisticated style.
The preppy style was embodied in brands such as Lacoste and Ralph Lauren, whose unique logos became the icons of casual clothes of the expensive type. The fashion was impeccable, easy-going, and cool.
Denim Mania: The Essential in every wardrobe.
During the 1980s, denim was also a key piece of clothing, with jeans and jackets dominating the wardrobes of men. Denim acid-wash gained popularity and offered a worn-in appearance that was a fashionable style among men who were fashion-conscious.
The denim style, the one where one wears a denim jacket and denim jeans, was the craze of this time. Famous personalities such as Bruce Springsteen and Tom Cruise contributed to making denim a necessity for every man of all ages.
Big Hair and Bold Hairstyles
Bold hairstyles were one of the most identifiable features of mens fashion in the 1980s. Big hair was the thing and men had voluminous, teased hair that made them taller and dramatic.
The mullet, the flat top, and the pompadour are also recognized as some of the most prominent hairstyles of the decade. These aggressive cuts were in line with the lavish fashion decisions at the time, and mostly arranged using gels and hairsprays to keep the volume intact.
Accessories That Were on Point.
The 1980s were about accessories that were a statement. Men adopted the bulky watch, thick gold chains and aviator sunglasses as their daily attire.
Designer labels came into existence and such logo-oriented accessories became the status symbol of luxury and accessories of the brands like Gucci, Versace, and Rolex became the items to be desired. These accessories gave a certain flair to the simplest outfits.
Sports Effects on Day-to-day Style.
Sports culture was also significant in defining the 1980s Fashion Men, as players like Michael Jordan became household names around the world. Men started to wear basketball uniforms, baseball hats and sneakers as their non-uniform clothes.
It is this combination of sportswear and streetwear that gave rise to the notion of athleisure, a style that continues to dominate fashion among men today. Sports and fashion became a means through which men used to show their athletic ability and fashion.
The Effect of Music and Pop Culture.
The eighties were a golden age in music and pop culture significantly affected the fashion among men. Musicians such as Michael Jackson, Prince, and Madonna not only transform the music industry, but also fashion.
The trademark appearance of these music superstars, including military-style jackets of Michael Jackson and bold purple costumes of Prince, made a linguistic influence on the way men wore the clothes. Their distinct style can be said to have united music and fashion in a way never witnessed before.
The Revival of the Military Style and Utility Style.
Besides power suits and preppy appearance, military-based fashion returned in the 1980s. Men adopted utilitarian clothes like cargo pants, field jackets and combat boots.
This type of military style used to be accompanied by rough military accessories such as dog tags and leather gloves, which created a sense of being tough and practical. The style was symbolic of strength and resilience, which were aspects that were exalted during the time.
Fashion Icons of the 1980s Fashion Men
Celebrities, athletes and musicians became style idols and greatly affected the 1980s fashion of men. Actors like Tom Cruise and John Travolta, and music legends like Prince and David Bowie, were the personalities who made a mark in the fashion of the decade.
They also influenced not only their performances, since fans were eager to imitate their looks, too. Not only the initiators of the trends of the time, but these icons also helped to make the culture of fashion of the 80s even more tangible.
Revival of 1980s Fashion
The 1980s may be a forgotten decade but some of its trends have been revisited in recent years. The oversized jackets, retro sneakers and neon colors are rediscovered in modern fashion. The trends of preceding styles like Supreme and Off-White have taken over the style of the 1980s and combined vintage style with modern sensibility.
It has survived the test of time just as the fashion of the 1980s is considered to have. Still present is the influence of the nineteen-eighties fashion on the pattern of dress worn currently by men and women, whether in athleisure or striking accessories.
FAQ’s
What was the biggest craze in mens mode of dressing during the 80s?
Power suits, oversized jackets, and bright colors were the popular trends in mens fashion in the 1980s.
What role did music play in the 1980s Fashion Men?
Pop icons such as Michael Jackson and Prince influence fashion trends through the iconic style of their clothing, e.g., leather jackets and bright colored and bright dresses.
What was so great about denim in the 80s?
The denim attributes such as versatility, durability and ability to be worn in numerous ways made it a part of the mens wardrobes in the 1980s.
What did men wear as accessories in the 1980s?
Men in the 1980s would wear oversized watches with heavy chains of gold, and aviator sunglasses as their daily outfit.
What was the impact of punk rock fashion on the style of men in the 1980s?
The punk rock fashion allowed men to be individualistic, band t-shirts, leather jackets and customized clothes became a key feature of the style.
Conclusion
To sum everything up, 1980s Fashion Men was characterized by boldness, distinct influences and individuality that are felt up to date. Power suits, punk rock, this was the time of various styles that enabled men to display themselves in new and exciting ways. The 1980s made an indelible imprint on male fashion through sportswear, casual wear and even lavish accessories, colors that continue to find their way to the popular wardrobes nowadays.