The eighties were a decade of cultural revolution and the eighties fashion of men was an expression of this change, through wilder than life styles. Men adopted a bold appearance whether it was in the street or in the boardroom. Since the emergence of the power suit and the merging of sportswear and casual wear, the 80s decade made an unquestionable impact on fashion. This paper examines in more detail the main aspects that identified the Mens 80s Fashion, their influence on fashions of the period, and their contribution to the contemporary style today.
The Power Suit: A Success Symbol.
The power suit was one of the unique aspects of fashion among men of the 80s. The power suit became a sign of success and prestige by being popularized by prominent businesspeople and pop culture icons. The defining feature of the power suit was, in fact, the exaggerated, sharp shoulders, broad lapels and slim, tight trousers. The steering suits were not just worn during a business meeting, but also to represent a feeling of confidence in the general world.
Men needed to portray an impression of authority and the power suit was the best weapon for that. The suit was inspired by the success of Wall Street and the then-boom economy and became the ultimate show of status. This style became even more mainstream because of the celebrities such as Don Johnson who played Miami Vice and it has been worn with a casual shirt to become a more relaxed yet classy appearance.
The fashion power suit bearing the 80s was not about cut and structure, but about creating impact among men. All men of society wore such suits to demonstrate their status in society. The power suit was the ideal of style during a decade of fast-paced and economically prosperous times.
Sportswear Goes Mainstream
The 80s also featured the period of sportswear beginning to leave the gym and enter the mainstream. The 80s fashion in men changed as many of them were dressed in branded track suits, sneakers and sports jackets. Nike, Adidas, and Puma are the brands that gained power when the athleisure style became trendy among men.
This trend was greatly contributed to by the pop culture icons and sports stars. The popularity of sportswear reached mainstream fashion through the popularization of the sport of running and fitness thanks to the legendary Michael Jordan and the promotion of the basketball game to the masses. Branded sneakers, athletic jackets, and tracksuits became a part of men wardrobes and they were not only comfortable but fashionable too.
However, functionality was not the only thing; it was about the statement. The 80s fashion in men wear incorporated both sportswear and everyday street wear that resulted in a casual, but stylish outfit. Sportswear was no longer something worn during a workout; it became a part of everyday uniform as it was a lifestyle of being active and healthy.
Bright and Neon Colors: The Bolder and the Better.
Where Mens 80s Fashion was concerned, the motto applied was the bolder the better. Neon colors, the bright pastels, and flashy patterns were the order of the day in the fashion industry. It was also experimental, as the men were not afraid of making bold statements. Much of the time, pinks, greens, oranges and yellows were combined to produce head-turning effects.
This passion for bright colors was not only in casual clothes. Starting with neon windbreakers to graphic tees, the 80s fashion in men featured bright colors in all areas of mens garments. Bold colors were commonly matched with funky designs, geometrical patterns, and eye-catching designs. These styles were not only eye-catching, but they were insistent.
The neon craze went hand in hand with the eighties and it was everywhere. Being at the dance floor or in the streets, men fashioned in the 80s was all about standing out. The loud, unremorseful application of color in this decade was simply the reflection of the energy, the fact of fast-paced times.
The Denim Explosion
The denim was also very significant to the men of the 80s and most of the iconic fashions were worn by the men as part of their everyday wardrobes. The acid-wash denim, and more so the oversized jackets were extremely popular. Men were not wearing simple blue jeans anymore but they accepted the notion of having a play with washes and cuts that gave their outfits some flavor.
One of the biggest trends of denim, i.e. wearing denim head to toe, was the so-called Canadian tuxedo. Together with jeans, the denim jackets were a radical and subversive appearance, which embodied the 80s rebelliousness. It was either acid-wash denim or raw indigo, but men were never afraid to reinvent the denim in different forms to display their individuality.
The distressed appearance was also a phenomenon of the 80s fashion by men, where ripped jeans and torn denim jackets were hugely popular. The sorrowful look was just right for the grunge movement that started to appear in the latter part of the decade. Denim was no longer a work material, but a way of self-expression and an indicator of the informal, relaxed culture of the moment.
Hairstyles and Accessories: Bigger Was Better.
During the 1980s, hair and make-up were as significant as the clothes put on by men. The 80s fashion of men was characterized by huge and voluminous hair. There were such styles as mullet, high-volume perm, and spike hair, which became so popular. The men took long curls, curling their hair and smearing it with all the gels, mousses, and hairsprays to give it that big body appearance.
The big hair was actually indicative of the general attitude of the decade, and everything was larger and more exaggerated. The sculpted hairstyles were bold and of individuality, as well as high-volume. Whether it was a rockstar-style hair or something more sophisticated, there was never any disgraceful size of hair.
The other important aspect of the 80s fashion among men was accessories. They included chunky chains, oversized sunglasses, and leather bracelets, all of which were a part of the 80s look. Watches were bigger, bolder, and men wore watch monuments that brought out the statement. The 1980s were the days of accessories in the world of mens fashion and the more appeals you combined the better.
The Legacy of Mens 80s Fashion
The 80s style of men made an everlasting impact on the field of fashion as it shaped fashion not only in the street but also in high fashion. The loose fits, the use of vivid colors, and the incorporation of sportswear with casual fashion continue to influence the current trends. The spirit of the decade is still present today as many of the modern brands still use the elements of men’s fashion of the 80s in their designs, showcasing the evolution of men’s style, including the bold looks of the 1980s.
Even nowadays, a number of fashionable men can be seen referring to the 1980s. The baggy fit, the neon colors, and the sporting influence have returned in one way or another, showing that the 80s fashion of men was not as a simple trend but a cultural phenomenon that has been continuing to influence our dressing style.
FAQ’s
What were the trends that were the most popular with men in the 80s?
Power suits with sharp shoulders, neon colors, oversized jackets made of denim jeans and tracksuits of such brands as Nike and Adidas were already popular styles. It was a decade of experimentation and personalization due to the radical, rebellious style of the 80s.
Did men sportswear back in the 80s?
Yes, the sportswear took a big proportion of fashion among men in the 80s, where tracksuits, branded sneakers, and jackets in sports were being worn not only in the gym but also on the casual street. This is when the athleisure trend was created.
What was so good about neon in the 80s?
Neon colors were associated with power, youth and rebellion. They reflected the colorful, high-paced culture of the 80s. The fashion of the 80s among men was all about making statements, and the neon gave them the right opportunity.
What was the role of denim in the 80s in men’s fashion?
The 80s were the years of denim, acid-wash jeans, oversized denim jackets, and the concept of double-denim was in fashion. The disheveled and tattered fashions also came into being which provided a rebellious and informal feel of the decade.
How did the 80s style affect the current fashion?
Some of the most prominent features of 80s fashion in men such as oversized clothing, neon, and sportswear are present in streetwear and in high fashion. The designers still look to bold and experimental styles of the 80s.
Conclusion
The 80s clothing style among men is founded on breaking the barrier and creating an impact. The ten years were marked by the introduction of adventurous colors, oversized clothes, and the combination of sportswear and informal fashion. The Mens 80s Fashion produced an era that was both colorful and subversive as well as power suits, neon t-shirts. These symbolic trends are still present in the fashion arena today and it is a testament that the spirit of the 80s is not dead.