When it comes to fashion there has really been no other decade like the 1980s.
In a period that was defined by commercialism and materialism, these trends were seen everywhere from music artists and in films to youth clubs and on the high street.
Indeed, such was the influence of the trends at the time, they still regularly appear today in the form of ‘retro’ fashion.
If you are a person in your 50s or above, or just someone interested in the unique culture of the time, allow us to take you on a trip down memory lane.
So play some Duran Duran and break out your Rubik’s Cube while you check out this list of the 13 best 80s fashion trends for men.
What defined men’s fashion in the 1980s?
Men’s fashion in the 1980s was characterised by bold, bright colours, graphic patterns, and exaggerated silhouettes.
Popular items included tight-fitting, ripped jeans; neon-coloured t-shirts; leather jackets; tracksuits; and brightly coloured athletic shoes.
Accessories like fingerless gloves, aviator sunglasses, and gold chains were also popular.
The punk and new wave music scenes also influenced fashion, with leather and denim jackets, tight black jeans, and band t-shirts being popular among fans of these genres.
Hair was also an important aspect of fashion in the 1980s, with mullets, punk-inspired spikes, and big hair being popular among men.
80s men’s fashion trends
Here is a closer look at 13 of the main fashion trends from the 1980s.
The Mullet
The mullet hairstyle was a very popular haircut in the 1980s that was characterised by short hair on the top and sides, and long hair in the back. It was worn by both men and women and was considered a versatile and fashionable style.
The mullet was most popular in the United States and Australia and was a favourite of rock and heavy metal bands.
This iconic style of hair was brought to prominence by Henri Mollet, a noted French fashion guru in the early seventies. But with the likes of John Travolta, Robe Lowe, Patrick Swayze, Michael Bolton, Mel Gibson and Andre Agassi adopting it, the hairstyle became firmly entrenched as an 80s icon.
Hawaiian shirts and moustaches
Thanks primarily to Tom Selleck in Magnum and Don Johnson in Miami Vice, Hawaiian shirts and moustaches were huge in the 1980s.
Also known as Aloha shirts, they were defined by their bright, bold prints and relaxed, casual fit. They were often made of lightweight cotton or rayon and were worn untucked with shorts or jeans.
The Hawaiian shirt trend was influenced by the surf and beach culture of the time and was seen as a symbol of a laid-back, tropical style.
Moustaches were also a popular trend in men’s grooming during the 1980s, with many men growing and grooming full, thick moustaches. This trend was influenced by the popularity of disco music and culture and was seen as a symbol of masculinity. They were often paired with other grooming trends of the time, such as slicked-back hair and stubble.
Hawaiian shirts and moustaches continue to be popular today as nostalgic nods to the fashion and grooming trends of the 1980s.
Bomber jackets
Ah, the good old bomber jacket!
Back in the day, both men and women wore Bomber jackets. Characterised by their short, fitted cut, ribbed collar, and cuffs, they often featured asymmetrical zippers, bold prints, and brightly coloured linings.
Bomber jackets were worn as a casual, streetwear item and were often paired with tight-fitting or skinny jeans, athletic sneakers, and graphic t-shirts.
The bomber jacket trend was influenced by the popularity of punk, new wave, and hip-hop music and fashion, and was seen as a symbol of rebellion and individuality. In addition to their cultural significance, bomber jackets were also functional, providing warmth and protection from the elements.
The most famous bomber jacket of them all was worn by Tom Cruise in the film Top Gun. Although LL Cool J and Michael Jackson were also known for wearing them.
The bomber jacket trend of the 1980s continues to be an enduring fashion staple, with updated versions still popular today.
Double denim
Double denim, also known as the ‘Canadian tuxedo’ was a popular trend in the 1980s where an individual wore a denim jacket and denim pants together. This trend was embraced by many celebrities and fashion icons of the era and became synonymous with the laid-back, casual style of the 80s.
Johnny Depp is one celebrity who often wore double denim as part of his personal style during this era.
Tracksuits
Tracksuits were a popular trend in the 1980s, particularly in the athletic and fitness communities.
A tracksuit typically consists of a matching jacket and pants made of lightweight, comfortable and stretchy materials such as nylon or polyester. They were designed for ease of movement and comfort during physical activities such as running or aerobics.
In the 1980s, tracksuits became a popular fashion trend and were worn not just for exercise but also as a casual, streetwear-inspired look.
Many designers and sportswear brands began producing tracksuits in bold colours and eye-catching prints, and they were embraced by a wide range of celebrities and fashion icons including Run DMC and the Beastie Boys who ensured they reached cult status.
Baggy jumpers
Baggy jumpers, also known as slouchy or oversized sweaters, were a massive part of men’s fashion in the 1980s.
These jumpers were generally a loose and relaxed fit and were often made of thick, chunky knit material. They were usually worn with tight-fitting or skinny pants, creating a balance between the loose upper body and the fitted lower body.
Baggy jumpers were a popular streetwear item and were worn by many influential musicians, celebrities, and fashion icons of the era. This included the likes of Eddie Murphy and David Bowie.
They were seen as a comfortable and casual alternative to more formal styles and were often paired with sneakers or other casual footwear.
Leather jackets
Leather jackets were a huge 80s trend, particularly in the realm of casual and streetwear fashion.
These jackets were often made from real or faux leather and were characterised by their edgy, rebellious appearance. They were often paired with jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers for a classic streetwear look.
They were often seen as a symbol of rebellion, toughness, and individualism, and were frequently incorporated into film and television characters and costumes.
Some popular celebrities who wore leather jackets during this time include Morten Harket, Bruce Springsteen, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bon Jovi.
Power Suits
When men weren’t wearing leather jackets in the 80s, they were often wearing power suits.
Particularly popular in the realm of business and professional fashion, these suits were notable for their sharp, tailored appearance. They were worn by executives, politicians, and other high-powered
individuals as a way to express their confidence, authority, and success.
In the 1980s, power suits became a symbol of the excess and materialism that defined the era. They were embraced by many celebrities and fashion icons, who wore them to express their ambition, style, and individuality.
Some popular celebrities who wore power suits during this time include Donald Trump. In films, they were popularised by Michael Douglas in Wall Street and Robert De Niro as Al Capone.
Highlights and a pierced ear
If you were into punk or alternative fashion, the chances are you had highlights and a pierced ear back in the 1980s.
Highlights were a way to add a pop of colour to hair, which was often styled in bold and creative ways. A pierced ear was a symbol of individuality and rebellion and was seen as a statement of nonconformity.
The most famous proponents of this look were Boy George and George Michael.
Oversized printed shirts
Oversized printed shirts were a big casual and streetwear fashion trend during this decade.
These shirts often featured bold and bright coloured graphics, as well as a loose, boxy fit. They were typically made of lightweight materials such as cotton or polyester and were often paired with tight-fitting pants or leggings.
Many celebrities and fashion icons of the era embraced the oversized printed shirt trend, helping to popularise it among a wide range of audiences.
Some popular celebrities who wore oversized printed shirts during this time included Michael Jackson and Boy George.
Slogan and logo T-shirts
Slogan and logo T-shirts were also popular during the 1980s, as they provided a way for people to express their personal style and interests.
Slogan T-shirts often featured thought-provoking or witty sayings like ‘Choose Life’, which George Michael famously wore. Others included ‘Just Say No!’ ‘Have a nice day’ and ‘Frankie Says Relax’.
By contrast, logo T-shirts displayed the logos of popular brands like Nike, as well as bands such as Guns n Roses.
Fluro
Fluorescent or ‘fluro’ colours were a popular trend in the 1980s, particularly in the realm of sportswear and streetwear fashion.
Bright, eye-catching shades of pink, yellow, green, and orange were commonly used to create bold, colourful statement pieces such as jackets, sweatshirts, and athletic wear. These colours were made to stand out in low light conditions, hence the term ‘fluorescent’.
In the 1980s, fluro colours became a popular trend in fashion and were embraced by many celebrities and fashion icons including Boy George and Marilyn.
They were often paired with black, white, or neutral colours for maximum impact, and were seen as a symbol of the energetic and bold spirit of the era.
High top sneakers
High-top sneakers were massive in the 1980s, particularly in the realm of sportswear and streetwear fashion.
These sneakers took the form of a tall, ankle-covering design and were often made from durable materials such as leather or canvas. They were usually worn with athletic wear, casual outfits, or punk and alternative fashion styles.
In the 1980s, high-top sneakers symbolised athleticism, style, and individuality, and were frequently incorporated into film and television characters and costumes.
Michael J Fox in Back to the future, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Run DMC are just two examples of celebrities who helped to cement their status as a streetwear-inspired style and fashion trend.