The 1980s were a time of excessive everything, and fashion was no exception. Yup, we’re talking about those neon bright colors and mullets that were the heyday of the ’80s fashion. We used to be bold, loud, and unapologetic with how we style ourselves. Sadly, the style we used to enjoy is cringe in today’s standards. With that, here are the 12 iconic and questionable fashion trends of the 1980s.
12. Fanny Packs
Long before the cool fanny packs, there used to be those waist-slung pouches we wore in the ’80s. They were the results of the popularity of the fitness craze were that people took fanny packs while jogging or in aerobics. It’s not exactly chic in today’s standards, especially if you’re a heavy packer, as a full fanny pack is heavy and weird.
11. Members Only Jackets
The definition of cool in the 1980s was wearing a Members Only jacket. It was actually created in 1975 as a signature racer jacket with distinctive shoulder epaulets and a double-snap throat latch as a status symbol. You can get them in an array of colors with their uniform look. Their militaristic design captured the aspirational decade, making them a staple in your Dad’s closet.
10. Mullets
Watching male leads from the 1980s high school movies will remind you of the mullet hairstyle. They were sported by rock stars, athletes, and even your pals from back then. While this hairstyle existed for centuries, it was in the ’80s when it grew to be mainstream. It features short and tidy bangs with a long, flowing back.
9. Fingerless Gloves
Thanks to Madonna, the fingerless gloves grew into popularity in the ’80s, where they became an essential accessory. They’re made with lace, which gives a touch of edgy, punk vibes in your outfit. They also celebrated rebellion, that people in your class probably had those cheap pairs they got from the mall. Today, they’re difficult to source as people eventually outgrow them.
8. Parachute Pants
They were the early ’80s staple where everyone in your school wore one. They were made from ripstop nylon, which is the same material used for parachutes, eventually gaining the same name. They were lightweight and baggy, featuring lots of zippers. Today, they’ll be classified as weird-looking for the younger generation, but hey, with the popularity of baggy pants today, we’ll eventually see them back in stores.
7. Neon Colors
The 1980s would probably scare the minimalist-loving Gen Z. We’re talking about tops and pants that are fluorescent pinks and electric blues. They colored not only our clothing but also our accessories, home decor, and makeup. The rise of neon was popularized by the youth culture.
6. Big Hair
If there are men in their mullet cuts, then there are women in big hair. They were teased, permed, and sprayed to volumize. The bigger, the better! You’ll remember your mom and sister with empty cans of Aqua Net hairspray in their rooms to get that big hair, as it glues it all together. Today, women would probably cry about the idea of volumizing their hair before they go to work.
5. Acid Wash Jeans
This faded denim look is a rare find in jeans and clothing shops, as no one buys them anymore. The effect was actually achieved with chlorine, which is a process accidentally discovered by Italy’s Rifle jeans company. It dominated the ’80s and appeared on jeans, skirts, jackets, and overalls.
4. Leg Warmers
This accessory is originally a garment for dancers that made its way to fashion. Thanks to the 1983 film Flashdance, the leg warmers went mainstream with the fitness craze playing a role. As aerobics and jazzercise classes came up, the leg warmers became a stylish add-on to any outfit.
3. Japanese Deconstruction
While Western fashion was all about bright colors, Japanese designers are challenging it with deconstructed fashion. Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons and Yohji Yamamoto introduced the aesthetic that speaks on deconstruction, asymmetry, and a black color palette. They are oversized with droopy silhouettes that pushed boundaries in fashion.
2. New Romanticism
The New Romanticism movement started in London clubs. It features a theatrical reaction to the punk style that was spearheaded by Vivienne Westwood’s 1981 Pirate collection. We see blousy and ruffled shirts in dandyish coats and the heavy use of makeup for both men and women. It was an embraced aesthetic by pop stars like Boy George and Adam Ant, who brought them mainstream.
1. Power Suits with Shoulder Pads
The power suit of the 1980s speaks with exaggerated, padded shoulders. We see it in ’80s movies where it symbolized female empowerment as more women enter the corporate world. Designers like Thierry Mugler and Claude Montana created suits that were like armor with sharp angles and imposing silhouettes.