The 1980s was a time of cultural and musical revolution, and hip hop was at the forefront of this movement. Along with the music, hip hop fashion became an important element of the culture, with iconic looks that are still celebrated today. Here we take a look at the high fashion trends that defined 80's hip hop.
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| Photo by Thamires Tavare Labfoto Wikimedia Commons |
Tracksuits
One of the most iconic fashion items from the 80s hip hop era was the tracksuit. These matching sets, often made from velour or nylon, were popularized by groups like Run-DMC and LL Cool J.
Sneakers
Another essential part of 80s hip hop fashion was the sneaker. Brands like Adidas, Nike, and Puma were especially popular, with classic styles like the Adidas Superstar and the Nike Air Force 1 becoming iconic hip hop sneakers.
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| Patrik Ragnarsson from Linköping, Sweden, via Wikimedia Commons |
Oversized clothing
Baggy, oversized clothing was a hallmark of 80s hip hop fashion. This style was embraced by groups like Public Enemy and N.W.A, who often wore baggy pants and oversized T-shirts.
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| Public Enemy - Photo: Alterna2 Wikimedia Commons. |
Gold jewelry
Bling was also an important element of 80s hip hop fashion, with gold chains and earrings becoming popular accessories. This trend was popularized by rappers like Run-DMC and LL Cool J.
Bucket hats
Another accessory that became popular in the 80s hip hop scene was the bucket hat. This style was popularized by artists like LL Cool J and Big Daddy Kane.
Leather jackets
Leather jackets were also a popular item in 80s hip hop fashion, with artists like Rakim and Eric B. often wearing them as part of their onstage looks.
Sunglasses
Finally, sunglasses were also an important part of 80s hip hop fashion, with oversized styles like aviators and wayfarers becoming popular among rappers and fans alike.
80s hip hop fashion has become synonymous with an era of cultural and musical revolution. From the oversized clothing to the gold jewelry and bucket hats, the fashion trends of the time have become iconic and are still celebrated today. But what is it about 80s hip hop fashion that makes it so cool?
One of the defining features of the fashion was its boldness. From bright colors to oversized silhouettes, everything about the fashion of the time was designed to make a statement. This was especially important for the young artists who were trying to establish themselves in a new and emerging genre of music. The fashion of the time was a way to express their identity and stand out in a crowded and competitive industry.
Another key aspect of hip hop fashion of this time was its ability to blend high and low culture. Many of the fashion items that became iconic during this time were not traditionally associated with high fashion or luxury, such as tracksuits and bucket hats. However, by combining these items with gold jewelry and other blingy accessories, hip hop artists were able to create a unique and luxurious look that was both aspirational and attainable.
Also 80s hip hop fashion was inclusive and representative of a diverse range of backgrounds and identities. It was a way for people from all walks of life to express themselves and their unique perspectives. This sense of inclusivity and diversity is still celebrated today in the hip hop community, where fashion continues to be an important part of self-expression and identity.
In the 80s, haircuts played an important role in hip hop fashion, and several hairstyles were popular among hip hop artists. Here are some of the most popular haircuts from 80s hip hop fashion:
- The High Top Fade: Also known as the box fade or the box, the high top fade was a popular haircut among African American men. The hairstyle was characterised by short sides and a tall, flat top that could be squared off or rounded.
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| Kct02, CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons |
- The Jheri Curl: The Jheri Curl was a popular hairstyle in the 80s, especially among R&B and soul artists. The style involved chemically treating the hair to create soft, loose curls.
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| Taft High School Public domain Wikimedia Commons |
- The Gumby: The Gumby was a variation of the high top fade, with a long, pointed section at the back that was inspired by the character from the popular TV show, The Gumby Show.
- The Rat Tail: The rat tail was a style that involved growing a long, thin section of hair at the back of the head. It was often worn by men and women and could be braided or left loose.
- The Flat Top: The flat top was another popular hairstyle in 80s hip hop fashion, with the hair cut short on the sides and back, and styled into a flat, square shape on top.
Hairstyles in 80s hip hop fashion were bold and distinctive, often reflecting the individuality and creativity of the artists who wore them. These hairstyles have since become iconic and continue to be celebrated today as part of the rich history and culture of hip hop fashion.
To wrap up, 80s hip hop fashion was in the main about making a big statement, with bold colours, oversized silhouettes, and blingy accessories. Many of these trends have continued to influence fashion today, with brands like Adidas and Nike continuing to release updated versions of classic hip hop sneakers and tracksuits. So whether you're a fan of old school hip hop or just love the fashion of the 80s, there's plenty of inspiration to be found in this iconic era of style.