Ah, the 80s. Weren’t even born then? You don’t know how lucky you are.
Apparently the future was so bright we had to wear shades. I recommend very dark ones.
The Mullet
When you’re talking about men’s fashion from the 80s there’s only one place to start: with that glorious epitaph of the time – the mullet.
Saved for men (particularly footie players), it was the look of the moment. Heck, some guys even went the extra mile and had it permed.
It was a glorious thing that makes anyone over the age of 40 cringe with fear when the photo albums (they were a thing, too) are brought out of the attic.
Baggy Jumpers
Yes there was neon, bare chests and gigantic hair, but the 80s had its fair share of lets-look-as-bland-as-possible too.
No more so than in the slightly baggy (and usually grey or beige) jumper that naturally tucked under at the waist. Pushed up sleeves, optional.
Bomber Jackets
There were two different types of bomber jackets that sum up 80s fashion for men.
Most common was the usually green airforce bomber (that also came in black, blue and that shimmery maroon that was a thing back then).
But there was also the preppier version that looked like the love child of (below) bomber and a leather aviator jacket. Think Tom Cruise in, well, pretty much any movie of the 80s and you’ll know what I’m talking about.
New Romantic
The 80s, god love it was the era of the New Romantic. You can translate that to mean: let’s clobber together a mix mash of silky suit jackets (with rolled up sleeves, obv.), lots of shimmery material, the occasional sports headband and as much hairspray as possible.
Add sultry look, pirate T-shirt, a swipe of your sister’s lipgloss and voila, ready for action.
Bennetton Polo Shirt and Pringle Jumper
Ah, the polo shirt, worn open neck with collars up and slim link gold chain sitting atop newly grown chest hair, these were high fashion times indeed. And let’s not forget the diamond jumper, usually Pringle or Tacchini: two brands who nobody ever hears about any more.
It was almost like being gay was coming out of its own closet and the transition stage was the 80s. Don’t believe me? Just watch Will and Grace for evidence.
Hawaiian Shirts and Moustaches
Thanks to this guy (below), Australia went wild in the 80s for bold prints and facial hair.
Did Tom Selleck set a good example? I’m not sure about the shirt, but those high waist jeans never quite made a comeback. Not for men anyway.
White Sneakers
All you gotta do is say Back To The Future and you’ll think of a Michael J Fox (that’s not him below btw) in high top sneakers, loose jeans and a baseball jacket. And that my friend was 80s fashion for men.
Way before the 2000s, white sneakers were the staple footwear of every man and boy worth his Dr Pepper who dreamed of driving a Delorian, Ferrari or Lamborghini (it was all about cars back then).
Welcome back, white sneakers, we missed you.
Keeper, Sovereign and Buckle Rings
Rings for men were big time in the 80s and the chunkier the better.
Gold Sovereign and Keeper rings were good for the just-going-to-prison-for-a-while look and sat nicely alongside the snake head, square of diamonds and buckle ring (often worn on the little finger for that ultra thug effect).
Admit it. Your ex-boyfriend had one, didn’t he.
Stonewash Denim
Stonewash was everywhere in the 80s, and if preferable for both your jeans and jacket. More was more in those days. Hems were turned up just shy of the ankle and usually by your mum. Classy didn’t become fashionable until more recently.
Highlights and a Pierced Ear
By the turn of the 80s frosting wasn’t just for cupcakes, it had made its way onto the heads of our brothers, uncles and male celebs, and was often used to accentuate a highly layered mullet. Yep, in the 80s it was highlights a- go-go.
As for the earring? I never quite understood why boys only ever got one ear pierced. Maybe they didn’t want to look like a girl.
(Maybe they didn’t always succeed).
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