Professional and amateur critics often refer to the fashion industry as one big cycle. Propelled by mainstream media, the fashion cycle naturally occurs when a trend is introduced, rises to mainstream popularity, then declines till it is finally rejected. Thankfully, no trend ever truly dies as designers continually strive for reinvention. As such, this article highlights the best of 90s fashion for men that have made their comeback!
Source: Pexels
Round and Oval Shades
Round and oval shades – otherwise known as ‘teashades’ – were first popularized in the early ’90s through mainstream media. Worn by celebrities such as John Lennon, Elton John, Jerry Garcia, and Ozzy Osbourne – these cool shades represented an ironic break away from the “peace and love” hippie vibe of the ‘60s and ‘70s.
Back then, celebrities showcased their unique personalities through intricate sunglass designs. These occasionally appeared in the form of holographic lenses with animals and marijuana leaves and were used to signify a sense of edge and mystery.
Today, the same edginess applies when wearing round and oval shades. Brought back in more feminine fashion, trendsetters around the world credit the soft boy aesthetic for its revival.
No longer available in limited styles with chunky metallic frames in solid white, black, or brown, modern teashades are now small and narrow and can be made from plastic. Though widely popular, this style of sunglasses will draw an immense amount of attention to your facial features. As such, they are best suited for men with pronounced features, and a sharper jawline.
Source: Pixabay
Oversized Clothing
Oversized clothing has been around for a long time. Its popularity first began in the 1920s and was characterized as the “post-war aesthetic”. It was during this time that designers took their first steps to retire tight corsets, and hobble skirts in exchange for looser silhouettes. However, despite its overall success amongst women, the men’s fashion world took its time to make the first jump.
In fact, men only began wearing looser attire in the 1980s. This evolution, by no accident, coincided with the rise of gym culture and a new, hyper-muscular vision of the male body in the media.
Its long history aside, the creation of oversized clothing for men eventually grew into a booming business venture – thanks to the influence of celebrities and interesting TV personalities such as James Dean and Tupac Shakur. These celebrities who were often photographed in large baggy outfits played a significant role in framing oversized clothing as a means of rebellion throughout the 90s.
Today, the chunky oversized look with sloped shoulders and baggy pants is still as cool as ever. In fact, the style itself is the main driving factor behind the success of modern streetwear.
Thanks to the evolution of streetwear, oversized clothing is no longer sloppy or unprofessional. This versatile style can be worn for boardroom meetings and casual get-togethers. Just think of wide-leg trousers, slouchy blazers, boxy tees, and blanket coats created by fashion masterminds Kim Jones, Demna Gvasalia, Patrick Grant, and Virgil Abloh.
Source: Pixabay
Leather Jackets
Adorning the backs of A-list celebrities like Johnny Depp, Justin Timberlake, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and John Travolta, leather jackets have long been associated with the ‘bad boy rebel’ aesthetic. From being the signature look of punk artists such as the Ramones, Anti-Flag, and Rancid, to appearing on-screen as part of a rebellious transformation in ‘Grease’ – many of the stereotypes attached to leather jackets still exist today.
Source: Pixabay
As such, the appeal for the garment has hardly dwindled. It has become increasingly common to see men in leather jackets on first dates, at weddings, and on other formal occasions. Now more than ever, consumers have a wider variety of leather jackets to choose from. This is especially in terms of color, material, cost, and cut. These jackets which were once purely made of raw leather can also now be reimagined in synthetic materials at a more affordable price.
Source: Pixabay
Flannel Shirts
If you love a good flannel shirt for its warmth, durability, and sheer coziness, then it’s the 90s grunge rockers that deserve your applause. While the origins of the flannel material can be traced back to 16th century Wales, the modern flannel shirts hanging in your closet are the by-product of 90’s reinvention. Revered by many for their earthy and artisanal feel, flannel shirts are incredibly easy to style. Besides pairing the garment with loosely-fitted jeans, you may consider layering your outfit with a vest, cozy sweater, or oversized T-shirt for an edgier look. Don’t forget to finish off your outfit with a pair of motorcycle or Chelsea boots, a belt, necklaces, and a pinky ring.
Source: Pexels
Tracksuits
It’s never too late to incorporate tracksuits into your wardrobe. This 90s fashion men’s trend is back and arguably here to stay. Channel your inner Eminem and Diddy, and pull up to the family barbeque in a brightly colored tracksuit! While not much about the style has changed, many brands have since retired their gaudy rhinestone logos and phrases, in exchange for a more minimalist aesthetic.
As athleisure and streetwear grow evermore synonymous, tracksuits are a comfortable and easy-to-style go-to look for any man who is eager to hit the gym after a long day in the office.
Source: Pexels
Double Denim
Another 90s fashion men’s trend that has made its comeback (for better or worse) is double denim. Thankfully, no matter how iconic, double denim is not back in the Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears red carpet kind of way. The days of similar-shade denim-on-denim are rightfully over.
Instead, 2022 has welcomed an evolved take on the iconic trend, seeing teens and young adults sporting mismatched denim garments. Think a dark denim jacket layered over light-washed jeans or a dark denim belt paired with a lighter vest. Beyond color, this generation is also showcasing their creativity through layering. Denim garments of different lengths and textures layered over one another create a more complex and avant-garde-inspired look.
Source: Pixabay
Combat Boots
This wouldn’t be a list of revived 90s fashion men’s trends without combat boots. There are few garments that can add edge the way combat boots do. Sleeker than sneakers yet far less put-together than dress shoes, combat boots strike the perfect equilibrium between effortless style and formality.
Today, combat boots are not only the most popular festival season shoe. These kicks have made their way into schools, weddings, boardrooms, and more! They pair well with almost any style and come in varying lengths for an added sense of edginess.
Pair your combat boots with loose cargo pants for a techwear-inspired aesthetic. Or go the old skool Saint Laurent Paris route using skinny jeans. You may even pair these boots with any style of cargo/khaki shorts for a more rugged and adventurous appearance.
Are These 90s Fashion Men’s Trends For You?
The ‘bad boy rebel’ aesthetic has evolved over the years. But the trends of its forefathers are here to stay. Undoubtedly iconic, these 90s fashion trends are easy to pull off with the right attitude and accessories. The only question left unanswered is – are you ready to channel your edgier nature?
