90s men’s fashion
Men’s fashion in the 90s was casual and simple, with a focus on self-expression. Influenced by grunge, rock and hip-hop, the ’90s inspired some cool trends that designers and brands have brought back. From jeans, pants, and shirts to hats, shoes, and hairstyles, the 90s look is for everyone. If you’re looking into 90s styles and hoping to replicate today’s vintage styles, there are many ways to mix modern and classic pieces for the proper aesthetic effect. To bring new inspiration to your clothes and style, check out our ultimate guide to 90s men’s fashion. Whether you’re looking for what to wear to a 90s-themed party, want to add some vintage pieces to your wardrobe, or just curious about what’s in fashion this decade, here’s everything you need to know.
From grunge to boy bands, hip hop, and alternative rock, the 1990s were a decade of innovative popular culture, evolving technological advances, and fashion trends, encompassing a wide range of subcultures, niche aesthetics, and mainstream movements.
While 90s fashion was unique and varied, ranging from preppy to urban chic, the prevailing themes were comfort, casual and cool. In contrast to the bold, extravagant and excessive trends of the 80s, the 90s embodied rebellion, streetwear, athleisure, sneakers, colorful clothes and fun accessories.
As men’s fashion from the 1990s begins to make a comeback, men might want to consider these stylish vintage clothing ideas and pieces from the decade. Let’s explore the best 90s men’s clothing and fashion trends!
In the 90s, baggy jeans became a signature style for men. By the mid-1950s, the look had caught on, moving from underground and niche subcultures of skaters, punks and rappers into the mainstream. If you want to add some style to your wardrobe, baggy jeans will do the trick.
The casual look of the trench coat also highlights the transition from the ’80s to the’ 90s color block. These trench coats are lightweight and casual, often paired with denim for a signature aesthetic that’s definitely retro.
Like many ’90s fashion trends, graphic tees were inspired by the subculture of the time, in this case, the skating boys. In the 1990s, bands and skateboarding brands began using fashion T-shirts to promote their brands. Graphic T-shirts are everywhere these days, and often humorous. You can also make your own using classic screen printing techniques.
Many 90s fashions were inspired by the music of the time, including the classic snapback hat, which came with the increasingly mainstream hip-hop style. They usually come with a logo or statement, and the popularity of Snapbacks among star athletes in the 90s made them unbeatable vintage pieces.
This one-strap ensemble seems to have appeared in other 90s sitcoms and some music videos. It really represents the theme of comfort and leisure in fashion, while also highlighting the ubiquity of denim.
The ’90s biker jacket grew out of the underground resistance movement and developed a fashion of its own. This edgy look has become a cool capsule piece for any wardrobe and can easily transition between punk and modern styles.
During this decade, the turtleneck was a classic wardrobe item. This look is usually paired with light denim jeans. Go for an intellectual look with light, heavy threads, or find a fitted ribbed top for boldness.
During the 1990s, hijabs emerged in many distinct subcultures and niches. Originally adopted by hip-hop artists and grunge musicians, the bandana can be worn around the head, neck, arms, or even on a belt. Versatile and classic, bandannas have become mainstream accessories.
Overalls have been in fashion since the 1990s, and it’s hard not to love this new aesthetic. Fully embracing the “comfort is king” mantra of the time, modern overalls are just as comfortable, but slim-fitting and better suited to your figure.
Ripped jeans are the epitome of grunge rebellion. The popularity of denim in the 90s meant that there was a pair of jeans to suit every man’s fashion sense. Ripped jeans are an edgy and cool casual look that originated with the punk look of the ’70s and inspired the grunge look of the’ 90s. In modern fashion, ripped jeans are no longer the counterculture icon they used to be, but they are still considered chic, unique, and nostalgic.
Bucket hats first emerged with hip hop fashion, and it didn’t take long for the trend to enter the mainstream. Wear your clothes confidently, perhaps choosing a color-blocked trench coat to go with this epic statement.
Combat boots originated in the military, but by the ’90s, black leather lace-up boots had become a niche cultural fashion statement and gone mainstream. There are many different styles of this lame style of clothing these days, but you can always find the real deal in munitions stores.
Few things are as comfortable and casual as an oversized flannel shirt. Inspired by grunge artists such as Kurt Cobain, flannel shirts are popular among men who want a bold and unique look. This style can be worn with a graphic T-shirt and ripped jeans, or tied around the waist for an easy ’90s vibe.
Denim was a big part of men’s fashion in the 90s. From jackets to jeans, denim is a trendy look that men of all shapes and sizes enjoy. In the past decade, the most popular style is denim. A typical dress code requires contrasting colors, such as dark jeans with a shirt and a half-washed jacket underneath. Still, men can mix and match different shades to find the right outfit.
Although it’s been nearly 30 years since Kurt Cobain formed Nirvana, the grunge fashion of the ’90s continues to influence men’s styles. The grunge guy’s wardrobe needs include flannel shirts, ripped jeans, combat boots, Converse, band shirts, leather jackets, cardigans, denim tops, and skullcaps. Ultimately, trashy fashion brings its own unique edge to your wardrobe, and the trend is still alive and well among men who prefer a rebellious style.
Black male fashion in the 90s was defined by hip-hop, rappers and black Hollywood celebrities. Inspired by the likes of Will Smith, Tupac, Notorious b.i.g., LL Cool J, Snoop Dogg and Bone thug-n-harmony, black clothes in the ’90s focused on making a bold statement. From sagging baggy jeans and oversized T-shirts to Timberland boots, gold chains and diamond earrings as accessories, black fashion embodied a fresh aesthetic that transcended race and culture. Many of these styles can be found in today’s street trends.
While winter fashions included sweaters and flannel shirts with oversized jackets and leather boots, summer fashion for men in the 90s was all about simplicity and a chilly vibe. Summer style looks effortlessly cool with graphic tees and tank tops paired with shorts, baggy jeans, high-top sneakers, and a hat.
Whether you’re attending a themed party and need costume ideas, or want a throwback chic throwback style, the best 90s vintage pieces combine complementary pieces to create authentic outfits for men. The easiest way to dress now is to look for 90s style men’s clothing from streetwear brands, thrift stores and sportswear companies like Nike and Adidas. If you just want to know what to wear to a ’90s party, get a pair of sweatpants and a logo T-shirt, or a pair of long, baggy shorts and an NBA jersey.
The bowl cut is simple and easy to pull off, making this hairstyle a big trend for men in the 90s. These days, men can cut their hair in style without regret. Consider pairing your bowl cut with toned or trimmed edges on the sides and back, and growing a full beard. Similarly, men can opt for the same cool look with a French crew cut or a side-swept crew cut.
The middle section makes every boy band member dreamy and every skater cool. Also known as the ‘curtain head’ for men, it doesn’t require much maintenance, but you’ll want to make sure to keep your hair’s natural curl to achieve the exact Eric Matthews look you’re looking for.
Spiky hair has never really gone out of style, but the excess hairspray used to hold these ’90s styles in place has. If you’re going for a bold, bold design, the modern version can produce healthier hair habits, a less aggressive look, and a texture-based look that’s not so hard to wash off.
Inspired by black men, cornrows are a braided hairstyle that transcends race in the 90s. Made famous by Allen Iverson and Xzibit, and later embraced by the likes of Justin Timberlake, braids became an important part of urban men’s fashion. Whether long or short, modern tacos are masculine and fresh and can be worn with many different designs, resulting in new hairstyles like box braids.
In the 1990s, men with African hair embraced this decidedly cool and unique style. While ’90s celebrities like Will Smith popularised flat top, contemporary artists like the Weeknd have modernised it. This is the inevitable way fashion is coming back today.
The frosted head is the pinnacle of the 1990s boy band look and helps accentuate the sharp edges of your cool hair. Today, you can dye your hair with platinum blonde near the roots and let it grow out. Bleached blonde haircuts continue to be popular with men, transcending any decade’s fashion style.
Long hair has long been a darling of the counterculture. In the 1990s, men with long hair were often part of the grunge fashion. The sleek, long men’s haircut pairs well with oversized flannel and combat boots for an edgy look.