6 Menswear Trends From the 80s That Went Way Too Far

The 80s were a wild time for fashion, weren’t they? I mean, it was a decade that embraced boldness like no other, with styles that still haunt some of us in our dreams. If you’ve ever seen a picture of your dad in parachute pants or your uncle rocking a mullet, you know exactly what I mean. Sure, some trends have made a glorious comeback, but others? Well, let’s just say they should’ve stayed firmly in the past. Here are six menswear trends from the 80s that went way too far—and might just make you cringe a little.

1. Shoulder Pads: The Bigger, The Better

If there’s one thing the 80s taught us, it’s that bigger isn’t always better—especially when it comes to shoulder pads. Those oversized beauties were everywhere, turning even the most unassuming shirts into armor. It’s like every guy decided he needed to look like he was about to step into a wrestling ring instead of going to the office. Sure, they added some dramatic flair, but let’s be real: most of us just looked like we were preparing for a football game, and not in a good way.

2. Acid Wash Jeans: A Fashion Disaster

Ah, acid wash jeans. If you ever needed proof that the 80s were a time when fashion was a bit… experimental, here you go. These jeans looked like they’d been through a chemical spill, and yet they were all the rage. The idea was to create a distressed look, but honestly, they often just ended up looking like the aftermath of a bleach fight. While I get the appeal of a relaxed, lived-in vibe, these jeans often made it seem like you were trying a little too hard. And let’s not forget the unfortunate pairing with oversized jackets—the ultimate “I just rolled out of bed” look.

3. Tracksuits: The Unofficial Uniform

Photo by Levi Meir Clancy

Tracksuits were the unofficial uniform of the 80s, and while they’ve made a bit of a comeback in athleisure, the originals were a different story. Picture this: guys sporting shiny, polyester tracksuits in every neon color imaginable. It was like the fashion gods threw a bunch of paint on a windbreaker and called it a day. Sure, they’re comfy, but when you look like you just stepped off a 5K run (even if you didn’t), it might be time to rethink your choices. Plus, the temptation to wear them in public? Let’s just say some things are best left to the gym.

4. Fanny Packs: Function Meets Fashion (Kind Of)

Fanny packs are back—and honestly, I’m here for it. But let’s take a moment to remember the original versions. In the 80s, these little pouches were worn like badges of honor, strapped around the waist in a way that screamed, “I’m ready for anything!” While they’re practical, the way they were styled back then often left a lot to be desired. Whether they were paired with short shorts or oversized tees, the overall vibe was more “tourist in a theme park” than “fashion icon.”

5. Mismatched Prints: A Fashion Faux Pas

If there’s one trend that should’ve stayed in the 80s, it’s the chaotic world of mismatched prints. Think clashing patterns, loud colors, and a complete disregard for the concept of coordination. It felt like a fashion designer lost a bet and threw together whatever they could find in the fabric store. While I admire the boldness, there’s a fine line between quirky and just plain confusing. Sometimes it looked like a walking art project gone wrong, and it’s probably best if we just let that trend remain a distant memory.

6. Graphic Tees with Cringe-Worthy Slogans

Last but not least, we have the graphic tee era. Now, I love a good graphic tee as much as the next person, but 80s slogans took it to a whole new level. Whether it was cheesy catchphrases or questionable graphics, these tees were often more about shock value than style. “I’m with Stupid” shirts became a staple, and let’s be real: they rarely aged well. It’s a fun throwback to look at, but wearing one now just feels like an invitation to awkward conversations. We’ve all grown up a bit, haven’t we?

Vinyl and Velvet