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Men’s Styling Tips to Nail the 90’s Revival Trend

Some things about the 90s are best left in the past, like dial-up internet and the confusing world of pagers, but the fashions are some of the best hangovers from the decade that brought us MTV and Google. This was the decade in which streetwear became popular with companies such as FUBU (For us, by us) becoming globally recognized for their stylish take on the fashions of the time.

This was the era where elaborate clothing gave way to simpler styles that were more accessible to a younger market who were priced out of the high-end lines. Countercultures were rising up, bringing their own style to a wider audience and promoting the idea of comfort as well as the ability to signal your membership of a particular ‘scene’.

A Global Phenomenon

From hip-hop fans on the East Coast, via skaters across the US, to the relaxed west coast surf style, 90s fashion was all about being able to pursue your passions in a wardrobe that reflected the reality of your lifestyle. Skaters, surfers, and rappers were making names for themselves in the world of fashion, collaborating with some of the most popular sportswear brands to provide an antidote to the elaborate catwalk fashions of the time.

This idea was also taking off in Japan, where DJs such as Hiroshi Fujiwara and Nigo were dabbling in clothing design and spearheading a cultural shift that was being mirrored in a number of major cities all over the world. Anti-establishment subcultures began to dominate, banding together to rise up against the traditional idea of the fashion industry.

This new trend focused on practicality and accessibility over haute-couture and the increasingly popular trend for showcasing completely unwearable outfits on the catwalks. Streetwear popularised the clothing that its fans really wore: hoodies, jeans, and sweats, with a strong emphasis on printed t-shirts and sneakers.

What Has Endured of the 90s?

The proliferation of the internet during the 1990s allowed similar-minded individuals to band together online, forming social groups based on interests rather than proximity. This allowed for more collaboration between groups that had previously been under-represented.

Designers could release their work without needing to find mainstream distribution, by promoting their looks through word of mouth (and later online) and this model has become much more widespread in the 21st century. But one of the main reasons that streetwear hasn’t gone out of fashion since the 90s is that it is really comfortable, making everyday fashion truly wearable.

90s Fashion in the 21st Century

Modern streetwear has incorporated some of the major trends of the last few decades, from styles and colours to sustainability and authenticity. While some of the more extreme trends have been left behind, the appeal of comfortable clothes made from hard-wearing fabrics has continued.

Jeans have retained their classic appeal, offering a great base for the printed t-shirts that characterise streetwear trends. Plain jeans can be teamed with hoodies and puffer jackets, but some of the more elaborate styles elevate this simple item to a focal piece, allowing the wearer to express their style in every piece they wear.

Sneakers have never gone out of fashion, with comfort and style combined to make footwear that is both practical and eye-catching. Major brands continue to push the boundaries, creating sneakers that combine retro themes with the latest in technology resulting in statement pieces that can create an entire look by themselves.

The key to modern 90s fashion is balance – while bright colours, bold prints, and elaborate designs are still popular choices, they are usually offset with simpler items that showcase a single piece. A well-cut pair of jeans is a great way to showcase a fluorescent hoody or the latest highly sought-after sneakers, and a relatively simple outfit can be given a completely new lease of life with the addition of a striking hat.