The Evolution of 80s Hip Hop Fashion: From Tracksuits to Gold Chains

The 80s was a decade that brought about a new era of fashion, especially in the realm of hip hop music. The fashion scene in the early 80s was dominated by tracksuits and sneakers, but with the rise of hip hop culture and its influence on mainstream fashion, this had all changed by the end of the decade. In this article, we will delve deep into the evolution of 80s hip hop fashion, from the tracksuits to the gold chains, and examine how this style has become a part of modern culture.

The Origin: Tracksuits and Sneakers

In the early days of hip hop, the fashion was primarily functional. Tracksuits were the go-to for their comfort, durability, and affordability. Adidas was the brand of choice, and its iconic three-stripe tracksuit became an essential part of the hip hop wardrobe. Sneakers also became popular during this time, with brands like Nike and Converse leading the way. Sneakers were not just for exercising – they became an integral part of the hip hop fashion scene.

The Rise of Streetwear

As hip hop culture began to spread, so did the fashion. The 80s saw the rise of streetwear, which was a subculture within the hip hop scene. Brands like FUBU, Karl Kani, and Phat Farm emerged, and their styles were distinctively street-inspired, featuring baggy pants, oversized shirts, and graffiti as a prominent design element.

Bling: The Emergence of Gold Chains

The 80s saw the emergence of gold chains as a fashion accessory. The trend was birthed in the hip hop community and quickly became a status symbol. Rappers like Run DMC and LL Cool J popularized it, making gold chains a staple in hip hop fashion. The symbolism behind these chains was significant – they represented wealth, status, and power.

80s Hip Hop Fashion Goes Mainstream

The late 80s saw hip hop fashion going mainstream. With the rise of MTV and the music video era, hip-hop fashion was now being broadcast to millions of viewers. Brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, and Ralph Lauren began incorporating hip hop fashion elements into their mainstream collections. The tracksuits and sneakers that were once deemed undesirable were now fashionable, and even pop stars like Madonna and Cindy Lauper began incorporating elements of hip hop into their wardrobes.

Conclusion

The evolution of 80s hip-hop fashion was significant, as it helped shape the culture and style of modern-day hip hop. The tracksuits and sneakers that started as functional pieces quickly became an integral part of the hip hop wardrobe. The rise of streetwear brought baggy pants and oversized shirts into the mainstream, and the emergence of gold chains as a status symbol cemented hip hop’s place in the fashion world. Today, hip hop fashion is as relevant as ever, and its influence can be seen across various aspects of popular culture.

Speech tips:

Please note that any statements involving politics will not be approved.