The most common choices in fashion of this decade are baggy or loose trousers, fringed shirts, chinos, hobbies, and sneakers, T-shirts featuring images of the American Flag, and denim. 1980 male fashion trends were influenced by both the music and the style of groups such as the Beatles, the Kinks, and The Who. American popular culture also had a huge impact on clothing choices; popular movies like Easy Rider and Star Wars influenced many men’s fashion decisions. In fact, the film Minority Report was said to have been set partly in Washington D.C., and its fashion sense is still popular today. Men’s fashion is not solely influenced by clothes; they also choose accessories, shoes, hats, belts, watches, and hair styles.
Another fashion statement, which was popular in Washington D.C. during the time period of the 80s is “reggae.” Known as the “hipster’s choice” for those who didn’t want to conform to the more dressy common trend, it was an immediate hit with African Americans and others who wanted to showcase their sense of style. It gave an outlet for people to express themselves without being stuck wearing boring clothing. Reggae music, with artists such as the Roots and Bob Marley and Cream, made a huge impact on clothing choices as well, especially because it was relatively underground.
One of the most popular trends of the decade was skinny jeans. Although seen as trashy by many, it was quickly embraced by the male fashion community as something which was cool, authentic, and fashionable. Although still very much associated with the hippie generation, it was soon adopted by the punk subculture as well. Other popular male fashion trends of the 80s included sport jerseys, brightly colored tie-dyed t-shirts, crew necks, wide legged shoes, and the French cut.