1990s Fashion for Men

The 90s fashion for men was characterized by a vibrant mix of grunge, sportswear, and sharp tailoring, making it a truly memorable decade for style. From the relaxed vibe of flannel shirts and baggy jeans to the polished elegance of minimalist suits, 90s style offered something for everyone.

This era left a lasting legacy, successfully merging comfort with a cool aesthetic that continues to shape today's trends. As we look back on this influential period, it's clear that the playful and diverse nature of 90s male attire not only defined a generation but also continues to inspire fashion enthusiasts around the globe today. 

Let’s have a look at some of the most outstanding 1990's men's outfit ideas and clothing pieces that made their way to modern wardrobes.

11 Men's 90s Fashion Staples 

The 1990's men's fashion marked a significant shift in male fashion, moving away from the extravagance of the 80s to embrace more relaxed styles and a broader color palette. This decade focused on comfort and self-expression, showcasing key trends such as the popularity of denim, the rise of athletic wear as casual attire, and the introduction of designer sneakers as a prominent fashion statement.

Bomber Jackets

Bomber jackets, often referred to as flight jackets, have long been associated with ’90s hip-hop street fashion. To achieve a laid-back everyday look, consider a boxy-fit Leather bomber jacket from Aeronautica Militare, which layers perfectly over a simple t-shirt.  

For a more edgy street style, pair the Hybrid bomber jacket Maple from Moose Knuckles with black jeans and leather combat boots. Remember that a well-fitting bomber should feel snug at the shoulders while maintaining a slim fit throughout the body and sleeves.

Oversized Sweatshirts 

In the early '90s, hip-hop culture paved the way for numerous prominent brands that defined urban streetwear. Essentials like the oversized hoodie featuring the iconic swoosh, the classic crewneck sweatshirt, and the pullover adorned with the famous box logo became staples in every guy's wardrobe.

Les Deux embodies this aesthetic with its Fleece Cotton Hoodie Piece. It pairs with cargo pants, baggy jeans, or cropped trousers and can even be layered under a puffer jacket for those chilly winter days.

Flannel Shirts

A classic essential in every man's wardrobe, the flannel shirt is one of the most versatile pieces you can have. Back in the ’90s, hip-hop artists often donned flannel shirts and plaid jackets, embracing a laid-back style. You can easily throw it on over a printed tee, leaving it unbuttoned for a relaxed vibe, or tie it around your waist for a more street-inspired look.

For a neutral-toned outfit, pair brown pants with a simple white tee and finish it off with a beige flannel shirt, like the Flannel Check Overshirt Lennon from Les Deux.

Another great option is the Check-Pattern Overshirt Joseph from Les Deux, which works perfectly with baggy ensembles.

Graphic Tees 

The ’90s fashion was characterized by oversized fits and baggy silhouettes, embracing the idea that bigger is better. Graphic, band, and skate t-shirts became essential pieces of ’90s streetwear. If you're looking for ways to style an oversized graphic tee, your options are limitless.

Pair the Neighbourhood crewneck cotton t-shirt from Les Deux with loose-fitting, distressed jeans and low-top sneakers for that perfect vintage vibe. Alternatively, mix things up by combining it with modern tailored trousers and chunky footwear. 

Another stylish option is the Cotton t-shirt Late Night Service from Les Deux, which can be layered under a plaid overshirt left unbuttoned for a laid-back yet polished look.

Windbreakers

The classic windbreaker in bold block colors is making a significant comeback from the 90s throwback outfits. To nail that vintage vibe, tuck a white t-shirt into high-waisted jeans and throw a lightweight windbreaker on top.

Choose something sporty like the Logo-patch windbreaker jacket from Aeronautica Militare, or go for a bomber-style with the Logo-pattern bomber jacket Courville from Moose Knuckles. Let the jacket take center stage in your outfit, and complete the look with a pair of crisp white sneakers.

Turtlenecks

Turtlenecks have long been a cornerstone of men’s fashion, showcasing their versatility and timeless appeal. These garments have been embraced by a diverse range of subcultures and age groups, conveying sophistication and style. Their popularity stems from their ability to keep you warm and their capacity to serve as a fashion statement that transitions from casual to formal wear.

To nail the 90s aesthetic, layer your turtleneck, like the Rollneck cashmere pullover from FTC Cashmere, underneath a chunky-knit sweater.

Baggy Jeans

A solid pair of jeans is a must-have to master the vintage street-style look. Numerous brands of the ‘90s played a pivotal role in shaping denim as a key element in street fashion. Influential artists often paired baggy jeans with oversized denim jackets, perfectly capturing the essence of '90s style. From jackets to jeans to overalls, denim has become a wardrobe staple for every man. 

Mix and match various denim washes for a denim-on-denim outfit or style a pair of blue baggy jeans, like the Relaxed Rise Finn from Citizens of Humanity, with a vibrant sweatshirt and some clean white sneakers.

Cargo Pants 

Cargo pants have long been favorites for those looking to nail the skater look. To get this style just right, opt for a cropped, wide-leg design or cuff a straight-leg pair a few inches. These options are easy to style and incredibly practical, thanks to all the pockets and zippers they offer. With various styles and patterns available, you can choose from oversized and baggy to slim and tapered fits.

If you’re leaning towards the hip-hop vibe, khaki cargo pants, such as the Loose-fit cargo trousers Chuck from A.P.C., are a great choice.

For a more versatile ensemble, pair the Lightweight cotton trousers from Aeronautica Militare with a crisp white top. Add a denim jacket and a cap to effortlessly complete your summer outfit.

Bucket Hats

Accessories played a significant role, with hats being no exception—bucket hats were particularly popular in 90s outfits for men. Crafted from comfortable cotton or denim, these hats fit snugly on any head size. They were often seen in classic colors like black or navy blue, such as the Cotton bucket hat from Aeronautica Militare. However, many also featured bold patterns or logos, as exemplified by the Tie-dye bucket hat Marcus from Duno.

Sneakers 

During the 90’s era, fashion truly emphasized comfort and confidence, a sentiment mirrored in the footwear choices of the time. Chunky and embellished sneakers took center stage, featuring thicker soles and a bulkier aesthetic rarely seen in contemporary styles. These sneakers were the perfect finishing touch for oversized outfits, pairing nicely with baggy jeans or shorts. Additionally, high-top basketball shoes gained popularity in 90s men's fashion, largely influenced by iconic NBA players.  

Voile Blanche captures the essence of these vintage styles, offering modern interpretations. Their Logo-printed suede sneakers Club boast a thicker sole adorned with logo prints, seamlessly fitting into the authentic 90s dress code.

Boots

Hiking boots have become a staple in fashion as well. Originally crafted for construction workers and outdoor enthusiasts, these sturdy boots gained popularity in mainstream culture, largely thanks to celebrities who sported them on stage and in music videos. 

The Leather Hiking Boots Magnifico M120 ALTO from Fracap capture the essence of versatile winter footwear from the ‘90s.

Most Important 90s Fashion Trends for Men

We already have an understanding of what did men wear in the 90s, but what key trends should we keep in mind to truly capture that iconic 90s style? 

• Grunge: Grunge emerged as a hallmark style of the 90s, characterized by oversized flannel shirts, ripped jeans, and combat boots. To revamp this look for today, balance the grunge elements with more refined pieces, such as tailored blazers or polished dress shoes.

• Preppy: The 90s brought back a wave of preppy fashion; today, we’re seeing it reinvented with a contemporary flair. Picture bold stripes, varsity jackets, and chunky knitwear. The secret lies in playing around with proportions and mixing various elements to create a fresh spin on this timeless style.

• Belts: In the 90s, men’s belts became a fundamental accessory, showcasing a wide array of styles and designs. One of the standout trends of the time was the chunky statement belt, crafted from thick leather and adorned with large, eye-catching buckles. Another favored style was the woven belt, which exuded a bohemian flair. Alongside these bold options, more classic designs such as braided and simple black leather belts also found their place in men’s wardrobes.

• Sportswear: Sportswear was a defining feature of 90s fashion, and today, it's getting a stylish makeover with a more sophisticated and trendy twist. Imagine joggers made from unusual materials like leather or velvet paired with track jackets with unique detailing.

• Polished Streetwear: One of the most captivating trends in 90s-inspired menswear is the rise of tailored streetwear. This concept combines classic streetwear pieces like hoodies and track pants with a more refined approach. Imagine hoodies layered under blazers or tailored trousers featuring sporty stripes down the sides. This trend emphasizes the art of blending high and low elements to create a comfortable and sophisticated look.

• Accessories: Imagine pairing bucket hats, chain necklaces, and small, minimalist backpacks with your outfits. These accessories bring a fun touch of 90s style and offer a great way to play around with the trend without fully committing.