Without a doubt, the topic of the 1990s would be incomplete if it is not connected with the fashion of 90s hip-hop. Clothing was just a small part of it; it was the whole concept. The staples of the time were baggy jeans, large jackets, and bright sneakers, and these items could be found on almost every street. The fashion was a combination of the past, the present, and the lively spirit of hip-hop. In order to understand the genre and to deeply listen to the music, we would have to bring back those days.
How do you dress 90s hip-hop?
The fashion of 90s/’s hip hop would not be complete if it lacks the correct attitude. With the oversized and simple t-shirts, flannel shirts, and the everlasting denim, you will be very decorated. Just put on some Timberlands or Air Jordans with this outfit and you will be ready to go. You are also ready with a cap worn backward, a gold chain, and a bandana. The point was not to let people evaluate your polish through the outfit you wore. It was kind of an inner feeling, expressing your fashion with pride.
In respect of style, I was acting as if I was my cousin. He had a trend of wearing baggy pants and thus I could conveniently put my Walkman in them and the pants would still be very wide. That was the cool part about the 90’s. People spoke through their clothes.
What defined 90s hip hop style?
One of the most important characteristics of 90s hip hop style was individualization. The rap idols like Tupac and Biggie were the ones who took 3rd world style global. Tupac was full of energy and always wearing bandanas and leather vests. Biggie was always rocking Coogi sweaters and cool hats, and he was never without them. Each and every one of those outfits was like a book with a story inside.
The style wouldn’t been able to be ignored due to the neon colors and the sports jerseys that were worn under the oversized jackets. Accessories seemed to be of the same value as the clothes were—if you wanted to be a ‘hip-hop’ person,’ the way to go were gold chains, chunky rings, and flashy watches.
What was the typical outfit of 90s hip-hop fashion?
The people publicly merged two types of fashion: streetwear and luxury. Practically everyone was dressed in Adidas or Fila tracksuits. The look of all-over-strap-down-overalls was quite popular. Most people went daily in baggy jeans with hoodies which were the fashion of the time.
The interesting part? Both males and females adopted the style. Females commonly combined crop tops with baggy pants. You know, Aaliyah’s signature style—tomboyish yet still trendy. 90s hip hop fashion wouldn’t have been as legendary if it were not for the combination.
What makes 90s the golden era of hip-hop?
The 90s gave birth to the legends. The likes of Nas, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, and Wu-Tang Clan elevated the culture to the sky of their own making. Their sounds became the new trends. Their wardrobe was transformed into symbols.
The period was golden because it defied all stereotypes. Rap had gone beyond its hidden places. It was global. And with that, 90s hip hop fashion was exposed to the entire world. Everyone wanted to look like a viral video star from New York City to Los Angeles. Looking back, I used to time the MTV show just to get a quick glimpse of the newest trends.
What were the four style elements of 90s hip-hop fashion?
People, who only consider music and fashion, are wrong about Hip-hop. It is based on four main aspects:
MCing (Rap) – the narration of the ghetto.
DJing – the rhythms and soundwars that created the mood.
Break dancing was the dance which showed the music visually.
Just imagine those DJs with their rhythmic soundwars that were able to create a groovin’ atmosphere.
Breakdancing was the dance that showed the music in a visual way.
Just imagine those DJs with their rhythmic soundwars that were able to create a groovin’ atmosphere.
The actors on the floors to show the sounds through their bodies.
Graffiti – the creation of the artists on the alleyway walls.
Fashion was the silent yet fifth aspect. The difference in the movement would have been very obvious if there had been no fashion of 90s hip hop. Clothing made it more visible.
Why 90s hip-hop fashion still matters?
The 90s set the stage for today’s streetwear. These brands would not be as successful as they are were it not for the hip-hop culture, which is essentially the main reason for their triumph. The comeback of baggy pants. Sneaker collections have been a representation of how much you are respected in the streets. What we have additionally now is luxury brands working with rappers.
The youth with their oversized hoodies always manage to cheer me up. The past is back doing its cycles. The energy of the 90s was still there—it just kept morphing into different styles.
Final Thoughts
90s hip hop fashion was no mere trend. Expression was its main feature. It showecased unique characteristics, confidence, and defiance of the norm. In fact, almost any item of clothing from baggy jeans to bright running shoes was filled with symbolism.
The 90’s influence is still quite strong and that is the main reason why it is nice to dress in the fashion of that time and be a delegate of the era when rap reached its top quality. So, put on those huge jeans, tie your shoelaces around the old-school shoes and with your head held high, go out on the streets. Fashion, just like music, keeps returning in cycles.