The hip hop culture is well reflected and complemented in the hip hop fashion now because it has also undergone many significant changes during its history. The different expressions and attitudes of hip hop culture are evident in the hip hop fashion that we see in today’s popular brands like akademiks.
In the 80’s, several brands like Le Coq Sportif, Adidas, Nike, Pro-Keds, and Kangol, started releasing styles that appeal to the emerging hip hop scene. Most of the clothing items at the time were brightly colored tracksuits, sheepskin, and bomber jackets. Haircuts like the hi-top fade popularized by Will Smith, and accessories like large eyeglasses, name belts, multiple rings, and heavy gold jewelry, were also very popular.
The gangsta style was popularized in the late 80’s up to the 90’s. This style consisted of plaid shirts and jackets, Chuck Taylor sneakers, and baseball caps. The late 90’s looked to the gangsters of the 1930s and 1940s for inspiration. Many shifted from gang-inspired clothing to classic gangster fashion by using bowler hats, double-breasted suits, silk shirts, and alligator-skin shoes.
Sportswears were popularized in the late 90’s as part of hip hop fashion with the prominence of Tommy Hilfiger. One particular sportswear trend that emerged is the throwback jersey. Sean Combs also brought in elements like loud, flashy PVC aviator inspired suits and platinum jewelry.
Existing clothing brands like FUBU, Adidas, Ecko Unlimited, Pro-Keds, and Rocawear, took advantage of the market for urban streetwear. New clothing lines like akademiks, Baby Phat, Sean John, OutKast, and Phat Farm, also emerged.
The “old school” hip hop trend is gaining popularity once again these past few years. The articles of clothing that’s popular lately are those similar to the early 80’s styles. However, hip hop fashion has a more diverse collection now. The collections of popular brands like akademiks are wider and appeals even to those not really very much into hip hop fashion.