Men’s and Women’s Hip-Hop Fashion: A Timeline

Hip-hop culture is more than just music. It’s also about fresh fits. Check out the evolution of men’s and women’s hip-hop fashion to inspire your wardrobe.

WHAT EXACTLY IS HIP-HOP FASHION?

The history of hip-hop fashion comes from the streets of New York City in the ’70s and ’80s. When you think of hip-hop fashion, rapper-style clothing might immediately come to mind. Baggy attire, vibrant colors, bold looks, and streetwear are key elements of this style. Although hip-hop fashion has changed a bit over time, one thing remains the same: it allows us to rebel against societal norms, challenge gender roles, and reclaim our individuality while staying true to ourselves.

’70S HIP-HOP FASHION

The ’70s were a crucial moment for hip-hop fashion. This decade blended athletic wear and streetwear. Dance crews made looks like tracksuits and sneakers popular as they were easy to move in. Bold gold jewelry pieces were also a must-have.

KEY ELEMENTS OF ’70S HIP-HOP FASHION

• • Athletic Sneakers
• • Sneakers
• • Gold chains and bold jewelry
• • Sporty, functional streetwear

GET THE LOOK

Both men and women can slay ’70s hip-hop fashion. Check out women’s tracksuits and men’s tracksuits to tap into this decade. Look for tracksuits with sporty details, like the True Sporty Shrunken Track Jacket with a funnel neck and raglan sleeve piping. Don’t forget to pair your fit with gold jewelry.

’80S HIP-HOP FASHION

The ’80s were an iconic moment for hip-hop fashion. Tracksuits and sneakers were still popular, but so were leather jackets and oversized t-shirts and jeans or sweatpants. Accessories like bucket hats were also a staple, and they were made mainstream by iconic male hip-hop artists like LL Cool J. Additionally, bucket hats were a big part of ’80s female hip-hop fashion (shoutout to MC Lyte!). Large sunglasses completed the ’80s hip-hop wardrobe.

KEY ELEMENTS OF ’80S HIP-HOP FASHION

• • Tracksuits and sneakers
• • Leather jackets
• • Oversized t-shirts and sweatpants
• • Bucket hats
• • Large sunglasses

GET THE LOOK

Start your look with a graphic t-shirt, like the Logo Pins Heavyweight Tee, and go up a size or two for an oversized look. As for bottoms, look for baggy jeans like the Vinny Workwear Super T Ultra Baggy Jean. Ladies, don’t be afraid to rock the baggy pants look, too—try the Bobbi Baggy Cargo Pant or the Bobbi Mid Rise Big T Baggy Jean for an ultra-relaxed look. Don’t forget a bucket hat—make a statement with the Monogram Bucket Hat, or keep it simple with the Logo Bucket Hat. Add oversized sunnies like the Flat Top Rectangle Sunglasses to finish the look.

’90S HIP-HOP FASHION

Baggy, oversized clothing was still popular in ’90s hip-hop fashion for men and women, but with a rise in paisley prints and bandanas. When it comes to footwear, icons like Tupac and Biggie were rocking workwear boots. As for ’90s hip-hop female fashion, crop tops were a must, especially when paired with oversized jeans.

KEY ELEMENTS OF ’90S HIP-HOP FASHION

• • Baggy jeans and oversized clothing
• • Paisley prints and bandanas
• • Workwear boots
• • Crop tops

GET THE LOOK

If you’re looking for paisley print clothing and accessories, check out these pieces:

• • Paisley Bucket Hat: Bucket hats were on-trend in the ’90s, and paisley looks extra fresh.
• • Bobby Paisley Super T Baggy Jean: These light-blue paisley jeans look fresh with any fit.

Crop tops are a must-have for summer days. Throw on the Logo Crop Tank or the Seamless Crop Tank Top to look hot while staying cool.

2000S HIP-HOP FASHION

Oversized clothing was still king in the 2000s, with baseball and trucker hats, graphic tees, and jerseys entering the mix. Low-rise pants, especially ones with graphic or embroidered designs, were also having their moment. Hip-hop artists like Missy Elliott added statement jewelry, like chain necklaces and hoop earrings, for added bling.

KEY ELEMENTS OF 2000S HIP-HOP FASHION

• • Oversized graphic tees
• • Trucker hats and baseball caps
• • Baggy embroidered jeans
• • Low-rise jeans with embellishments
• • Statement jewelry

GET THE LOOK

True Religion’s embroidered jeans are a must-have if you want to cop the 2000s hip-hop aesthetic. For a unique and feminine touch, try the Bobbi Crystal Cutout Big T Baggy Jean, which features a crystal-trimmed thigh cutout and iconic Big T stitching, along with horseshoe detailing on the back flap pockets. Men will appreciate baggy jeans with a modern touch like the Mikey Super T Baggy AF Jean. These jeans feature bold red Super T stitching for an iconic look. Don’t forget to shop graphic tees, baseball hats, and trucker hats to complete your 2000s hip-hop fit.

HIP-HOP FASHION TODAY

Hip-hop fashion today blends streetwear with self-expression. The key to creating a hip-hop-inspired outfit is to stay true to yourself, like rapper YG, who combines effortless streetwear with iconic True Religion denim. Own your true self and shop YG favorites.