Hip hop fashion aka urban fashion is a distinctive style of dress originating from African American youth on the scene of various cities. Each cities contributed various elements to its overall style that we see worldwide today. Hip hop fashion complements the attitudes and expressions of hip hop culture in general. Hip hop fashion has changed drastically during its history. Presently it is a prominent part of popular fashion, for all ethnicities and across the world. 

In the late 1970s, established fashion brands and sportswear, such as Adidas, Le Coq Sportif, Kangol and Pro-Keds, connected themselves to the emerging hip hop scene. Here are a few of their images below.

During the 1980s, hip hop icons wore clothing such as leather bomber and sheepskin jackets, brightly colored name brand track suits, sneakers and British Walkers etc.

There were also popular hairstyles that ranged from the early 1980s such as the Jheri curl worn by Michael Jackson to the early 1990s, and hi-top fade popularized by Will Smith (The Fresh Prince) and Christopher "Kid" from Kid 'n Play, among others.

Christopher "Kid" from Kid 'n Play far left.

Pioneered by Dapper Dan in the early 1980s was another great trend in hip-hop clothing. 

It was the brandishing and adaptation of high net-worth fashion house brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Fendi. And logos in custom designed jackets, mink coats and tracksuits.

Hip hop fashion also included accessories. Popular accessories included Kangol bucket hats, multiple rings, name plates and name belts. 

Heavy gold jewelry was very popular in the 1980s. Heavy jewelry became an enduring element of hip hop fashion. The heavy jewelry was suggestive of wealth and prestige, and some have even connected the style to Africanism. During the late1980s Black Nationalism was very influential in rap, hairstyles and fashion reflected traditional African influences. Blousy pants were popular among dance oriented rappers such as Mc Hammer and others. 

McHammer

Africa chains, dreadlocks, kemetic ankh, kente cloth hats and Black Nationalist colors of green, red and black became popular as well. Promoted by artist such as Public Enemy, Queen Latifah, KRS-One, and X-clan below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 1980s for hip hop fashion was very important because it is remembered as one of the most important elements of old school hip hop.