21 Popular Clothing Brands You Probably Wore in the ’80s
The 1980s were a wild time for fashion. Neon colors, oversized everything, and bold patterns ruled the day.
If you lived through this vibrant decade, chances are your closet was packed with pieces from these iconic brands that defined the era’s unique style.
1. Jordache Jeans
Remember those skin-tight, high-waisted jeans with the horsehead logo on the back pocket? Jordache exploded onto the scene in 1978 but truly conquered America’s closets during the Reagan era.
Everyone who was anyone had at least one pair. Their sexy TV commercials featuring models on horseback made them instant must-haves for the fashion-conscious teenager.
2. Members Only Jackets
Nothing screamed ’80s cool like the iconic racer-style Members Only jacket. With their signature shoulder epaulets and elastic waistbands, these jackets were status symbols that came in every color imaginable.
The brand’s slogan, “When you put it on, something happens,” convinced millions to join this exclusive fashion club. Even today, they remain instantly recognizable symbols of the decade.
3. Esprit
Esprit’s colorful, casual California style dominated teen wardrobes. Their oversized sweatshirts, color-blocked designs, and coordinated sets were the epitome of ’80s cool.
Founded in San Francisco, the brand captured the decade’s optimistic spirit with its rainbow logo and bright catalog spreads. Girls would plan entire shopping trips around scoring the latest Esprit collection, often buying matching outfits with friends.
4. Guess Jeans
The black-and-white ads featuring Claudia Schiffer made these jeans iconic. With their stone-washed denim, ankle zippers, and that distinctive triangle logo on the back pocket, Guess jeans were the height of ’80s fashion.
Founded by the Marciano brothers in 1981, the brand quickly became synonymous with sexy American style. Girls would diet for weeks just to squeeze into these form-fitting status symbols.
5. Swatch Watches
Swiss-made but anything but traditional, these plastic fashion watches revolutionized timepieces. Suddenly, watches weren’t just functional—they were fun accessories that complemented your outfit.
The bright colors and patterns made them collectible, with dedicated fans owning dozens. Many ’80s kids wore multiple Swatches up their arms or attached the guards to turn them into wristbands.
The Swatch craze epitomized the decade’s playful approach to fashion.
6. Coca-Cola Clothing
Soft drinks as fashion? Absolutely! The Coca-Cola clothing line turned brand loyalty into wearable style with their red, white, and blue sportswear featuring the iconic logo.
Launched in 1985, the collection included everything from sweatshirts to swimwear. These pieces weren’t just clothes—they were statements about American pop culture.
Wearing the distinctive cursive logo across your chest was the epitome of cool for many ’80s teens.
7. Ocean Pacific (OP)
Surf’s up! OP brought California beach culture to landlocked teens everywhere. Their colorful board shorts, graphic t-shirts, and corduroy walking shorts were summer wardrobe essentials.
Founded by Jim Jenks in 1972, OP reached its peak popularity in the ’80s. Even if you’d never touched a surfboard, wearing their sunshine logo made you part of the cool crowd.
Their distinctive striped shirts and neon-accented swimwear defined poolside fashion.
8. Jams Shorts
Hawaiian surfer Dave Rochlen created these wildly patterned knee-length shorts that took ’80s summers by storm. Featuring bold florals, geometric shapes, and tropical scenes, Jams were instant attention-grabbers.
Originally inspired by pajama fabrics (hence the name), these baggy shorts became the ultimate cool-kid uniform. Paired with a simple t-shirt and flip-flops, they represented the decade’s carefree attitude.
Everyone from surfers to suburban kids rocked these loud statement pieces.
9. Benetton
The United Colors of Benetton wasn’t just a clothing brand—it was a cultural phenomenon. Their controversial ad campaigns featuring diverse models and social commentary were as famous as their colorful knitwear.
Italian-born but globally minded, Benetton stores were recognizable by their rainbow displays of folded sweaters. The brand’s signature rugby shirts with their white collars became wardrobe staples.
Their bold approach to both fashion and advertising perfectly captured the decade’s boundary-pushing spirit.
10. Vuarnet Sunglasses
Long before Oakley dominated extreme sports eyewear, Vuarnet was the coolest thing you could put on your face. These French-made sunglasses with their distinctive V logo were essential accessories for the style-conscious.
Originally designed for Olympic skiers, Vuarnets gained mainstream popularity after appearing in films like “The Breakfast Club.” Their cat-eye frames and gradient lenses completed countless ’80s outfits.
Owning a pair meant you were serious about both UV protection and looking absolutely rad.
11. Tretorn Sneakers
Before there was Nike Air, there were Tretorns. These Swedish canvas tennis shoes with their distinctive stripe detailing were the preppy footwear choice of the ’80s elite.
Clean, simple, and instantly recognizable, Tretorns were often spotted on country club courts and Ivy League campuses. Their minimalist design stood in stark contrast to the decade’s usual excess.
The Nylite model in particular became a status symbol for the East Coast establishment set.
12. Forenza
The Limited’s in-house brand created those oversized sweaters that defined ’80s mall fashion. Their chunky knits in jewel tones were wardrobe essentials for fashion-forward teens.
Paired with leggings or acid-washed jeans, Forenza sweaters embodied the decade’s “bigger is better” philosophy. The brand’s distinctive cursive logo was a status symbol for middle-class America.
Their colorful catalog images featuring fresh-faced models became the blueprint for many teenage wardrobes.
13. LA Gear
Before there was Air Jordan, LA Gear lit up the sneaker scene with their flashy athletic shoes. Their high-tops with multiple laces and neon accents were must-haves for fashion-forward kids.
Founded in 1979 and peaking in the late ’80s, LA Gear bridged the gap between performance footwear and fashion statement. Their light-up shoes predated today’s LED sneakers by decades.
Celebrity endorsements from Michael Jackson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar cemented their cool factor.
14. Ellesse
This Italian sportswear brand brought European sophistication to American tennis courts and ski slopes. Their half-tennis ball logo was an instant signifier of continental style.
Founded by Leonardo Servadio in 1959, Ellesse reached peak popularity in the ’80s thanks to endorsements from tennis stars. Their tracksuits and ski jackets in bold colors featured the distinctive logo prominently.
The brand perfectly balanced athletic functionality with fashion-forward design.
15. Ton Sur Ton
French for “tone on tone,” this brand created those matching sweater-and-skirt sets that dominated ’80s office wear. Their coordinated outfits in a single color made power dressing simple.
Popular at department stores like Macy’s, Ton Sur Ton offered working women an easy solution to professional style. The brand specialized in knitwear with subtle patterns and textures.
Their monochromatic approach created a sleek silhouette that worked perfectly with the decade’s shoulder pads and statement jewelry.
16. Fila
Before becoming the chunky sneaker brand of choice for today’s hipsters, Fila was serious ’80s status wear. Their distinctive F logo adorned everything from tennis whites to tracksuits.
Founded in Italy in 1911, Fila became a global phenomenon in the ’80s thanks to endorsements from tennis stars like Björn Borg. Their red, white, and blue color scheme became instantly recognizable worldwide.
The brand’s blend of athletic performance and Italian style made it a favorite for both actual athletes and fashion-conscious teens.
17. Gitano
Before the designer denim explosion, Gitano offered affordable jeans with a fashion-forward edge. Their TV commercials featuring models asking “Are you wearing Gitano?” made them household names.
Available at department stores and discount retailers, Gitano made trendy styles accessible to the masses. Their high-waisted jeans and denim jackets were wardrobe staples.
Though less expensive than competitors like Guess or Calvin Klein, owning Gitano gave you serious playground cred.
18. Sergio Valente
These designer jeans with their distinctive stitching on the back pockets were ’80s status symbols. The brand’s sexy television commercials featuring models in tight denim made them instant must-haves.
Founded in the late ’70s, Sergio Valente reached peak popularity during the designer jeans craze of the early ’80s. Their form-fitting styles with elaborate pocket designs were particularly coveted.
The brand’s Italian-sounding name (though actually American) added an exotic appeal that helped justify their premium price tag.
19. Izod Lacoste
That little green alligator embroidered on polo shirts became the ultimate preppy status symbol. Before their partnership ended in 1993, Izod Lacoste dominated country club fashion across America.
The short-sleeved knit shirts came in every color imaginable, often worn with the collar popped. Founded in France, the brand gained massive popularity in the US during the ’80s preppy boom.
Wearing multiple layered polos with different colored alligators peeking out was a signature look of the era.
20. Capezio
Long before ballet flats became everyday footwear, Capezio brought dance-inspired fashion to the masses. Their leather flats with elastic straps were essential components of the ’80s “Flashdance” look.
Founded in 1887 as a theatrical shoe company, Capezio experienced a massive surge in popularity when dance-inspired fashion took over in the ’80s. Their leotards, leg warmers, and wraparound sweaters helped countless teenagers channel their inner Jennifer Beals.
21. Bugle Boy
“Excuse me, are those Bugle Boy jeans you’re wearing?” This iconic commercial line made the brand instantly recognizable. Their pants with distinctive pleats and tapered legs defined casual ’80s menswear.
Founded in 1977, Bugle Boy reached its zenith in the mid-’80s with their innovative marketing and affordable prices. Their cargo pants and patterned shirts gave teenage boys an easy way to look cool.
Though primarily known for menswear, they eventually expanded into women’s and children’s clothing.