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Blog / Style & trends / 20+ Greatest ’90s Fashion Trends & How To Recreate the Most Iconic Looks

Style & trends

20+ Greatest ’90s Fashion Trends & How To Recreate the Most Iconic Looks

20+ Greatest ’90s Fashion Trends & How To Recreate the Most Iconic Looks
Zoe Amora Iranzo-Lauriņa

By Zoe Amora Iranzo-Lauriņa

14 min read

Twin Peaks. Clueless. The Nanny. Sex & The City. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Spice Girls. Tupac. Biggie. Kurt Cobain.

The ’90s was a golden era of pop culture and music. Characterized by casual outfits, bright colors, crop tops, baggy pants, graphic tees, slip dresses, and denim overalls, many ’90s fashion trends are still stylish today. Athleisure and streetwear (popularized globally in the ’90s) are as popular as ever. But what drove trends in this new era?

’90s fashion trends were heavily influenced by the rise of the internet and Style Network, a cable channel broadcasting beauty-centric shows. Suddenly, fashion was more accessible to everyone, and luxury brands like Versace and Tommy Hilfiger were no longer reserved for celebrities and the elite.

Known as the decade of technological innovation, multiculturalism, and reality TV, the ’90s sparked a wave of minimalist looks, self-expression, and nostalgia. It’s also the decade when hip-hop culture was at its peak.

If you, too, want to walk down memory lane and learn how to recreate the ‘fits that crafted the era’ for your wardrobe or refresh your clothing line, read on. I have 21 iconic ’90s fashion trends for you. Plus, a selection of the best white-label products for recreating your favorite looks!

A glimpse of ’90s fashion trends:

’90s fashion was all about expressing your personal style or belonging to various subcultures:

  • Grunge (think dark flannel shirts, ripped jeans, and military boots)

  • Preppy (the cool kids’ style inspired by hip hop with its oversized t-shirts and high-waisted jeans)

  • Punk (think bold patterns, black leather jackets, ripped jeans, and choker necklaces)

While some of these trends may no longer be worn today, others are returning strong. Let’s look at the increasingly popular ’90s fashion trends you should be getting behind and how you can design your own chic look with the help of print-on-demand.

What is print-on-demand? Print-on-demand (POD) is an ecommerce model that lets you customize and sell products like custom hoodies with your designs on them—without inventory management. Your POD provider prints, packages, and ships the products directly to the customers. Its low cost and risk make it ideal for design-focused growth. Learn how print-on-demand dropshipping works.

Now, back to our topic of the day—iconic ’90s fashion trends revived!

1. Bike shorts

a woman in shorts and a sweatshirtSource: townandcountrymag

One of the most beloved fashion icons of the ’90s was the regal Princess Diana. Among the many trends she pioneered are the versatile bike shorts (especially when paired with crew socks and your favorite sweatshirt).

Hop on this comfy trend with our high-quality blank products ready to be infused with your sleek designs:

  1. All-Over Print Biker Shorts

These biker shorts feature a flattering length for all body types. Cover the entire surface with vibrant colors or a fun pattern.

  1. Embroidered Crew Socks

Complete your bike shorts look with crew socks starring an embroidered element to showcase individuality or your clothing brand.

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2. Neon windbreakers

a man in a yellow jacketSource: Printful

Neon windbreakers took the stage in the ’90s mainly due to the rise of hip-hop culture and streetwear fashion. Musicians and artists like MC Hammer and The Fresh Prince (Will Smith) often flaunted neon-colored clothing, like windbreakers, in their music videos and public appearances.

Brands like Nike, Adidas, and Reebok also contributed to this fashion trend and continue to popularize it to this day. For example, American model Hailey Baldwin is in love with the neon trend.

Brighten up your wardrobe with neon colors. The women’s cropped windbreaker is an excellent example of a modernized ’90s fashion trend made to enhance your look.

  1. Unisex Lightweight Zip Up Windbreaker

  2. All-Over Print Women’s Cropped Windbreaker

3. Bandanas

a man wearing a bandana and holding up his fingersSource: Pinterest

Bandanas were first popularized by the late Tupac Shakur as his signature style. But you didn’t have to be a Tupac fan or hip-hop fashion enthusiast to follow this ’90s trend—musicians from other genres, like rock and alternative, also wore bandanas as a fashion statement. Think of Axl Rose from Guns N’ Roses or Bret Michaels of Poison.

Bandanas may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but they sure help keep sweat out of your eyes while working out. Upgrade your athleisure collection or streetwear brand with this versatile ’90s fashion trend:

  1. All over print bandana

4. Shirt and a graphic tee combo

a woman with her hand on her hipSource: Pinterest

Unbuttoned shirts paired with graphic tees were all the rage in the ’90s. They give you the slickness of a button-up shirt and the edginess of a slogan, pop culture reference, or hip-hop artist all in one outfit.

Here’s all you need to recreate the shirt and graphic tee combo for your online store or personal look:

  1. Oversized Faded T-Shirt

This shirt features a relaxed silhouette and sophisticated wide neck ribbing, making it suitable for any occasion.

  1. All-Over Print Unisex Button Shirt

This button shirt is so featherlight that it drapes over the frame like a soft breeze. Ideal for layering on oversized t-shirts!

5. Cut-off tanks

a man in a tank topSource: Printful

Popularized by bodybuilders and workout culture, these tanks were the best way to show off your muscles. Back then, many guys wanted to look like Arnold Schwarzenegger. Nowadays, tank tops are worn by individuals of all body types.

Find the perfect tank for your ’90s-inspired fashion collection:

  1. Men’s Staple Tank Top | Bella + Canvas 3480

  2. Men’s Premium Tank Top | Cotton Heritage MC1790

  3. Unisex Muscle Shirt | Bella + Canvas 3483

  4. All-Over Print Men’s Tank Top

6. Bucket hats

a woman sitting on a railingSource: Instagram

In the ’90s, bucket hats were a must-have item for mainstream fashion enthusiasts. This reliable and stylish ’90s fashion accessory is making a strong comeback. From Lisa Rinna to Rihanna, celebs are obsessed with the return of the bucket hat.

From distressed denim and tie-dye hats with trendy embroidery designs to casual everyday wear and all-over print reversible bucket hats, we have options for every taste. Grab your hip hop fashion essential and rock the streets with one of these bad boys:

  1. Distressed Denim Bucket Hat

  2. Tie-Dye Bucket Hat | Flexfit 5003TD

  3. Bucket Hat I Big Accessories BX003

  4. All-Over Print Reversible Bucket Hat (Two hats for the price of one!)

7. Track jackets

a woman singing into a microphoneSource: Vogue UK

The iconic adidas’ three stripes have always been a symbol of style and athleticism. Whether you’re a b-boy showing off your moves, an athlete pushing your limits, a grandpa taking a leisurely walk, or a Spice Girls fan, the track jacket is a timeless fashion statement that never goes out of style.

  1. Basic Unisex Windbreaker | SOL’S 32000

  2. Unisex Lightweight Zip Up Windbreaker

8. Backward caps

a man wearing a hatSource: Pinterest

It’s believed that this trend started in 1992 when Michael Jordan started wearing his Chicago Bulls cap backward during practice. Baseball legend Ken Griffey Jr. was also known for regularly wearing a backward cap. Then, there was Mark Wahlberg in his music video. Basically, from 1990 to 2000, America’s youth culture was afraid of wearing their cap the normal way for fear of not being considered cool.

Whether you like this ’90s fashion trend or not, it’s been making a comeback and shows no signs of leaving any time soon.

  1. Classic Snapback | Yupoong 6089M

With a traditional structured fit and a flat visor and made from a premium wool blend, this classic gem hides a vivid accent—a green undervisor that gives the snapback a pop!

  1. Snapback | Otto Cap 125-978

This snapback exudes quality craftsmanship. It’s structured with a firm front panel, flat visor, and full buckram.

  1. 5 Panel Trucker Cap | Yupoong 6006

A stylish accessory for your outfit, as the flat bill gives the cap a modern twist.

9. Plaid skirts and dresses

two women in raincoats and hatsSource: Pinterest

Some ’90s fashion trends were reflective of the ’60s, like plaid skirts and dresses. Cher Horowitz’s yellow plaid outfit from ‘‘Clueless” came back in style thanks to Iggy Azalea’s ‘‘Fancy’’ music video. Fashion model Bella Hadid recently showed us that plaid skirts deserve all the recognition.

Choose one of these premium garments and add your favorite checked or tartan pattern.

  1. All-Over Print Skater Dress

This sleeveless skater dress has a simple silhouette that showcases vibrant designs in the best possible way.

  1. All-Over Print Long Sleeve Midi Dress

A dress with long sleeves AND pockets? Yes, please! This dress has a comfy yet flattering silhouette since it’s fitted on the waist and has a flared bottom part.

  1. All-Over Print Skater Skirt

Take the soft fabric and flared cut of this skater skirt, add your irresistible design, and it’s bound to become a crowd-pleaser.

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10. Horizontal striped shirts

a man and woman standing back to backSource: Pinterest

Horizontal striped shirts were amongst the most popular street fashion trends in the ’90s. They’re still a fun way to add color and style to your outfit.

Choose one of these custom t-shirts and add a unique horizontal striped pattern using color theory for an appealing design:

  1. All-Over Print Men’s Crew Neck T-Shirt

  2. All-Over Print Recycled Unisex Sports Jersey

11. Swirl patterns

a woman posing for a pictureSource: Instagram

Yet another ’90s fashion trend inspired by the ’60s—psychedelic swirl patterns are still a high fashion choice these days. Whether it’s colored tights, swirly button-up shirts, or flashy wide-leg pants, swirls are a fun way to accentuate your silhouette and add a pop of color.

  1. All-Over Print Yoga Shorts

These versatile shorts are super comfortable for both yoga sessions and evening runs. Add a swirly pattern to stay on trend.

  1. All-Over Print Unisex Wide-Leg Pants

Now more than ever, loungewear occupies a large part of most people’s closets. Turn these cozy wide-leg pants into a bold streetwear look.

  1. All-Over Print Yoga Leggings

These all-over print yoga leggings will keep you comfortable (and fashionable) even during the most challenging workouts.

  1. All-Over Print Men’s Athletic T-Shirt

This sports t-shirt is a great opportunity to freshen up any set of athletic wear with a loud, dynamic swirl print.

  1. All-Over Print Unisex Button Shirt

Combine the essence of summer comfort with a colorful, nostalgic swirl.

12. Crop shirts

a woman in a black dressSource: Pinterest

I bet you can’t walk down the street without spotting a crop top on every corner (when the weather’s nice, that is). Crop tops have been around for ages, and their popularity shows no signs of decline—for good reason. They’re an excellent way to elongate your torso and show off the midriff area.

Grab your favorite oversized pants, crop top, and baseball cap, and you’re ready to go.

  1. Women’s Crop Tee | Bella + Canvas 6681

This crop tee has a slim fit, and it’s cut just above the belly button to accentuate the waist.

  1. Women’s Crop Top | AS Color 4062

This simple and classic crop shirt features a relaxed fit and dropped shoulders for maximum comfort.

13. Tie-dye

a woman sitting on a bed holding a phoneSource: Pinterest

Tie-dye emerged along with the counterculture hippie movement of the ’60s and ’70s, but it saw another appearance in the ’90s as a grunge-inspired look. Musicians from bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden wore tie-dye t-shirts as part of their anti-establishment style. Actors like Drew Barrymore also flaunted this colorful look.

Tap into that DIY spirit and evoke some ’90s fashion nostalgia with your own tie-dye collection:

  1. Unisex Champion Tie-Dye Hoodie

  2. Tie-Dye Hat | Sportsman SP400

  3. Oversized Tie-Dye T-Shirt | Shaka Wear SHHTDS

  4. Tie-Dye Bucket Hat | Flexfit 5003TD

  5. All-Over Print Bodycon Dress (this sleek dress is a wardrobe staple)

14. Tracksuits

a group of men sitting on a benchSource: Pinterest

Once reserved for athletes and sports, tracksuits became an evident streetwear fashion piece in the ’90s. Artists like Run-DMC and LL Cool J popularized tracksuits as part of their signature looks. What’s more, the tracksuit’s embrace of customization aligns seamlessly with the contemporary fashion ethos that values authenticity.

Hop on this rapidly growing fashion trend and create your own tracksuit design with our premium blank garments:

  1. All-Over Print Unisex Bomber Jacket

From catwalks to a stroll through the park, a layered look is all the rage now. Give the look an extra pizzazz with a custom All-Over Print Unisex Bomber Jacket.

  1. All-Over Print Men’s Windbreaker

This light jacket has an effortless look that’ll fit different styles. It can easily be layered with custom long sleeve shirts, t-shirts, and tank tops.

  1. All-Over Print Unisex Track Pants

These All-Over Print Unisex Track Pants are perfect for completing the look. They’re a modern alternative to regular activewear—ideal for a street-style outfit.

15. Leopard print

a woman in a leopard print dressSource: Instagram

Once a symbol of high fashion, leopard print has withstood the test of time. It was especially prominent in ’90s fashion, appearing on hats, coats, dresses, shirts—you name it. Nowadays, you can see leopard prints in luxury brands and more affordable fashion pieces alike.

All-over print products are ideal for flaunting this playful aesthetic:

  1. All-Over Print Crop Tee

  2. All-Over Print Headband

  3. All-Over Print Recycled String Bikini

  4. All-Over Print Sports Bra

  5. All-Over Print Recycled Scrunchie (wearing your hair up was a common ’90s fashion trend)

16. Fanny packs

a woman holding a colorful bagSource: Printful

This is a fashion trend that I’m sure happy to see making a comeback. Fanny packs gained popularity in the ’80s and peaked in the early ’90s. They were embraced for their practicality and convenience, beloved by outdoor enthusiasts, festival goers, travelers, and tourists alike.

Reimagine this trendy accessory with modern designs, materials, and styling using our premium products:

  1. All-Over Print Fanny Pack

This customizable waist bag has the perfect size and has everything you need, including adjustable straps and an inside pocket for valuables.

  1. All-Over Print Crossbody Utility Bag

Designed for those who love to explore the great outdoors or dance the night away at festivals, this versatile bag will become the ideal companion for all your and your customers’ daily adventures.

17. Bomber jackets

a woman walking on a sidewalkSource: Pinterest

Another retro trend that made a comeback in the ’90s, bomber jackets were a staple outerwear piece for the fashion-conscious. Hip hop artists, in particular, wore bomber jackets as part of their signature style, often pairing them with baggy jeans, graphic tees, and chunky sneakers.

Create your own bomber jacket to elevate your streetwear collection with one of these Threadfast Apparel 395J options:

  1. Faux Leather Bomber Jacket

  2. Premium Recycled Bomber Jacket

18. Custom pins

a group of buttons with logosSource: Etsy

In the ’90s, custom pins became an essential accessory for skateboarders. They adorned their jackets, backpacks, and hats with pins featuring logos, graphics, and slogans from their favorite skate brands or music bands. Nowadays, online communities have embraced custom pins as merchandise and promotional items, leading to a thriving market for limited-edition and artist-designed pins.

Custom pins are a creative way to showcase individuality and an excellent conversation starter.

Set of Pin Buttons

19. Embroidered patches

a person with a backpack and sunglassesSource: Amazon

With a long history dating back to ancient Egypt, embroidery gained popularity in military usage during the 19th and 20th centuries and reemerged with the counterculture of the ’60s and ’70s. Nowadays, embroidered patches are an excellent way to infuse street fashion or outwear with customization, personality, and nostalgia, catering to consumers’ desire for individuality and self-expression.

Add elegance and personality to any outfit with custom embroidered patches.

20. Beanies

a man wearing a yellow beanie and a jacketSource: Printful

While first created as a utilitarian garment to keep laborers warm in cool weather, beanies enjoyed a wave of popularity in the ’90s thanks to hip hop culture and streetwear fashion. This practical, warm hat is one of those fashion trends that’s here to stay.

Nowadays, beanies are popular among people of all ages and cultural backgrounds, worn by baristas at your favorite hipster coffee shop, skaters, outdoor enthusiasts, and cool dads alike.

  1. Cuffed Beanie | Yupoong 1501KC

  2. Knit Beanie | Otto Cap 82-480

  3. Organic Ribbed Beanie | Atlantis

  4. Pom-Pom Knit Cap | Sportsman SP15

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21. Sports jerseys

a man sitting on a chair looking at his phoneSource: Instagram

During the ’90s, sports jerseys became more than just athletic apparel—they were symbols of cultural identity, self-expression, and fandom. Pair one with a backward baseball cap, sunglasses, and crew socks for an effortlessly relaxed athleisure fit.

These all-over print custom jerseys are made from 100% recycled materials—perfect for the eco-conscious shopper:

  1. All-Over-Print Recycled Unisex Basketball Jersey

  2. All-Over Print Recycle Hockey Fan Jersey

  3. All-Over Print Recycled Unisex Sports Jersey

Wondering how to make designs for your clothing line? Use Printful’s Design Maker to create stunning designs that follow our print file guidelines. Need some help? Check out our list of design tips and tools.

Tap into that ’90s nostalgia

Fashion is cyclical. For example, I thought low-rise pants would stay in Y2K, but Gen Z has brought them back hard with their baggy jean and crop top combo. Similarly, who would have expected the bucket hat to make such a strong comeback?

There’s a good reason we love ’90s fashion trends so much—they’re daring, bold, comfortable, and chic all at once.

Whether you want to add a personal touch to your wardrobe or start a clothing line with a nostalgic feel, these revived ’90s fashion trends are sure to spark your creativity. There’s something for every style, taste, and occasion.

Once you design your apparel items, why not add more ’90s accessories to your online store? Browse these trending products to compliment your ’90s-inspired fashion collection.

Catch you later!

author

By Zoe Amora Iranzo-Lauriņa on Jun 13, 2024

Zoe Amora Iranzo-Lauriņa

Guest author

Zoe is a creative writer, multilingual translator, and certified yoga instructor with a passion for learning, traveling, and global cuisine. When she's not typing away at her PC, you can find her teaching yoga in the park, reading on the couch with her cat, or plunging in the Mediterranean.

Zoe is a creative writer, multilingual translator, and certified yoga instructor with a passion for learning, traveling, and global cuisine. When she's not typing away at her PC, you can find her teaching yoga in the park, reading on the couch with her cat, or plunging in the Mediterranean.