80'S Hair & Clothing Styles

Asymmetrical hairdos were popular in the 80s and continue to be worn today.

The 1980s were known for many distinctive hair and clothing styles. Hair styles were generally big, poofy and frizzy, or had a distinctive quality such as the side ponytail, rat tail and asymmetrical cut. Clothing styles of the 80s include acid-washed jeans, Members Only jackets, leg warmers and jellies.

Big Hair

According to Like Totally 80's, the general rule for 80's hair styles was big. Volume was added to hairstyles by using shampoo, conditioner, curlers, perms and a lot of hairspray to keep teased locks in place. Full bangs were also in vogue at the time. While many women spent the time to make their hair big and bold, many men did also, as evidenced by hair bands like Ratt, Poison and Twisted Sister.

Specialty Hairdos

The rat tail was a special type of haircut for men that involved cutting all of the hair relatively short save a small "tail" of hair in the back. Another style of hairdo in the 80s, the side ponytail, was achieved by women by tying the hair together with a hair tie on the side of the head instead of the back. Finally, asymmetrical haircuts were created by cutting the hair unevenly, resulting in certain parts being longer, avoiding the usual mirror image on the head.

Men's Fashion

The preppy look was a very popular type of fashion for men in the 80s, says Like Totally 80's. This involved neatly parted and gelled hair, Members Only jackets and suits with shoulder pads. More casual options included parachute pants, acid-washed jeans, high-top sneakers and jumpsuits.

Women's Fashion

Casual 80s attire for women included neon leg warmers, colorful jelly shoes made of plastic, paint-splattered jeans, friendship pins and add-a-bead necklaces. Women also started wearing suits for more formal attire, including jackets with shoulder pads.

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