In the early 2000s, hip hop 2000s fashion made the transition from flashy streetwear to more refined streetwear. The wide-leg pants and baggy jeans of hip hop culture were replaced by tight and stylish clothing. The artists of hip hop continued to use their music and fashion to revolutionize society. This helped them gain massive fan base across the globe.
Some of the most notable hip hop icons from this era were Nelly, Biggie, Ali, and Tupac. During the early 2000s, baggy jeans, Timberland boots, and G-Unit shoes were also very popular. The early 2000s also saw the rise of blinged-up teeth in male hip hop fashion.
What are Hip Hop Style Staples?
As hip hop style evolved, so did its clothing and accessories. Brightly colored, oversized t-shirts, baggy pants, heavy gold chain accessories, and dreadlocks were among the most common hip hop style staples. Bright colors were also a major part of the hip hop style, signaling black pride and representing black heritage. Oversized denim jeans and camouflage cargo pants were also popular in the 1990s.
Hip hop style became mainstream, and the check flannel shirt was a common wardrobe staple. In the early 90s, drug dealers often wore it as a status symbol. It was cheap and versatile and provided an easy way to inject color into an outfit. Unlike traditional dress codes, flannel shirts were never buttoned. Similarly, leather flight jackets were a staple piece of hip hop clothing. These were typically heavy, covered in patches, and made to last. They paired well with jeans and made a bold fashion statement.
Brief History of Hip Hop Fashion
Hip hop fashion is a unique style of clothing that originated from the inner city youth scene of New York. It has continued to evolve to this day. Early hip hop fashion was characterized by bandana scarves worn by rappers and gang members. Rappers also wore clothing that featured distinct colors and uniform designs.
The style of hip hop was often characterized by an attitude of railing against boundaries and limitations. Early hip hop groups embraced theatricality in their look. The fashion was often over the top and over-the-top. This included leather jackets and leather pants, ripped jeans and oversized hats. Some groups even wore full suits and mink coats. Some groups, like Run-DMC and M.C. Hammer, became so fashionable that they were able to compete in fashion with their peers.
As the 2000s passed, baggy clothes became out of fashion. Hip hop artists started wearing more fitted clothes. The trucker hat symbolised a new way of life and an alternative way of dressing. During this time, hip hop fashion began to merge with other styles of fashion. Today, many hip hop artists mix high fashion with oversized sportswear. Their clothes are very unique and show their style, as well as the identity of their groups.
Brands of Style
In the 2000s, hip hop fashion had its share of staple pieces and was popular among both men and women. Hip hop culture was beginning to discover the power of status symbols and designer labels began competing for placement in music videos. Trends in the 2000s included oversized gold statement jewelry, bold sunglasses, and blinged-out arm candy. Tank tops were also staples in 2000s fashion for men and women.
Hip hop fashion designers remained in the limelight during the 2000s, but with the rise of fast-fashion brands, the fashion industry suffered. In addition to a decline in sales, these brands have been struggling to retain their original appeal. Some of the most notable brands in hip hop fashion are Reebok, Adidas, and Kangol. Carhartt, Champion, and Timberland were also associated with the hip hop scene.
Conclusion
In the early 2000s, hip hop fashion evolved from its streetwear roots into a more subtle style. The style evolved from baggy jeans to more fitted clothing and most women switched to a more tailored look. Despite the change, hip hop artists continued to create music and change the way people lived. Their following continued to grow all over the world.
In the late 2000s, hip hop fashion became a subculture. But, it briefly came back into mainstream pop culture. In part, this revival was a result of schools removing hip hop from the curriculum in the 1990s. However, the hip hop revival has also occurred outside of school.
