The Return of 90s Fleece Fashion Trends and Vintage Streetwear

The Return of 90s Fleece Fashion

The 1990s were a time of laidback and comfortable clothing trends. Fleece fabrics were a staple of 90s fashion, from oversized jackets to fitted pants. As vintage fashion from the 90s cycles back into style, fleece is making a major comeback. Brands like Phat Farm, Champion, and The North Face are seeing renewed interest from both vintage collectors and a new generation embracing the 90s throwback aesthetic.

The 90s Origins of Fleece

Fleece fabrics first emerged in the late 70s and early 80s as an insulating synthetic material ideal for outdoor apparel. But it wasn't until the 90s that fleece exploded into mainstream fashion. Oversized fleece jackets and pullovers suddenly appeared on rappers, skaters, and hip hop artists. Premium fleece apparel from brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Polo Ralph Lauren took the material upscale. By the mid-90s, bright, embroidered, and even furry fleece pieces were a closet staple.

Fleece Fashion Icons of the 90s

Several key pop culture figures helped cement fleece as the fabric of the 90s. MC Hammer's baggy fleece parachute pants established an early 90s hip hop look. The brightly-colored, logo-heavy fleece of Nautica, Polo Sport and Tommy Hilfiger adorned East Coast and West Coast rappers alike. In the mid-90s, the Spice Girls flaunted cropped fleece jackets and babydoll dresses. And who could forget Will Smith rocking extra puffy Bel Air Athletics fleece on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air?

Collecting Vintage 90s Fleece Today

These days, vintage 90s fleece pieces are coveted items for collectors and fashion enthusiasts. Rare colorways and designs from heritage brands like The North Face and Patagonia can fetch hundreds on resale sites. Hypebeast culture has also brought back the oversized aesthetic of 90s fleece. Contemporary streetwear labels borrow cues from retro Phat Farm and Wu-Wear in modern fits.

Vintage shops are packed with racks of pre-owned Polo, Tommy Hilfiger, and Starter jackets and sweaters. Simple black Champion reverse weave hoodies are back in full force. And accessories like 90s fleece bucket hats and beanies complete modern throwback outfits. For a dose of 90s nostalgia, fleece is the fabric to seek out.

Fleece Fashion is Back to Stay

As 90s fashion returns in full swing, fleece has staying power that transcends temporary trends. The fabric itself is highly functional for insulation and warmth. Yet it also has a soft comfort that appeals to current sensibilities. Compared to stiff denim and structured fabrics, fleece offers sought-after versatility between athletic and loungewear. Expect fleece to continue making frequent appearances in streetwear and athleisure for the foreseeable future.

Whether you long for the days of rocking Coogi sweaters or are just discovering vintage Phat Farm, 90s fleece fashion is back. The vibrant colors, bold logos, and carefree comfort that defined the decade have returned. By embracing both retro and modern fleece pieces, you can master the nostalgic 90s look while staying warm and stylish.

FAQs

What brands made popular fleece apparel in the 90s?

Some of the major brands known for fleece in the 90s included The North Face, Patagonia, Nautica, Polo Sport, Tommy Hilfiger, Champion, and Phat Farm. These brands produced highly popular fleece jackets, pullovers, hats, and pants.

Who were some of the celebrities that made fleece fashion popular?

MC Hammer helped popularize oversized fleece pants in hip hop fashion. Fleece jackets and tops were worn by rappers on the East Coast and West Coast. The Spice Girls also wore fleece pieces like crop jackets and babydoll dresses. And Will Smith famously wore Bel Air Athletics gear on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Why is vintage 90s fleece popular again today?

There is renewed interest in 90s fashion and styles today. Vintage fleece pieces from the 90s are seen as collectible and rare fashion items. Contemporary streetwear and athleisure brands are also borrowing the oversized silhouettes and retro vibes of 90s fleece in modern fits.

Where can you find vintage 90s fleece clothing today?

Vintage and secondhand stores are great places to find authentic 90s fleece pieces. You can also find vintage fleece from the era on resell sites. Some brands have rereleased archival fleece items in collaboration with hypebeast culture as well.