History of OG Sweatsuits and Tips For Styling Vintage Tracksuits Today

The History and Rise in Popularity of OG Sweatsuits

Sweatsuits have become a staple wardrobe item, especially og sweatsuits from the 80s and 90s. Often associated with hip hop culture and worn by famous rappers and athletes, og sweatsuits have recently seen a major resurgence in popularity within mainstream fashion.

The Origins of Sweatsuits

Sweatsuits were originally designed as athletic apparel for training and working out. The first sweatsuits appeared in the 1920s and were made from heavy cotton or wool fabrics. Champion was one of the first sportswear brands to produce sweatshirts and sweatpants for men and women. By the 1960s and 70s, sweatsuits had become common workout gear and casual wear.

It wasn't until the 80s and 90s that sweatsuits evolved into a major fashion trend. Iconic brands like Adidas, Nike, and Champion began producing sweatsuits in bold prints and colors, often featuring recognizable sports team logos and apparel tags. Hip hop groups like Run DMC, Wu-Tang Clan, and TLC started wearing matching jogging suits as part of their signature looks.

Rise of the OG Sweatsuit in Hip Hop Fashion

In the 1980s, sweatsuits took on a new level of cultural importance within hip hop communities and street fashion. Legendary rappers and musicians like the Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, Biggie Smalls, and Tupac all famously wore classic Adidas, Fila, and Nike jogging suits.

The oversized, laidback look of sweatsuits aligned perfectly with hip hop style and culture. Wearing brand name athleisure pieces became a display of status and wealth. Trendsetters started matching jogger pants with bomber jackets and sneakers to complete the iconic streetwear aesthetic.

From the East Coast to the West Coast, og sweatsuits became ingrained in hip hop fashion and influential well beyond the music scene too. The signature juxtaposition of dressed up sneakers with dressed down sweatsuits still inspires designers today.

Adidas & Nike: Hallmarks of 90's Sweatsuit Style

No brands are more iconic for og sweatsuits than Adidas and Nike. The classic three stripe tracksuits and swoosh athletic wear took over in the 80s and 90s. Adidas especially became synonymous with old school hip hop style.

Run DMC signed a groundbreaking endorsement deal with Adidas in 1986 after releasing their ode to shell toes, “My Adidas.” Trendsetters started rocking rare vintage Adidas suits along with boldly colored custom looks. The more oversized and vibrant, the better for making a fashion statement.

Nike heavily capitalized on the rise of sweatsuits through celebrity endorsements as well. Athletes like Michael Jordan brought prestige to the brand’s tracksuits and athletic wear. By the late 90s, teen pop stars like the Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears were wearing iconic Nike suits in music videos too.

Sweatsuits Break Into Mainstream Fashion

While sweatsuits were long associated mostly with athleticism and hip hop culture, the late 90s and 2000s saw the trend gain mainstream popularity. Luxury designers like Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, and Donna Karan started releasing formal and business casual jogging suits.

Juicy Couture’s founding in 1994 and subsequent rise in popularity also helped bring a feminine twist to velour and terrycloth sweatsuits. Paris Hilton, Jennifer Lopez, and other major celebrities helped popularize wearing glammed up sweats beyond the gym.

This expansion into mainstream media and fashion helped dissociate sweatsuits from any single subculture. Wearing athleisure became a fashion statement rather than solely a musical or athletic one. Nowadays, elevated basics from brands like Everlane and Lululemon also showcase the versatility and wide appeal of modern sweatpants and hoodies.

Key Features of OG Sweatsuits

So what defines that old school, og sweatsuit style? Beyond the iconic Adidas and Nike branding, there are a few other key features that distinguish true vintage sweats.

Oversized, Baggy Silhouette

Today, athleisure and loungewear focuses heavily on slim, streamlined fits. But og sweatsuits are meant to be worn very baggy and oversized for that authentic look.

The roomy joggers and hoodies keep everything super comfortable while also adding to the laidback, chill vibe. For sweatsuits in the 80s and 90s, the baggier the better.

Bright, Bold Colors and Prints

Muted earth tones have dominated sweatpants and hoodies more recently. But og sweatsuits are known for their vibrant, saturated colors and busy patterns.

Iconic suits featured neon hues and clashing colors like bright blues, hot pinks, and luminous oranges. Some also had bold geometric or graphic prints all over for a real statement look. The aim was for sweatsuits to really stand out.

Premium Materials and Fabrics

While modern sweats are often made from inexpensive polyester blends, og sweatsuits utilized premium materials for both function and style.

Vintage suits favored thick, high-quality terrycloth and soft fleece fabrics for optimal comfort. Natural fibers like cotton and wool were also utilized for their breathability and ability to absorb moisture when exercising.

Athletic Brand Logos and Details

The most iconic og sweatsuits featured recognizable trademarks and logos from brands like Adidas and Nike. Small accents like the three stripes down the arms or the Nike swoosh embellished the suits.

Other athletic details like contrasting drawstrings, zippers, and pocket details elevated the look beyond basic workout gear. These small touches helped shape the sweatsuit as both fashionable and functional attire.

How To Style OG Sweatsuits Today

Vintage sweatsuits can instantly level up any outfit with retro vibes. Certain styling tricks help modernize the og look while still being nods to old school hip hop fashion.

Cropped and Cinched Sweats

For women, pairing high-waisted, cropped sweatpants with a form-fitting bralette or crop top emulates 90s style icons like TLC. Cinching sweatpants with belts or rolling the hems also slims down the roomy silhouette.

Statement Sneakers

Any iconic sneaker model like Air Jordans or Adidas Superstars can complement oversized sweatsuits. Metallic high-tops, chunky dad shoes, or colorful retro runners all work too.

Leather Jackets and Coats

Throwing on a moto jacket or long leather trench coat adds a more polished, fashion-forward element to casual og sweatsuits. Contrasting textures is key.

Gold Jewelry

Accessories like layered gold chains, nameplate necklaces, and hoop earrings tie together modern sweatsuit outfits. The bold metal pairs well with laidback fabrics.

Logo Baseball Caps

Vintage baseball caps with sports team or brand logos channel old school athletic style. New Era snapbacks especially mirror 90s hip hop caps.

Shopping for OG Sweatsuits Today

Vintage and secondhand stores offer the best selection of authentic 80s and 90s sweatsuits. Beyond just visiting your local thrift and consignment shops, a few other helpful tips for sourcing old school sweats include:

Check Vintage Specialty Shops

Some boutique stores focus specifically on curating retro and vintage clothing from iconic eras. Find options both in person and online.

Search Resale Marketplaces

Sites like Depop, Thredup and Poshmark make it easy to search thousands of secondhand listings for verified vintage sweatsuits.

Utilize eBay Filters

When searching eBay, use filters for items indicates as “Vintage,” “Retro,” or “Pre-owned” in the Category and Style selections.

Inspect Fabrics and Hardware

Study stitches, tags, zippers, and materials to help verify the authentic age of vintage Adidas and Nike sweatsuits.

Look for Fading and Wear

Well-worn sweats with cracking, discoloration, and misshaping signal pieces that are likely decades old.

The resurgence of og sweatsuit style highlights the staying power of vintage trends. By searching resale shops and secondhand marketplaces, you can find quality old school Adidas and Nike suits to incorporate into modern streetwear looks.

FAQs

When did sweatsuits first become popular?

Sweatsuits originated as athletic apparel in the 1920s and became more popular for casual wear by the 1960s and 70s. They really took off as a major fashion trend in the 1980s and 90s within hip hop culture.

What makes an og sweatsuit different than modern styles?

Vintage og sweatsuits are defined by their oversized, baggy fit, bold colors and prints, premium fabric, and athletic brand logos. Modern sweatsuits tend to have more streamlined, fitted silhouettes.

Where can I shop for authentic vintage sweatsuits?

Thrift stores, vintage boutiques, resale sites like Depop and eBay, and secondhand marketplaces offer the best selection of og sweatsuits. Focus on pieces from iconic 80s/90s brands.

How do I style an old school Adidas tracksuit?

Elevate a vintage Adidas sweatsuit by cinching and cropping the fit, pairing with bold sneakers, adding leather outerwear, and stacking gold jewelry.

What sweatpants styles were most popular in the 90s?

Classic Nike and Adidas track pants with side stripes and tapered ankles ruled the 90s. Champion reverse weave joggers were also hugely popular within hip hop fashion.