While the 80s was known for bold fashions, nothing stood out more than the ability of the visor to redefine hats of the 80s.
Whether you played tennis, went to the beach, or were just looking to express yourself in your own unique way, visors became a popular trend during the 1980s. Although designed for sports use, visors quickly grew in popularity throughout the decade. These open-top hats were designed to shield the eyes from the sun while leaving the rest of the head open to the air. And, some of the most unique designs of the 80s featured a transparent, colored plastic brim.
Visors and the Exercise Culture of the 80s The 80s were all about transformation , and thanks to the increase in disposable incomes during the early part of the decade, it was also a time for fitness. More and more people began to participate in aerobics, tennis, and other outdoor activities. As a result of this fitness trend, sportswear became everyday wear. Visors were initially used to provide shade to the eyes. But just like leggings and tracksuits, they soon found their way into mainstream fashion.
Thanks to the many technological advancements in material and manufacturing design of the era, companies were able to produce visors in a wide array of colors and designs. This also coincided with the shift towards a more casual and sporty fashion industry. Clothes were expected to be both functional and look good. Sportswear brands began to manufacture visors, not just for athletes, but for everyday wear. From cotton stitched brims with monogrammed bands, to transparent colored brims, decorated with puff paint, visors were all the rage.
Visors Were a Popular Sport Hats of the 80s So many different fashion trends influenced the popularity of the visor throughout the 80s, including the Beach culture, the fitness trends of the times, and a desire to uniquely express yourself.
The Sporty Look In the 80s, sportswear went from something that only athletes wore to something that was part of everyday fashion. And, by 1983, visors were at the forefront of this trend. Regardless of whether you played tennis or golf, visors were everywhere. In fact, tennis all-stars like Andre Agassi and Steffi made the visor part of their on-court uniforms. The visor quickly became associated with precision, athleticism, and a sun-kissed, healthy lifestyle. This is what many people during the 80s aspired to reach.
As the fitness culture began to surge, fashion brands quickly saw an opportunity to incorporate visors into their collections. They were no longer just something to wear for sports, but they quickly became part of casual and weekend wear. Visors were often made in a wide array of neon colors. You could easily match them with leg warmers, windbreakers, and tracksuits of the era. Even major brands like Nike and Adidas capitalized on visors, to create a athleisure look long before it became mainstream.
The Beach Culture Then there was the popularity of the Beach culture of the time. Everyone was fascinated with beach life. They wanted to live like those in California and Florida. The nation wanted volleyball, sunbathing, surfing, and to play football at the beach. Visors provided beachgoers with protection from the sun and created a laid-back cool look that fit perfectly into the laid-back 80s lifestyle.
Pretty soon, visors became a common sight at outdoor events including festivals and concerts. Both men and women wore them because they were perfect for hot weather. Due to the visor’s association with sunny and carefree leisure activities, it became an essential accessory for anyone who wants to project an image of a more relaxed and effortless lifestyle.
Fashionable for All Ages Although visors were originally tied to sports, by 1983 they had become so popular that people of all ages and walks of life were wearing them. Teenagers and older adults alike preferred wearing them because they were a functional accessory that anyone could afford and incorporate into their wardrobe. This helped to establish them as one of the most popular hats of the 80s.
Throughout the decade, the design of visors changed rapidly. The first generation was mostly stitched cloth designs. But, by the mid to late 80s, they were available in transparent and brightly colored plastic versions. This gave people a very futuristic and playful look that set the style apart from any other form of casual wear. Sure, some of the visors featured logos of popular brands in sports teams. But thanks to personalization and the existence of puff paint, they could be customized to suit anyone’s individual needs or tastes.
Visor Fashion – Tennis Hats of the 80s and Magnum P.I. There were several key figures who help to population the visor during the 80s. In tennis, you have legends like Bjorn Borg and Martina Navratilova who were often seen sporting visors during their matches. On the golf course, you had pros like Jan Stefansson and Jack Nicholas sporting them on the green. And, it was impossible to go to the beach without seeing volleyball players, surfers, and countless beachgoers wearing visors.
Magnum P.I. first aired back in 1980 and continued to air episodes until 1988. Throughout its eight-year run, Tom Selleck was often seen sporting Hawaiian shirts with a visor. His laid-back look quickly became synonymous with the idea of 80s cool and helped to blend casualness with rugged masculinity.
Visors as Hats of the 80s and Today While the visor trend eventually faded into oblivion, its existence still influences fashion and culture today . The visor became a quintessential symbol of 80s leisure and fitness, representing a more carefree and fun-loving attitude. After all, people wanted a way to express themselves in a manner that was both practical and stylish.
Thanks to nostalgia for the 80s, visors eventually made a comeback during the early 2000s. And again in more recent years, they made a second comeback. So, designers from around the world reinterpreted the visor in order to give it a more modern twist. Of course, they still maintain that retro feel. Regardless of whether it is streetwear or high fashion, the legacy of the visor is still felt today as it continues to provide a blend of both utility and style to anyone’s wardrobe.
Conclusion In the end, visors redefined hats of the 80s. The hat’s ability to blend both functionality and fashion was emblematic of the eat those of the decade. From its beginning in the sports and fitness culture to everyday streetwear, visors reshaped the way we express ourselves to the world.
