Parachute pants were known for their baggy fit, unique material, and striking design, which made them a bold 80s fashion statement.
While there were countless unique innovations in the fashion industry throughout the decade, parachute pants quickly became a cultural phenomenon. They were known for their baggy fit, unique material, and striking design, which helped to cement their position as a bold 80s fashion statement. The pants were made from nylon and often showcased a wide selection of vibrant colors. And, they help to define 80s street style and pop culture. More importantly, was their relationship to the breakdancing and hip-hop subcultures of the era. Parachute pants quickly became more than just clothing , as they represented a love of self-expression, bold fashions, and a divergence from the norms of previous decades.
The Need for A Bold 80s Fashion Statement The 80s were without a question, a period of economic prosperity and social change. After living through the stagnant 70s, the widening middle class found itself with disposable income in the 80s, which was spent on entertainment, fashion, and family time. This increase in consumerism led to people exploring new ways to express their individuality through art, music, and fashion. There was the rise of the hip-hop culture thanks to the launch of MTV in 1981, and breakdancing became a massive part of the scene. Break dancers needed something that was very durable, flexible, and smooth enough to allow them to move freely on the dance floor. The lightweight nylon used in parachute pants fit the bill perfectly.
It’s important to remember that up until the 80s, nylon was limited to the manufacturing of parachutes. The material was very expensive and limited for military use. But, with the many advancements in science and technology that took place throughout the decade, nylon became much easier to manufacture. As a result, it found its way into mainstream fashion. The material was resilient and lightweight, which made it perfect for active movements. And, thanks to its durability, it was used in a wide selection of clothing styles throughout the 80s .
How Parachute Pants Became A Bold 80s Fashion Statement But, in order to understand just how parachute pants became a bold 80s fashion statement, we need to take a closer look at MTV, the breakdancing subculture, and the evolution of mainstream fashion.
Bold 80s Fashion Statement and Breakdancing The early to mid-80s saw an explosion in hip-hop. The subculture which had been limited to urban areas along the East Coast, found its way into living rooms across the nation thanks to MTV. Breakdancing was part of the hip-hop culture, and soon everyone was trying to imitate the spins, slides, and kicks they saw on the television. There was a need for a fabric that allowed them the freedom of movement needed to perform these unique dance moves on the floor. And, parachute pants quickly became the perfect option.
In fact, parachute pants became so popular during the 80s that they were often paired with other iconic hip-hop fashion accessories like oversized jackets and chunky jewelry. This unique fusion of fashion and functionality helped to make parachute pants a symbol of the hip-hop movement. By the end of the 80s, you could see parachute pants in music videos, at street performances, and even in school talent shows across the nation. The look quickly became synonymous with street culture and was celebrated as an important cultural 80s innovation.
The Influence of MTV on Bold 80s Fashion Statement Then you have the launch of MTV back in 1981. Prior to the launch of Music Television, people received their music on the radio, or in the occasional concert. Yet, MTV changed all that by bringing the music and the artist directly into the household. As a result, it quickly became a powerhouse that showcased the latest music, fashion, and lifestyle trends. One of the biggest names in pop music during the 80s, was Michael Jackson. And, in his music videos, he often wore parachute pants due to the unique and complex choreography.
There is no question that MTV’s influence on fashion was humongous. After all, it was the first time that people could see musicians and dancers visually, without having to pay to see them in concert. And, this also meant that their outfits became trendy among the younger generation who wanted to imitate their favorite artists. The outright boldness of parachute pants was appealing to people both in and outside of the breakdancing world. And, as a result, parachute pants quickly became an important part of mainstream fashion.
Bold 80s Fashion Statement and the Evolution of Mainstream Fashion In no time, parachute pants segued from hip-hop and breakdancing subcultures into general streetwear. Major fashion brands saw the potential of this trend and started producing parachute pants and a wide variety of colors, designs, and patterns. This helped to make them more accessible to a wider audience. The pants not only became popular for their style but also for comfort. From teenagers to adults, people everywhere began wearing them as part of their everyday look.
And, as the popularity of the pants continued to grow, the styles and variety also grew at an exponential rate. There were parachute pants with zippers or Velcro running down the sides, or around the lakes. This allowed them to be converted into shorts with ease, or be removed altogether. They were truly a unique style of pants, that reflected the decade’s ethos in self-expression through the embracing of eccentric, vibrant fashion styles.
The People Who Brought Us Parachute Pants and the 80s There were countless people who helped to bring parachute pants into wardrobes across the country. The most well-known was Michael Jackson. He frequently wore parachute pants as part of his outfits, due to the complex choreography that he performed both on and off the stage. Then there were the icons of hip-hop and breakdancing like LL Cool J and the Rock Steady Crew. By consistently wearing parachute pants during performances and off-stage, they solidified the pants as a stable part of the hip-hop dress code. And, their contributions to the fashion industry helped to elevate the pants from just another piece of clothing to a symbol of the decade’s culture.
The Cultural Impact and Legacy of Parachute Pants It was this culture that was unmistakable. Parachute pants were not just a fashion statement, they were an emblem of the decade’s value. The 80s was all about individualism, innovation, and a sense of pushing boundaries. And, parachute pants allowed wearers to express their rebellious spirit and embrace the fast-paced and fearless nature of the breakdancing subculture. They quickly became a bold aesthetic that helped to raise streetwear to all new levels.
Conclusion In the end, parachute pants were more than just another 80s fashion trend. Instead, they symbolized an entire movement, a huge cultural shift in the attitude that defined a generation. They managed to combine both function and practicality, which helped to capture the rebellious and expressive nature of the decade. And, the influence of parachute pants remains visible in today’s fashion industry, especially in streetwear and athleisurewear.
