90s Skate Clothing and Today’s Revival in Skateboarding Apparel
90s Skate Clothing: The Origins of Baggy Style
Skate culture in the 90s was iconic. From oversized clothing to eye-catching graphics, 90s skate fashion had its own raw, rebellious style. Brands like Polar, Butter Goods, HUF, and Cash Only are bringing these 90s-inspired looks back, merging the old with the new in skateboarding apparel. Here’s a dive into what made 90s skate clothing so legendary and how today’s brands are honouring this golden era.
If you skated in the 90s, you’ll remember the oversized T-shirts, massive baggy jeans, and, of course, super-small wheels. This look was born out of necessity and style—baggy clothing gave skaters the freedom to move without restriction, and the loose fit looked relaxed and defiant. Brands like Polar, HUF, and Butter Goods have brought these styles back into the spotlight, each with their own twist on 90s skatewear classics.
Back in the day, companies like World Industries, Blind, and Alien Workshop were pioneers in the skate fashion scene. Their designs were bold, sometimes outlandish, and the clothing reflected the raw street style of the time. Skaters were rebels in their oversized jeans and graphic T-shirts, a look that resonates deeply with today's skateboarding apparel.
Polar Big Boys: Bringing Back the Baggy Look
Polar Skate Co. has nailed the 90s-inspired aesthetic with their Big Boys range. These pants take you back to the days when skate clothing was all about oversized fits. Polar’s Big Boys trousers are loose, with a classic straight-leg cut that gives off serious 90s vibes. Made from heavy-duty materials, they hold up well against the wear and tear of skating—just like the jeans we wore back in the day.
What makes Polar stand out is its attention to authenticity. The Polar Big Boys line has a nostalgic feel but comes with modern durability and quality. These pants are ideal for those who want to keep their skating style authentic while enjoying the comfort and flexibility that baggy trousers provide.
Butter Goods T-Shirts: Bold Graphics with a 90s Twist
Butter Goods is another brand channelling the 90s skate era, especially through their T-shirts. Known for their bold graphics and vibrant colours, Butter Goods T-shirts bring back that unfiltered, larger-than-life energy that was so iconic in 90s skateboarding. With oversized fits and eye-catching prints, these tees feel like they’ve been lifted straight out of a 90s skate magazine.
In a time when skaters embraced loud graphics and rebellious logos, Butter Goods brings the same unapologetic attitude to their designs. They’re not just clothing pieces; they’re statements. Butter Goods has tapped into what made 90s skate fashion so unique and raw, infusing their T-shirts with the same boldness that defined the era.
HUF Hoodies: Nostalgic Style with a Modern Edge
HUF is another brand with deep roots in skate culture, founded by pro skater Keith Hufnagel. HUF’s hoodies channel the relaxed style of 90s skate clothing while incorporating modern materials and fits. These hoodies often feature throwback graphics, retro logos, and oversized designs, giving them that 90s look we all remember so well.
The 90s were a time of simplicity in skate fashion, and HUF captures this perfectly. The brand’s hoodies are made with heavy fabrics, ensuring they hold up under pressure, and the looser cuts give skaters a full range of movement. Whether you’re riding in the streets or chilling with friends, HUF’s 90s-inspired hoodies blend nostalgia with durability and style.
Cash Only Decks: Skating in True 90s Style
While not technically clothing, Cash Only decks capture the spirit of 90s skateboarding perfectly. Known for their heavy 90s influences, these decks feature graphics that wouldn’t be out of place in a 90s skate video. With retro fonts, vibrant colours, and cheeky designs, Cash Only decks channel the punk-inspired, DIY ethos that was so central to 90s skate culture.
In the 90s, decks were often a way to express individuality, with graphics that ranged from political statements to pure absurdity. Cash Only continues that tradition, offering decks that feel like a direct homage to this era. Riding a Cash Only deck is more than just skating—it’s a throwback to the rebellious, free-spirited days of the 90s.
90s Skate Clothing Brands: The OGs That Paved the Way
The 90s skate scene wouldn’t be what it was without some key brands that set the standard for skate clothing and culture. Here’s a look at a few that left a lasting impact:
World Industries : Known for its iconic Flame Boy vs. Wet Willy graphics, World Industries was a major player in the 90s. The brand’s irreverent style and bold graphics became a symbol of rebellion.
Blind : Founded by Mark Gonzales, Blind was known for its innovative graphics and punk aesthetic. Blind decks and clothing helped shape the visual identity of 90s skateboarding.
Alien Workshop : With surreal, out-of-this-world graphics, Alien Workshop became a cult favourite. The brand’s distinctive designs and experimental vibe resonated deeply with skaters in the 90s.
Each of these brands brought something unique to the table, and their influence can still be seen in today’s skateboarding apparel. The rebellious spirit, bold graphics, and oversized fits that defined the 90s have made a comeback through brands like Polar, Butter Goods, HUF, and Cash Only.
Why 90s Skate Clothing Is Still Relevant Today
So, what’s with the 90s resurgence in skateboarding apparel? For one, there’s a sense of nostalgia that comes with rocking the same styles we skated in back then. The oversized T-shirts, baggy jeans, and bold graphics remind us of a time when skateboarding was raw, gritty, and full of DIY spirit.
But beyond nostalgia, 90s skate clothing offers functionality. Baggy fits allow for more movement, durable materials withstand rough sessions, and bold graphics make a statement. Today’s brands are tapping into these qualities, taking what worked in the 90s and modernising it for today’s skaters.
Wrapping Up: Embrace the 90s with Modern Skateboarding Apparel
The revival of 90s skate clothing through brands like Polar , Butter Goods , HUF , and Cash Only is proof that the skate scene is deeply tied to its roots. Whether you’re a skater from back in the day (like I was, rocking those baggy jeans and tiny wheels) or a new rider looking to embrace the classic look, 90s-inspired skateboarding apparel has something for everyone.
From Polar Big Boys to Butter Goods T-shirts , today’s skate clothing captures the spirit of the 90s while keeping things fresh for modern-day skaters. So throw on that oversized tee, grab a retro-inspired deck, and skate like it’s 1995.