I'm curious about some brands I grew up with in the 90s and still see around. Just wondering about the general consensus... For example Calvin Klein was a brand I'd always see the "cool kids" wear (maybe geography dependent), but nowadays I see it as a Costco brand.
What do most people think of these brands now?
I used to own different pairs and haven't thought about them in ages so they kinda merged with Vans in my head lol. Amazing that it's still around
They definitely didn’t merge with Vans, but they may have been bought out by Converse or something.
They pivoted and like Sketchers, but apparently went bankrupt at some point.
I feel like mall skaters started to hurt Airwalks cred and by like 95 it was a brand for posers.
At least that how it went down where I grew up.
Yeah, that seems right. I had a pair of the wine color Freeride snowboard boots that I loved, and a pair of the Ones.
I had an airwalk snowboard. I still have it actually (I should throw it away). I was an anomaly on the hill. I thought it made me cool but they actually just made really bad boards.
I always remember airwalk and to a lesser degree quicksilver as being brands that your Nan thought you’d like but were actually seriously uncool to those in the know about skate fashion.
Quicksilver I think maintained a decent level of credibility within the surfing community but I was never a part of that.
Polo RL is still very popular, just not the in your crowd probably. CK is also still super popular, but moreso for women than men.
The biggest fall off IMO was Old Navy and Gap. Both used to be the “affordable basics” brands, with Gap being slightly higher quality.
Now Old Navy is just nothing, basically only children’s clothes. Gap is the same but so outrageously expensive it’s not even funny.
On the other side, a brand I’ve noticed that has had a HUGE comeback recently is Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch. Their summer clothes this year is quite literally my favorite on the market for men out of every “mall” brand. I haven’t stepped foot in one in years, but I legit spent like $200 the other weekend at a Hollister cause they had so many great pieces.
edit: crown to crowd
Banana Republic is still nice. Expensive. But their factory store and sales are usually really good! 👏
It should be noted that BR factory quality is notably lower than the actual BR quality, and should be thought of as a different brand. I like both BR and BR factory and shop from both, but I go in expecting different things from them.
The pieces that are well stocked/restocked. I think you're right. The limited stuff that comes downstream at end of season though is pretty decent.
I like their luxury comfort polos. Feels like a t shirt and wears well
I don't know why but polos that feel like t shirts make me uncomfortable (mentally), even though I love t shirts. I know, it doesn't make sense but I prefer the thicker conventional ones. Are they classified as knit?
These are softer than regular t shirts. Have you ever worn an expensive t shirt that’s a bit thicker? It’s more like that than some random blank.
Honestly, at this point, I think Gap Inc. is a money-laundering scheme. A lot of BR stores are closed, Old Navy is essentially Gap with cheaper quality, and I swear to God walking into a Gap in 2024 is almost like walking into a Gap in 1994. BR Factory is to BR as Old Navy is to Gap. Old Navy has been keeping the Gap brands afloat, but I'm not sure how true this is now.
Abercrombie has a new CEO and has successfully rebranded itself as diverse and inclusive, with gender-neutral clothing. They're what H&M could and should be if they opened their demographics.
Banana Republic (not the factory) has rebranded a ton. It’s really higher quality, less quantity, and they have a decent furniture section too now. Went into one at an affluent area in Denver recently and was shocked. Probably one of the most aesthetically pleasing stores I’ve been in (though I couldn’t really afford anything there lol).
You think gap is expensive? Most of their stuff can be had on deeeeep discount from msrp.
NGL I haven’t been in Gap in like 2 years so I don’t know for today. I remember going in and seeing their chinos for $90 and being like “fuck that” and never went back.
Usually you can catch chinos or jeans for like 30-40$. I don’t really buy their stuff for myself (get my kids clothes there though) but they run 50-60% off regularly online.
Yeah they have 50-60% off sales on their app very regularly. Their stuff isn’t the best quality, but definitely not the worst either. I lost 70 pounds this year due to sickness and rebuilt a work/leisure wardrobe from there at a really reasonable cost until I can figure out where my body wants to be weight-wise. Gap Factory (their outlet store) is downright dirt cheap, and got stuff from there too. No complaints.
Isnt gap in the verge of bankrupcy since forever?
And was using slave labour or some shit
But I remember on High School when EVERYONE needed one of their hoodies to be cooċ
And was using slave labour or some shit
Sadly, this is true for many clothing brands.
I think the trick was to walk into a Gap 2-3 weeks later and find the same thing you didn't wanna pay for on sale, by a lot. Haha
Sorry what do you mean by crown?
Oh yeah I saw Gap in Costco the other day. Bought a pair of joggers lol. But I agree, although I always thought Old Navy was shit even as a teen!
Is American Eagle having a comeback too? I kinda associate Hollister and A&F with the 00s, at least where I lived.
American Eagle was never unpopular. I do think their aesthetic is limited, but they're more popular with women now than men. They have a sad men's selection. They still think men just want to wear logo shirts.
Edited, meant to say crowd.
I walked into American Eagle, I still think they have some of the best “stretchy” jeans on the market, but past that I’m not impressed. And yes, should’ve clarified I meant a comeback from the early 2000’s.
And Gap is good for basics it’s just so expensive I can’t justify spending so much on blank t-shirts and khaki pants haha. I bet their joggers will last though.
I won't waste money on Abercrombie's shirts. For that price, I could just shop at Polo. However, Abercrombie jeans are and have always been ( I say this as someone who worked there waaayy back in 2007) very good quality. And they fit amazingly well.
When I went a week or 2 ago I got 3 knit polos for $25 each. They were on sale, I think $40 standard. That’s at Hollister though.
I have tens of thousands of dollars of Ralph Lauren clothing, everything from clothes from the early 90s to stuff that was released a couple of months ago ago. That brand has some incredibly loyal customers.
Yeah, the clothing really does last and fits well. Also, they have great customer service.
Especially the Purple label
I used to wear all of these brands since high school, but now as an adult I’d only wear Polo RL (along with his black label and purple label items). Incredible how this brand has stood the test of time.
I don’t know if DKNY has had a resurgence or if they were always dece (because I didn’t wear any of it between 2003-2022), but I like some of their recent stuff.
I loved wearing Polo (all brand under the Ralph Lauren umbrella) for me Double RL (RRL) was the best. Their niche sections in higher end department stores always had those amazing sets displaying the clothes. The denim, chinos and henleys were by far some of the best quality and most comfortable. In the later years, Denim and Supply was great, I still have a pair of their jeans and the quality is on point. I still go straight to Polo mainline for jeans and workwear. Black Label when I'm feeling extra. Ralph never lets a man down....
Ralph Lauren confuses the heck out of me with all their different sub-brands. I cannot tell which one is right for me and which one I better avoid. I believe 'Lauren' and 'Chaps' are the lower tiers, but above those I'm lost. Some of those I've heard of may not even be offered anymore. I don't know.
Totally. When all else fails stick to larger Dept. stores like nordstrom or bloomingdales etc to venture into the Ralph Lauren offered there, it's more streamlined in selection. See the variances of what's offered and try on (start with mainline and work your way around it)
Pretty sure they closed Black Label about 5 years ago
Closed Denim & Supply too but seem to be using that name again.
It's called shopping Grailed and the Real Real for Black label ;) Purple is the new Black etc. etc.
Denim and Supply is available in some boutique as well as some random RRL pieces that are overstocked (the 'black t' and chambray etc) Most likely test marketed for boutique level sales, same w/ D&S.
Yeah this is what I was wondering too, if any people into their adulthood still wore these brands.
I wonder what their secret is to maintaining their cultural relevance (I'm not familiar with their different labels) and not ending up in the bargain aisles or Costco like their contemporaries?
IMO - Ralph kept control over the brand and maintained a balanced price structure at all levels. You can find what you’re looking for in your price range from Macy’s to Saks, along with his standalone retail and outlet stores. Couple this with very good quality (even though a lot of Polo is made in China), and of course, timeless styles that remain in fashion from the 80s to present day.
Wtf ever happened to Ocean Pacific and Umbro?? Just kinda vanished by the early 90s
Umbro is still around. They make the kits for a bunch of professional football (soccer, since I would guess you’re in the US ;)) teams.
I still see Umbro here and there! I don't know if it's worn ironically or if they are thrift store finds or if they're new though. I always got OP mixed up with O'Neill...
Umbro is definitely making a comeback, their most recent collection was extremely well received by the street wear world. Lots of earth tones and interesting cuts.
Wow. I haven’t thought about those two in years. They were huge!
OP is still around.
Whatever happened to GIRBAUD??
It looks like (at least from the prices on their site) they're still doing well and haven't had to lower their image/pricing. As a high schooler I was only familiar with the logo though lol
Oh fuck. You brought up long-forgotten childhood memories.
Marithe Francois thanks you for your service.
No love for FUBU and JNCO?
I guess I was kinda thinking of those consumer "designer" brands as opposed to urban brands like Stussy or FUBU or Ecko or Sean John (lol). I never felt cool enough to wear FUBU
they fell off so long ago OP forgot about them.
Fubu is kinda still a thing though.
Got a shout out from Kendrick!
JNCO is currently hot again
Not sure why this was downvoted because he is absolutely correct. JNCO & Paco Jeans (and other "Y2K" brands) are like gold in thrift stores here in Chicago.
Just saw the jnco website the other day. Like $300 for a pair!!!! 🤯
Yeah but if you think about it, four people can wear a single pair at the same time so there’s a cost sharing argument.
😆 🤣 😂
Also to be fair.
My wife pointed out that they were 70 or 80 bucks back in the day which was SUPER expensive at the time.
So, probably not that far off comparatively.
JNCO hasn't fallen off they still have a fanbase
Or Ecko or Enyce?! Damn.
Probably should dump all my old Sean Jean shirts lmao
Perry Ellis for me
I think BOSS was once considered cool
Yes! Forgot to list that one
I've been impressed with a couple of things from Lucky Brand, and was susprised that they are a) still around, b) relatively attractive designs, and c) not cheap garbage. I don't have a huge sample size though
They have good jeans.
I have to say “feels like I’m wearing nothing at all, nothing at all, nothing at all” when I put them on. To which my wife replies “stupid sexy Flanders”
Fuckin’ Levi’s, dude, shit still stands up.
Jean jackets have only gotten cooler
And1 baby! Gotta look like Spyda and The Professor while I pretend to be a hooper.
Shout out to Escalade!
Maybe because I went to a private school in the South, but I remember wearing mostly Polo,Levi’s 505s,Eddie Bauer,Old Navy, etc. mixed in with Nike and Cabela’s. I didn’t start wearing Brooks Brothers until I got my first “adult” job after college. Don’t wear the OCBDs much anymore but still have quite a few ties I bought from a company trip to New York about 10 years ago.
Also I should add now I mostly just stick to ordering stuff online from Amazon and L.L. Bean because I hate going shopping.
Members Only jackets. They had their moment, and now when I see someone wearing one, I feel sad for them.
Fruit of the loom could make a comeback like no other fr fr on god
Benetton is definitely uncool now
I remember it from the 80s! I think it was already uncool by the 90s but I always had a soft spot for it lol
Sketchers JNCO Hugo boss K Swiss Structure Abercrombie
Starter Jackets were a big thing… haven’t seen one since the 90s
They started selling them at wal-mart for a while….it was a wrap after that
FUBU
Cross Colours
It was all about Tommy Hilfiger, Doc Martens vs Airwalks and JNCOS.
Preps and Grunge.
Do people still wear Tommy?
Not that I’ve seen. You find it places like Marshall’s and TJMaxx or Ross. Off price discount stores nowadays.
Stussy.
Girbaud jeans were the shit in 91
Karl Kani
Idk if it held up or not.
But I was recently looking at Diesel brand.
In my mind, as a 90s kid.... it was just one of those old brands. Fossil, lucky, diesel... etc...
A has been, 90s brand.
I was shocked to see it's still around, and quite expensive!!!!
Forgot about Diesel! I used to put it beside Guess and Buffalo and the like.
Exactly.
But diesel has always been double the price of those brands
Tommy is still pretty cool.
I’d say Calvin still is too
I somehow always end up buying a Calvin Klein suit
Just bought a dress shirt and it was great quality
On the nice side. Mens..
Robert Talbott Polo/Ralph Lauren Ermenegildo Zegna > Zegna Brioni Moon/Abraham Moon Loro Piana Harris (most the big fabric mild still killing it and improving their brand) Brooks brothers. Red wing boots. Allen edmonds. Banana republic.
Just of the top of my head. Surely there's tons.
I don’t think Zegna really applies since it’s so far out of reach for most of the public price-wise.
Definitely. But back in the 90s I think they were much more approachable/affordable. (Still pricy)
Hmm I think I was too young to be familiar with these brands at the time (apart from Banana and Polo), and I'm not sure how mainstream they were, but I'm taking your list to seriously look for new clothes, so thank you lol
Airwalk has had an interesting journey. Very skate/snowboard focused in the mid-90s, a very influential brand. Next thing you know they were being sold at Payless and seemed to go away from their brand identity. Looks like they are trying to make a comeback now though.