9 Y2k Menswear Trends to Try in 2023 — KOLOR MAGAZINE (2024)

At that time, the people feared that when the 1999 calendar rolled into 2000, on January 1st, computer software and electronics would fail to function correctly. Instead, technology advanced, and so did the fashion. The favored fashion brands of the 90s like Tommy Hilfiger and Nautica, competed with the newer 2000s rappers' clothing line like Vokal and Akoo. And Polos were a thing of the past in favor of tall tees. Y2K fashion was characterized by a mix of futuristic and retro elements, creating a unique aesthetic that blended past elements with the future fashion alive and prevalent in 2023. If you're looking to incorporate some 2000s trends into your wardrobe, here are some key menswear features and trends of Y2K fashion.

8 Y2K Trends To Try In 2023

1. Baggy Jeans

2. Tall Tees

3. Urban Brands

4. Shutter Shades

5. Popped Collars

6. Sweatbands

7. And 1

8. Braids

9. Throwback Jerseys

Baggy Jeans

Denim was a staple of Y2K fashion, from denim jackets to matching sets, but baggy jeans ruled the early 2000s. Baggy jeans were characterized by their loose fit, often with a low waist and wide legs. The oversized denim also fueled the rise of a fashion trend known as "urban" or "streetwear" style, which prominently featured baggy clothing.

Tall Tees

Tall tees, like other oversized clothing, was popular for several year, but their peak popularity is undoubtedly Y2K Era. The early 2000s saw the rise of tall tees worn among teenagers and young adults. But these t-shirts weren't your iconic logo Polo Sport and Tommy Jean tees. Instead, the shirts of that era were as long enough go past your knees and always came in solid colors.

Urban Brands

You'll have to go thrifting to find clothing from these original styles from these urban fashion lines. During the 2000s, several urban brands gained popularity, especially within the hip-hop and streetwear scenes. Whether they launched in the 90s or birthed during Y2K, combining clothing from brands like Akademiks, Ecko Unlimited, Rocawear, Akoo, Sean John, and more with modern pieces already in your wardrobe is the best way to blend the old with the new.

Shutter Shades

Shutter Shades are a style of sunglasses that became popular in the 1980s and experienced a revival in the early 2000s. You and spot a pair of shutter shades by the horizontal slats or "shutters" instead of lenses. Plastic or other opaque materials used to make the slate resemble window blinds or camera shutters. Rappers like Kanye West and Soulja Boy wore shutter shades often in the early 2000s

Popped Collars

Popping your shirt collar became popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s and bled into the early 2000s. Popping the collar involved flipping the collar of a polo shirt or dress shirt up, so it would stand away from the neck rather than lying flat. This fashion trend was associated with the preppy style, and you'd often seen polos layered over polos with the collars popped.

Sweatbands

You didn't live through the 2000s if you didn't wear a sweatband. From athletes to rappers like Nelly, Lil John, and Bow Wow were known for wearing sweatbands as part of their fashion style.

AND1

AND1 was founded in 1993 and gained popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s for its unique style of street basketball shoes, apparel, and the AND1 Mixtape series. The phrase "And 1" became associated with the brand and streetball. It originated from streetball games, where players would shout "And 1" when they scored a basket and fouled. You often found these ball players wearing Sweatbands.

Braids

If you have a head full of hair and want to try the Y2K trend on a grooming level, try some brands. The late 1990s and early 2000s saw another resurgence in the popularity for braids among men, particularly in hip-hop culture. Artists like Nick Cannon, Allen Iverson, Jermaine Dupri, Bow Wow, and Ludacris popularized braided hairstyles, contributing to their mainstream appeal.

Throwback Jerseys

Throwback jerseys, also known as retro jerseys or vintage jerseys, are sports uniforms or jerseys that allow fans to reminisce about the past and evoking a nostalgic style. Throwback jerseys often feature distinctive designs, colors, and logos that differ from modern jerseys. The throwback jersey was huge in hip-hop culture with rappers like Jay-Z, Cam’ron and Fabolous rocking the retro styles.