The Resurgence of '90s Fashion in Children’s Clothing

If you’ve been keeping an eye on the fashion scene lately, you’ve probably noticed a growing trend: the resurgence of '90s fashion. What was once considered a relic of the past has come roaring back, especially in children's clothing. From neon colours to baggy jeans, the '90s aesthetic is influencing the wardrobes of today’s youngest generation. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore how the iconic styles of the '90s are making a major comeback in kids' fashion.

1. Baggy Jeans and Oversized Fits

One of the most iconic trends from the '90s was the oversized look, particularly when it came to denim. Baggy jeans, often paired with a loose-fitting tee or hoodie, were the ultimate in casual cool. Today, this trend is alive and well in children’s clothing, as the comfort and freedom of oversized fits are being embraced once again.

How to Style It: For a true '90s vibe, pair a loose, high-waisted pair of jeans with an oversized graphic tee or hoodie. Add a pair of chunky sneakers, and you've got a look that’s both comfortable and stylish. For girls, you can also opt for denim skirts or shorts in the same relaxed fit.

2. Neon Colours and Bold Prints

The '90s were all about bright, bold colors, with neon hues leading the charge. Fluorescent pinks, greens, oranges, and yellows were all over clothing, accessories, and footwear. This eye-catching style is making a comeback, with many children's clothing lines releasing vibrant neon pieces that capture the essence of the era.

How to Style It: Incorporate neon into your child’s wardrobe with a bright hoodie, a pair of neon sneakers, or fun accessories like hats and backpacks. Pair these bold colors with simple basics—like black leggings or denim—to let the neon pieces shine without overwhelming the outfit.

3. Graphic Tees and Band Shirts

Graphic tees were a staple of '90s fashion, showcasing everything from pop culture icons to quirky sayings and bold logos. Band tees, in particular, became a major trend as kids and teens expressed their musical tastes through their clothing. Today, retro band tees and graphic designs are once again popular, allowing children to express their personalities with their wardrobe choices.

How to Style It: Pair a graphic tee with jeans, leggings, or shorts for a casual, cool look. You can even layer it with a flannel shirt or denim jacket to amp up the '90s vibe. For a fun twist, let kids wear their favourite characters or movie logos from that era.

4. Tracksuits and Sporty Aesthetics

If there’s one thing that defined '90s fashion, it’s the sporty, athleisure look. Tracksuits—often in bold colours like royal blue, red, and black—were worn as both casual wear and even out for a night on the town. For children, these outfits are both practical and fashionable, offering a comfortable option that’s also on-trend.

How to Style It: Tracksuits, complete with zip-up jackets and matching pants, are an easy way to nail the '90s sporty style. Pair them with chunky sneakers, and for a modern touch, add some colourful socks or accessories like scrunchies.

5. Flannel Shirts and Plaid Prints

Flannel shirts were a defining trend in the '90s, thanks in part to grunge culture. Kids everywhere were seen wearing plaid shirts layered over tees or tied around their waists as a fashion statement. This grunge-inspired look is making a strong return in children's fashion, often with a more polished twist.

How to Style It: Throw a plaid shirt over a graphic tee for a relaxed, casual vibe. You can also tie it around your child’s waist for a more "street-style" approach. Plaid is also showing up in skirts, dresses, and even pants, giving children a variety of ways to incorporate this classic pattern into their wardrobes.

6. Windbreakers and Jackets

Windbreakers were all the rage in the '90s, offering both style and practicality for those cool, breezy days. In vibrant colours or with bold colour-blocking patterns, these jackets were as much about making a statement as they were about keeping the wind at bay. Today, they’ve made their way back into children’s closets, perfect for the transitional weather of spring and fall.

How to Style It: A lightweight windbreaker paired with a hoodie and joggers is the perfect outfit for a cool day. For a more retro look, choose a jacket with colour-blocking or bold stripes, and pair it with sneakers for a sporty, laid-back vibe.

7. Chunky Sneakers

'90s fashion was synonymous with chunky footwear. From high-top sneakers to platform shoes, these bold shoes were a key element of the era’s style. In kids' fashion today, chunky sneakers are making a big splash, with many brands re-releasing retro designs.

How to Style It: Pair chunky sneakers with baggy jeans, leggings, or dresses for a fun, fashionable look. For boys, combine them with shorts and a simple tee, and for girls, wear them with skirts or dresses for an edgy, cool twist.

8. Scrunchies and Hair Accessories

The '90s were the golden age of hair accessories, and scrunchies were at the top of the list. These oversized, fluffy hair ties in vibrant colours and fabrics were a staple for children of that era. Scrunchies have made a massive return, now available in countless patterns, textures, and even oversized styles.

How to Style It: Let your child rock a scrunchie with a ponytail or use it to accessorise a braid. You can also find matching scrunchie sets that coordinate with outfits or other accessories, like backpacks and headbands, for a coordinated, '90s-inspired look.

9. Overalls and Dungarees

Another signature '90s look was overalls—both denim and corduroy styles were hugely popular. These versatile pieces were worn by children of all ages and often paired with basic tees or sweaters. Today, overalls are back in a big way, offering comfort and style for kids who want a functional yet fashionable look.

How to Style It: For a true '90s look, pair overalls with a striped tee or graphic top. Add some chunky sneakers, and your child is ready to take on the world. For a dressier take, opt for corduroy overalls paired with a button-up shirt or knit sweater.

Conclusion

The '90s are back in a big way, and kids’ fashion is embracing all the fun, bold, and nostalgic trends that made the decade so iconic. From baggy jeans and neon colours to graphic tees and scrunchies, the spirit of the '90s is alive and well in children’s clothing today. Whether you're nostalgic for your own childhood or excited to dress your little ones in the vibrant, playful styles of the past, one thing’s for sure: '90s fashion is here to stay for kids, offering a perfect blend of comfort, nostalgia, and personality.