Ah, the 90s and 2000s—when fashion was louder, shinier, and way baggier than necessary. We strutted around in velour tracksuits, rhinestone-covered jeans, and sneakers that looked like spaceships, thinking we were icons. But looking back? Yikes. These brands aged like expired milk, and we’re here to roast them properly.
JNCO – The Jeans That Could Smuggle a Whole Family
JNCO jeans were the official uniform of rebellious skaters and angsty teenagers who thought “the wider, the better” was a legitimate fashion rule. Some pant legs measured 50 inches wide—yes, FIFTY.
Today, they look absolutely absurd. These jeans weren’t just baggy—they were basically portable fabric tunnels. If you saw someone wearing them in 2024, you’d assume they were in a rave time machine.
Can JNCO make a comeback? Highly unlikely unless you’re attending a 90s-themed party or trying to terrify your grandparents. Some skaters still love them, but they belong in a museum.
Von Dutch – The Trucker Hat That Broke Our Brains
Von Dutch made us believe that trucker hats were peak fashion. If you weren’t wearing one in the early 2000s, were you even trying to be cool? Paris Hilton and Ashton Kutcher sure thought so.
Now, these hats look downright laughable. The logo was unnecessarily large, the colors were random, and the entire aesthetic screamed “2003 reality show contestant.” Did we really think mesh hats were high fashion?
Would we wear them again? Well, thanks to Gen Z irony, Von Dutch is making a small comeback. But unless you’re an influencer trying to be ironically trendy, maybe leave it in the past.
Juicy Couture – The Tracksuit That Hugged Our Butts Too Much
Juicy Couture convinced us that velour tracksuits with “Juicy” written across our backsides were high fashion. Bonus points if you had a matching handbag and an unhealthy obsession with lip gloss.
Looking at them now, they feel almost illegal. Who thought it was a good idea to stamp words onto butts? And why did we all think dressing like a rich lady at a spa was cool?
Juicy Couture made a successful return, and nostalgia is a powerful drug. So, maybe people would start wearing this again. Celebrities have done it already, and suddenly, it doesn’t seem so bad.
Baby Phat – Bedazzled Logos and Unnecessary Fur Trim
If you wanted to stunt in the early 2000s, you needed Baby Phat. Kimora Lee Simmons gave us blinged-out, fur-trimmed jackets, and teeny tiny crop tops with a signature cat logo.
Today, Baby Phat looks like a fever dream of rhinestones and excess. Everything was too shiny, too furry, and too logo-heavy. Wearing it now might make you look like you got lost on your way to MTV Cribs.
Maybe we can still wear it, but only in small doses. Some Y2K lovers are bringing it back, but an entire Baby Phat outfit might still get you weird stares at Target.
Ed Hardy – When Your T-Shirt Yelled at Everyone
Ed Hardy shirts were aggressive, loud, and covered in tattoos—even if the person wearing them had zero actual tattoos. If you wanted to blind people with your outfit, Ed Hardy had your back.
Now, they look like the worst parts of 2007 threw up on fabric. Tribal designs, random skulls, unnecessary rhinestones—it was chaos in T-shirt form. Wearing one today is a bold fashion crime.
The question now: can we bring it back? Please, no. Some ironic fashion lovers are trying, but Ed Hardy needs to stay where it belongs—deep in your ex-boyfriend’s closet from 2009.
True Religion – The Jeans That Made Stitching an Olympic Sport
True Religion was for people who wanted their jeans to scream, “I spent $300 on these.” The stitching was so dramatic that it could probably be seen from space.
Looking at them today, they are comically overdesigned. Those giant horseshoe pockets? Unnecessary. The thick, contrast stitching? Louder than your Bluetooth speaker at full volume!
Should you wear it again? Maybe if you’re brave. (We’re not.) Some influencers are sneaking them back into streetwear but be prepared for the confused looks of millennials who survived the first round.
Apple Bottoms – Booty-First Fashion
Before brands cared about body inclusivity, Apple Bottoms made jeans specifically for curvier women. It was all about highlighting the booty, and Nelly made sure we knew it.
Now, those bedazzled Apple Bottom logos seem a little too much. The rhinestones, the over-the-top embroidery, and the sheer amount of pocket designs make them look like a time capsule of 2006 mall culture.
With body positivity taking center stage, Apple Bottoms could totally make a comeback—but maybe with less rhinestone abuse. Sing with us! Apple Bottom Jeans, boots with the fur!
Ecko Unltd. – The Rhino That Wouldn’t Quit
Ecko was the go-to brand for oversized hoodies, graffiti-style prints, and ridiculously baggy jeans. If you were into hip-hop or skater fashion, you probably had a closet full of rhino logos.
But today, it feels comically overbranded. Did we need gigantic rhino heads on every single item of clothing? It was like walking around on a billboard for streetwear.
Eh, maybe we could wear this again. Honestly, some pieces have aged decently, but an entire Ecko fit in 2024 would be a very specific fashion statement.
Phat Farm – Because Bigger Was Always Better
Phat Farm, founded by Russell Simmons, was all about oversized polos, extra-baggy jeans, and giant logos. If you wanted to look like a 2003 hip-hop mogul, this was your brand.
Nobody can change our minds. These outfits look comically oversized. Seriously, why was every shirt three sizes too big? Did we all think we were preparing for a surprise growth spurt?
We don’t see this coming back for now. The Y2K wave is bringing back some oversized styles, but Phat Farm’s extreme proportions belong in history books.
Kappa – The Tracksuit of European Soccer Legends
Kappa was THE sportswear brand for those who wanted to look effortlessly cool. That little back-to-back logo? Instant street cred. Bonus points if you paired it with chunky sneakers.
If you wear it these days, it still holds up somewhat, but wearing a full Kappa tracksuit in public today makes you look like an extra in a European gangster movie.
What’s interesting about it is it never really left. Kappa has a stronghold in streetwear, and if you style it right, you can still pull it off without looking like a lost football coach.
Akademiks – When Jeans Looked Like Art Projects Gone Wrong
Akademiks was for people who thought jeans weren’t just pants—they were canvases. Pockets had more zippers, buckles, and stitching than a survival backpack, and logos were bigger than your GPA.
Looking back, Akademiks outfits now resemble overly enthusiastic graffiti murals. Every pair of jeans had more layers than an onion, and if you wore a full set, you probably got stuck to your car seat.
I guess we can wear it for some time only if we’re legally required to. Akademiks was a moment, but unless they tone it down, we’re leaving it in 2003 where it belongs.
FUBU – For Us, By Us, and Now… For Nostalgia?
FUBU was THE brand for hip-hop lovers in the late 90s. If you had an oversized FUBU jersey, you were automatically cool—and if you didn’t, you were just broke.
But now, it’s mostly a nostalgic relic. Those enormous sports jerseys and baggy jeans look more like a Halloween costume than an everyday fit. Why did we think wearing a literal bedsheet of fabric was necessary?
FUBU is trying to return to the market. Can it successfully do so? Maybe, but it might struggle unless it resizes its clothes for humans instead of elephants.
Southpole – The Discount King of Baggy Streetwear
Southpole was for kids whose parents wouldn’t drop cash on premium streetwear. Every mall in America had a Southpole section, and their cargo pants had enough pockets to store your entire life.
If Von Dutch and Ecko had a child, it would be Southpole. Their oversized denim, logo tees, and unnecessary dragon graphics make them look like an off-brand version of every 2000s trend at once.
Only under extreme duress would we wear them again. Unless we’re bringing back cargo pants with 35 pockets, Southpole is better off living in our JCPenney memories.
Zoo York – The Skater Brand That Thought It Was Edgy
Skaters and wannabe skaters swore by Zoo York. Their graphic tees, hoodies, and baggy jeans screamed urban rebellion, and if you wore them, you probably owned at least one skateboard (badly used).
Today, Zoo York’s oversized styles look like they were designed by someone who just watched their first skate video in 2001. The loud prints and random city-inspired graphics? Dated.
Maybe it can return if styled carefully. Skater fashion never truly dies, but an entire head-to-toe Zoo York outfit might get you mistaken for a lost mall employee from 2002.
LRG (Lifted Research Group) – When Skaters, Rappers, and Tech Bros Collided
LRG was for the people who wanted to mix skater vibes, hip-hop culture, and Silicon Valley nerd energy into one wardrobe. Their hoodies and tees had wild designs and deep, mysterious slogans.
Looking at LRG now, it seems like it never left the basement of a guy who still burns CDs for fun. The massive graphics, exaggerated hoodies, and unnecessary philosophical quotes? All signs of a time gone by.
We think LRG could work again if it ditches the “deep thoughts on a T-shirt” gimmick and just makes dope clothes again.
Girbaud – When Your Jeans Came with Built-In Straps for No Reason
Girbaud jeans were a status symbol in the 90s and early 2000s. You were immediately that guy if you had a pair with mystery straps, random buckles, and bold stitching.
Looking at them now, those extra straps and panels serve absolutely zero purpose. Were we planning to rappel off a building at any moment? Why did our pants have engineering blueprints?
How about trying serious redesigns instead of unnecessary straps? It could possibly come back. The days of overcomplicated jeans are behind us, and honestly, we should keep them there.
Pastry Shoes – The Glittery Footwear That Never Made Sense
Vanessa and Angela Simmons launched Pastry Shoes as a “fun, feminine sneaker brand.” Every pair was bedazzled, pastel-colored, and named after desserts like “Strawberry Shortcake” and “Chocolate Mousse.”
These sneakers look like something a Disney Channel star would wear in 2007. (We were all jealous.) The colors were too loud, the rhinestones were out of control, and honestly, why were they food-themed?
It’s unlikely that these shoes will return. The sneaker world has moved on, and unless Pastry tones down the “Tinkerbell meets rap video vixen” aesthetic, they should remain a sweet memory.
Lot 29 – When Cartoons Became Streetwear for No Reason
Lot 29 was the brand that slapped Looney Tunes characters onto baggy jeans, hoodies, and oversized T-shirts. Tweety Bird and Bugs Bunny had never looked more aggressive.
If you wear Lot 29 today… Nah, it makes you look like you lost a bet. Were we really trying to look like the cast of Space Jam went gangsta?
The “cartoon thug” aesthetic is very much dead, and no one is begging for its resurrection. If that’s not the case for you, how about starting a petition to bring it back?
Reebok Classics – The Only Sensible Shoe Choice of the Era
While Nike and Adidas battled for sneaker supremacy, Reebok Classics quietly won over everyone’s mom, dad, and gym teacher. They were simple, white, and easy to clean.
Honestly, up till now, they still hold up. Unlike the other over-the-top messes on this list, Reebok Classics remains a respectable choice. Sometimes, less is more—take notes, Ed Hardy.
We can still see ourselves wearing it someday. These sneakers never really left, and if you want a throwback that won’t make people laugh at you, this is the one.
K-Swiss – The Tennis Shoe That Got Trapped in Time
K-Swiss was the preppy kid’s alternative to Reeboks. They had clean lines, bold stripes, and were mostly worn by people who thought polos were an everyday essential.
Unlike Reeboks Classic, K-Swiss now looks like it belongs in a 90s country club, collecting dust near an old tennis racket. The design hasn’t evolved, and their attempts at “modernization” just made them weird.
They’re trying to make a comeback, but unfortunately, they’re failing. K-Swiss had its time, but it’ll stay stuck in 1998 forever unless it reinvents itself.
Airwalk – The Skater Shoe That Lost Its Cool
Airwalk was the go-to budget skater shoe before Vans completely took over. If you weren’t shredding at the skatepark, you were at least pretending you did while wearing these.
Some say it’s like the knockoff cousin of every other skater shoe. They aged about as well as frosted tips and Limp Bizkit’s music career. The designs were clunky, uninspired, and screamed: “Last resort purchase at Payless.”
You want to wear one? Then, you’re alone in that. If you want to relive your skater days, just go buy Vans like a normal person and leave Airwalk in the clearance bin where it belongs.
Starter – The Only Reason You Wanted a Jacket
Starter jackets were everything in the 90s. If you had one, you were instantly cooler than everyone at school. Bonus points if it had your favorite sports team’s logo.
To be honest, they still look pretty solid, but if you rock a full Starter outfit, you might look like you just got out of a time machine.
The oversized fit is hilariously outdated, but at least it’s not a total fashion disaster. Can they come back? Absolutely. Starter is one of the few brands from this era that still holds up.
Pelle Pelle – The Leather Jacket That Could Stop Bullets
Pelle Pelle jackets were iconic in hip-hop culture. If you had one, you weren’t just wearing a jacket—you were wearing a financial investment. These things cost a fortune!
Well, they still hold up in theory, but they are so ridiculously over-the-top that wearing one today would make you look like a retired mob boss or a 90s rapper trying to stay relevant.
Planning to wear it again? If you can afford it, why not? Just be prepared for people to ask if you own a recording studio or a collection of vintage Cadillacs.
Shady Ltd. – Eminem’s Brief Attempt at Fashion
Eminem decided that if Jay-Z and Diddy had clothing brands, he needed one too. Enter Shady Ltd., the ultimate brand for Eminem fans who didn’t want to dress like anyone else.
Looking at it now, it was just baggy jeans, oversized hoodies, and way too many “Shady” logos. You basically looked like an Eminem lyric in human form.
Don’t wish for it to return unless you’re still bleaching your hair and rapping in a Detroit basement. Otherwise, let this one rest.
Mecca USA – The Brand for People Who Weren’t Quite Cool Enough for Phat Farm
Mecca USA was for those who wanted to dress like hip-hop royalty but maybe couldn’t quite afford Sean John or Rocawear. It was the discount-but-still-cool option.
One thing about Mecca outfits is that they look like a committee of confused uncles designed them. The oversized jeans, excessive logos, and random patches? Not a good look.
Do you want to avoid looking like an uncle? Then, let it go—unless we’re getting paid to promote it. Mecca had its break, but that break is long gone.
Platinum FUBU – When Regular FUBU Just Wasn’t Enough
FUBU was already bold, but then they created Platinum FUBU, which was basically FUBU with the volume turned up to 100! If you wanted even bigger logos, flashier designs, and unnecessary metallic details, this was for you.
Platinum FUBU looks like a rap video thrown up on a tracksuit. Every jacket and hoodie looked like it had been dipped in chrome and rhinestones.
FUBU itself is already struggling to stay relevant and you’re still wondering if it can come back? Not a chance. No one is asking for an even LOUDER version of it.
Etonic – The Sneaker Brand That Never Stood a Chance
Etonic tried so hard to compete with Nike and Adidas, but let’s be honest—it was the sneaker brand nobody actually wanted. They had zero street cred.
Etonic sneakers look like something your dad would wear while grilling in the backyard. They never had a chance against the giants of sneaker culture, and it shows.
If we’re going undercover as a suburban dad, maybe we can wear them again. So, we look more convincing! But really, there are too many better options for sneakers—let’s leave these in the past.
Sean John Shoes – Because Diddy Just Couldn’t Stop Himself
Sean John made great tracksuits, but then Diddy got greedy and decided to make shoes, too. Rolls our eyes. The result? A weird, clunky mess that nobody actually liked.
Sean John shoes look like discount knockoffs of better brands. They were too chunky, too random, and had the style of a rejected prototype.
We’re absolutely not wearing them again. Sorry, not sorry. We’ve got some style. Stick to the clothes—Diddy’s shoe game was a flop.
British Knights – The Sneakers That Tried (and Failed) to Be Cool
British Knights (or BKs) were huge in the early 90s, but by the 2000s, they were struggling to stay relevant. They tried to rebrand as edgy streetwear, but nobody was buying it.
Now, BK sneakers look like something a middle school gym teacher would wear if they got lost in time. The designs were too chunky and way too outdated.
Unless sneakerheads suddenly lose all common sense, sure, they can comeback. BKs were never on the level of Nike or Reebok, and that’s not changing anytime soon.
Reebok G-Unit Sneakers – 50 Cent’s Brief Shoe Empire
After dropping a line of baggy jeans and oversized shirts, 50 Cent decided he needed sneakers, too. The result? Reebok G-Unit sneakers, which looked like Air Forces, but… WORSE.
Whether you like it or not, they look like knockoffs of good shoes. If you still own a pair, you might want to hide them to avoid public humiliation.
Nope. We don’t want these shoes returning. G-Unit as a brand is barely hanging on, and these sneakers should stay buried with it.
Kani – The Brand That Had Tupac’s Seal of Approval
Karl Kani was the luxury streetwear king before it even became a thing. If you were wearing Kani in the 90s, you weren’t just stylish—you were basically part of hip-hop royalty.
For real, it looks like a time capsule from a 1995 rap video now. The oversized jerseys, baggy jeans, and huge block-lettered logos are very specific to an era of hip-hop that isn’t coming back.
Surprisingly, we think it could still make a comeback. With vintage streetwear making waves, Karl Kani has a shot—if they modernize the fits and leave the giant logos from 1998.
Lot 78 – When High Fashion Tried to Be Casual and Failed
Lot 78 was supposed to be a sophisticated take on streetwear, mixing high-end fashion with everyday style. It sounded great in theory, but nobody actually cared.
Now, it just looks like overpriced basics you could find in a discount bin. If you wore Lot 78 back then, you probably thought you were being edgy and minimalist, but you just looked broke.
If you’re going to spend money on high-end streetwear, just go for Off-White or Fear of God instead. Don’t waste your time with this one. It’s game over.
Bape Sta – When Bathing Ape Knocked Off Nike
Bape was (and still is) one of the biggest streetwear brands ever, but Bape Sta sneakers? Yeah, they were just Air Force 1s with a star slapped on the side.
They still look kinda cool, though, but they also scream, “I paid way too much for these just because they’re Bape.” It’s like wearing designer Crocs—sure, you can do it, but why?
Can you see yourself wearing it today? Maybe, but only if you like spending $400 on shoes that look like something Nike already perfected.
And1 – The Brand That Convinced Us We Were NBA-Worthy
And1 wasn’t just a sneaker brand—it was an entire movement. Every middle school boy who could barely dribble still swore these shoes would turn them into the next streetball legend.
And1 sneakers are a joke. They look chunky, outdated, and straight out of a 2002 gym class. Unless you’re playing in a low-budget rec league, there’s zero reason to be seen in these today.
The only thing And1 sneakers are good for now is yard work and disappointing your high school basketball coach. So, yeah. They better get lost in time.
Dada Supreme – When Sneakers Tried to Be Jewelry
Dada Supreme had a ridiculous idea: What if sneakers had spinning rims on them? Yes, you read that correctly—these sneakers actually had miniature chrome spinners built into the heels.
Looking back, they seem completely absurd. These shoes looked like someone ripped the rims off a lowrider and slapped them onto sneakers. Wearing them now would make you a walking meme.
God, we hope they won’t make a comeback. The 2000s already gave us enough embarrassing sneaker trends, and this one needs to stay in the history books.
PNB Nation – The Streetwear Brand That Couldn’t Keep Up
PNB Nation was underground cool before brands like Supreme made it mainstream. It mixed graffiti, hip-hop, and skater culture into one brand that almost made it big.
Do you still hear this brand today? It feels forgotten. The designs haven’t aged well, and the fact that no one talks about it anymore tells you everything you need to know.
We’re not wearing it again. In an era where streetwear is more about minimalism, PNB Nation’s loud, cluttered designs just don’t work anymore.
Enyce – The Brand No One Knew How to Pronounce
Was it “en-nice” or “en-ee-chay”? No one knew. But if you had Enyce, you probably thought you were the freshest person at the mall.
Now, these clothes look like something an old head would wear while trying to sound relevant. The oversized fits, embroidered jeans, and unnecessary designs make it clear that this brand has an expiration date.
We’re firm that this isn’t coming back. (Thank God.) Unless extra-baggy jeans somehow make a full-blown return, Enyce is staying in Y2K fashion limbo.
Avirex – The Jacket That Made You Look Like a Supervillain
Avirex jackets were the ultimate flex in the late 90s and early 2000s. These leather bombers were covered in patches, oversized lettering, and attitude.
If you wear one today, you either own a nightclub, run an illegal operation, or are stuck in a time loop from 2001. They were so flashy that they didn’t translate well to modern fashion.
We don’t know if we could still wear it, but maybe if we’re playing a role in a rap biopic. Otherwise, maybe leave this one in the closet.
Ice Cream – Pharrell’s Attempt at Making Skater Fashion Fancy
Pharrell had the style game on lock, so when he dropped Ice Cream and Billionaire Boys Club, people assumed they were about to get the freshest fits of their lives.
Now, Ice Cream’s bright, cartoonish designs feel a little too playful. Sure, they were fun, but wearing a hoodie with ice cream cones and diamonds on it in 2025? Yeah, that’s not happening.
BBC is still doing fine, but Ice Cream is a relic. It had its spotlight, but unless you’re under the age of 16, it’s not a good look anymore.
Maurice Malone – The Streetwear Brand That Disappeared Overnight
Maurice Malone was a major player in the 90s streetwear boom, but unlike Karl Kani or FUBU, it completely vanished once trends changed.
You don’t see this brand today. Maurice Malone is basically extinct. The baggy denim and graphic tees look like something you’d only find in a thrift store from 2004.
Perhaps Maurice Malone needs to reinvent itself and try to make a comeback. For now, it’s destined to stay a forgotten relic of 90s streetwear.
Troop – The Hip-Hop Brand That Disappeared in a Cloud of Conspiracy Theories
Troop was one of the earliest streetwear brands that mixed hip-hop fashion with athletic aesthetics. LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane, and Mike Tyson rocked Troop like it was the Gucci of the streets.
Then, the wildest rumor hit—people claimed Troop was owned by white supremacists, and just like that, the brand vanished overnight. The rumor turned out to be false, but it was too late.
Well, Troop tried to make a comeback, but once a brand is associated with insane conspiracy theories, it’s hard to recover. You know, unlearning an idea is the hardest thing to do.
Pelle Pelle Jeans – When Denim Got Too Complicated
Pelle Pelle wasn’t just about loud leather jackets—they also made some of the wildest jeans of the early 2000s. If you wanted extra embroidery, oversized pockets, and metallic accents, this was your brand.
Now, those jeans look like they came with a user manual. Wearing them today would make you look like you lost a bet. Seriously, how many zippers does one pair of jeans need?
We certainly don’t want to wear jeans that would weigh 15 pounds again. So, we suggest we leave these in the past. It’s comfort over zippers.
Jaded London – The Brand That Made Clothes Look Like Optical Illusions
Jaded London exploded in the early 2000s with trippy, neon, all-over print designs that resembled Windows 98 screensavers. Look at those bright colors! Are you brave enough to wear it today?
Not gonna lie… these outfits look like they were designed for an alien rave. The patterns are so wild that if you stare too long, you might get motion sickness.
If you really, really miss the 2000s club scene, maybe you can find some in thrift stores. But wearing them every day? Your eyes will only hurt.
Red Monkey Jeans – The Brand That Took Embroidery Too Far
Red Monkey was your brand if you wanted jeans that looked like a work of art (or a disaster, depending on who you ask). These jeans had insanely detailed dragon embroidery and patches covering every inch of fabric.
We know they look so over-the-top you might as well wear a mural on your legs. If you wear them today, people will assume you’re in a very specific 2003 rap video.
For extreme Y2K enthusiasts, they certainly see the possibility of wearing these jeans, but if you’re not a vintage streetwear collector, maybe leave these in hip-hop history collections.
No Fear – The Brand for Wannabe Extreme Sports Athletes
No Fear was for people who wanted to look like they could skateboard, snowboard, or ride dirt bikes but had never actually done any of those things. Their T-shirts had aggressive slogans like “Second Place Is the First Loser.”
Fun fact: I used to own one. Yikes. Now, it looks like something a midlife crisis dad would wear while trying to impress his teenage kids. The energy of No Fear is so aggressive in the 90s that it hurts.
If you’re over 13, wearing No Fear in 2025 will make you look like you peaked in middle school. They’re not bad shirts at all; you just have to wear them inside your home.