My early childhood took place in the ’80s, and I’m completely obsessed with all the retro ’80s gear I’m seeing lately. I don’t know whether it’s awesome or scary that the decade of my childhood is now deemed old enough to be considered retro, but I’m loving the trend either way.
From Ferris to Beetlejuice , TMNT to He-Man , “Thriller” to “Modern Love,” there are so many great pop culture moments of the eighties. And now that I have kids (that are young enough that they’ll wear whatever I put on them…yes, I’m savoring the days), I’m always on the lookout for tees for them that throw me back to my own childhood. Check out my favorite totally rad ’80s shirts for kids (that also double as a killer reminder of all of your favorites from back in the day) in the slideshow.
Who else is a child of the eighties out there? Which of these is your favorite?
More Fashion for Kids:
Throwback Thursday: Totally Rad '80s Shirts for Kids
The Prince of Bel-Air
Your kid could wear this "Chillin Out Maxin Relaxin All Cool" tee while shooting some b-ball outside of their school. They won't even know how fresh they are thanks to you.
Price: $21
Photo: Passive Juice Motel
Beetlejuice! Beetlejuice! Beetlejuice!
There's nothing wrong with being a little strange and unusual. Help your kiddo let their inner weird out with this throwback to one of my favorite eighties movies.
Price: $21
Photo: Passive Juice Motel
I Want to Be BIG
Does your little one want to be big? Put them in this throwback tee from the movie Big . It's sure to bring out the kid in you.
Price: $20
Photo: Redbubble
Dirty Dancing Tee
Let everyone know that nobody puts your baby in the corner with this fun Dirty Dancing throwback tee. And they have adult sizes, too, just in case you're still as Johnny and Baby crazy as I am.
Price: $21
Photo: Passive Juice Motel
Save Ferris
What kid-of-the-eighties parent wouldn't throw a secret eye roll to their kid wearing a Ferris themed tee that reads "I Need a Day Off" while still lip syncing "Twist and Shout"? In the wise words of Ferris himself: "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
Price: $21
Photo: Passive Juice Motel
Golden Girls Rule
A modern take on a old classic (pun intended), this Golden Girls tee is so fun for fans of that eighties series. "Thank you for being a friend."
Price: $20
Photo: Redbubble
Chop Chop
Teach your kids "karate" by making them do all the chores around your house you hate, ala Mr. Miyagi. Wax on, wax off!
Price: $21
Photo: Passive Juice Motel
Dance Magic Dance
Labyrinth was my favorite movie as a kid, and now my five-year-old son loves it just as much. He was Jareth the Goblin King for Halloween, and he's definitely the babe with the power in our house. Get one for your own little power-hoarding babes. Dance magic dance!
Price: $21
Photo: Passive Juice Motel
Bowie Forever
I love putting my kid in a tee with song lyrics that make you nostalgic for your youth. "Never gonna fall for modern love." Bowie forever!
Price: $12
Photo: Mamacase Prints
Pump It Up
Who doesn't start dancing immediately when they hear this song come on their eighties Pandora station? "Pump Up the Jam"!
Price: $21
Photo: Passive Juice Motel
Reading Rainbow
This tee has such a great message whether you were a Reading Rainbow watcher or not. It promotes reading and tells your kids "You can do anything!" Take a look, it's in a book.
Price: $21
Photo: Passive Juice Motel