For this post, I'm going to take a look back at the most iconic logos and slogans from the 80s. As this is a fashion blog, I will link to the logos printed on T-shirts, allowing you to pay homage to the companies, films and TV shows you grew up with. These tees are ideal for retro themed parties and festivals, too. Many of the slogans such as "Frankie Say Relax" and "Choose Life" were printed on T-shirts back in the day anyway, making them an authentic choice for 1980s dress-up.
Top of the Pops 80s Logo T-shirt |
This TV music show was essential viewing as a teenager in the 1980s, and the classic neon logo featured above (used from 1981 to 1986) is probably the most iconic. A full range of Top of the Pops logo T-shirts representing the 60s to the 90s is available at Redbubble.
Unisex Frankie Says Relax T-shirt |
It was way back in 1984 when this slogan T-shirt was first launched, and the idea came from Frankie Goes To Hollywood's PR manager Paul Morley, who was working for the ZTT record label. However, he has a lot to thank designer Katherine Hamnett for, as it was her original 1983 slogan T-shirts (such as "Choose Life" worn by Wham in their video for Wake Me Up Before You Go Go) that gave him the inspiration. Hmm, was it inspiration, or did he just steal the idea?
However, the old saying "what goes around comes around"springs to mind, as his slogan "Frankie Say Relax" was ripped-off (Frankie were a band, of course, and not one person) and there were numerous copycat "Frankie Says Relax" T-shirts available - "Says" was used instead of "Say" to avoid copyright infringement. It is this unofficial design that is now the most popular.
Frankie Say War Hide Yourself T-shirt |
Frankie Say Relax T-shirt at Etsy |
General Lee 01 T-Shirt |
I have fond memories of watching the Dukes Of Hazzard on a Saturday tea-time back in the early 80s, especially Daisy Duke (played by Catherine Bach) who I had a bit of a crush on. This is not an iconic T-shirt design, but the orange General Lee Dodge Charger car with its 01 numerals certainly is - you may remember Bo and Luke Duke used to climb in through the windows. There are lots of designs available from many suppliers, but the raglan sleeve tee above appears to be the most popular. If you're after a cool, retro T-shirt then you can't go far wrong with this one.
Katherine Hamnett T-Shirt |
Here is the aforementioned T-shirt as adorned by Wham back in the 80s, and also Roger Taylor from rock band Queen, in the video Hammer To Fall. It was later popularised by the film Trainspotting. There are literally dozens to choose from in a whole array of colours these days, but it is the original white T-shirt with black, block lettering that remains the most popular choice. It's ideal for wearing to an 80s party, or just casually - the choice is yours!
Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go T-shirt |
View all Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go T-shirts
Flash Gordon Ringer T-shirt |
Flash Gordon T-shirt
Here is yet another iconic 80s design that was worn by Flash Gordon (Sam J. Jones) in the camptastic, cult 1980 movie. It was also worn by Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, and the band provided the theme song to the movie, which was penned by their guitarist Brian May.
Superman Retro Logo T-Shirt |
That iconic logo by DC Comics made its first appearance in 1938. It's now recognised the world over and the continued release of Superman films has ensured that its popularity never wanes. The red and white T-shirt above is a proving to be particularly popular, and has a very retro design. However, there are dozens of designs and colours to choose from, including the traditional blue and red one, for both men and women. See ALL Superman T-Shirts.
The classic design could be worn to represent any one of the original Christopher Reeve films from 1978, 1980, 1983 and 1987, although you may want to forget about the disastrous fourth movie!
Classic Superman Logo T-shirt |
Back to the Future T-shirt |
The movie and its logo, plus the DeLorean DMC-12 time machine are most certainly an iconic part of the 80s, and I've picked out this T-shirt design which best represents the movie. It's also the best rated and most popular choice through our website, through our link to Amazon UK.
Ghostbusters 1984 Logo T-shirt |
Ghostbusters 80s Logo
Just about everyone recognises this logo from the 1984 movie starring Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Rick Moranis and Sigourney Weaver. I've picked out this T-shirt which features a distressed look and is also receiving excellent feedback from customers. Ghostbusters was a thoroughly entertaining film that I watched at the cinema with a friend back in the day, when it cost just £1 to get in.
Atari Logo T-shirt - many colours |
Atari Logo
There can be hardly anyone who doesn't recognise the Atari Fuji logo, and the company was a huge part of the 1980s with its consoles (such as the 2600), computers (XL/XE/ST) and classic video games including Asteroids and Missile Command.
Sinclair ZX Spectrum T-shirt |
Another widely recognised 80s logo is Sinclair, a company who brought affordable home computing to the masses with its ZX80, ZX81 and ZX Spectrum computers. Show your love for the Speccy with this T-shirt by Bulldog, which is receiving rave reviews and is excellent value, too - it's my top pick!
Ever Ready Logo T-shirt |
Before Duracell, Ever Ready was the No.1 choice in batteries, and just about every child of the 70s and 80s who grew up in the UK will remember that iconic logo, and using the batteries in science lessons at school. I always remember that our school always used the cheaper blue batteries, rather than the red ones cheapskates!
LWT Ident T-shirt |
Anyone who lived in the UK through the 70s and 80s will certainly remember this ident. This was the weekend version of Thames Television, which broadcast on ITV from 1968 to 1992. This T-shirt is available at Redbubble.
World of Sport Logo T-shirt |
Who remembers watching Dickie Davis presenting World of Sport, and Big Daddy wrestling Giant Haystacks on a Saturday afternoon on ITV? I found this T-shirt at Redbubble which is perfect for reminding yourself of those long lost days.
British Rail Logo T-shirt |
Before the Tories privatised everything there was British Rail. The state owned company operated from 1947 until 1997, and that logo is instantly recognisable by everyone over a certain age. It's astonishing that there are still Intercity 125's in service (these were built from 1975 to 1982) on a number of rail networks in 2018, which goes to show that everything was built to last back in the day.
There is a full range of British Rail logo products available at Amazon.co.uk.
You can see a full range of popular 80s T-shirt ideas for adults at our website Simplyeighties.com.
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