Neon Comeback: Beach Volleyball Fashion of the 80s & 90s Returns

If you flip through old photos of beach volleyball in the 1980s and 90s, one thing jumps out instantly—the colors. Bright neons, wild patterns, and bold cuts defined the era. Men’s volley shorts were short and flashy, women’s tops and bottoms were vibrant and daring, and the entire culture of the sport was loud, energetic, and impossible to ignore. It was the golden age of beach volleyball fashion, when what you wore was as much a statement as how you played.

In the 80s, the vibe was pure fun. Neon pinks, electric greens, and blazing oranges splashed across shorts and tanks. Men’s volley shorts were high-cut and athletic, designed to show off speed, movement, and a carefree spirit. By the 90s, the prints got bolder—zigzags, color blocks, surf-inspired patterns—mirroring the energy of MTV, skate culture, and surf brands that were shaping youth style around the world. The beach wasn’t just a court—it was a runway of grit and color.

Neon colors have returned to the sand, from hot pinks to lime greens and aqua blues, catching the eye in ways only beach volleyball can.

Then came the shift. As the 2000s rolled in, board shorts took over, bringing a longer, looser fit that stretched to the knees. Colors toned down, prints became more subdued, and the once-vibrant flair of the sport gave way to a more minimal, performance-driven look. Function started to outweigh flash, and the short volley cuts that once ruled the sand all but disappeared.

But like all good style stories, fashion is cyclical—and the tide has turned once again. In the 2020s, the shorter volley short has made a full resurgence, blending vintage 80s attitude with modern comfort and stretch. Players are embracing brighter tones, throwback logos, and retro fits that show off athletic movement and personality. Neon is back—from hot pinks to lime greens to aqua blues—lighting up the sand just like it did decades ago.

At Keoni Beachwear, we love this return to boldness. Our volley shorts, jerseys, and tops channel that vintage energy while delivering the performance of modern fabrics—stretch, breathability, and quick-dry comfort. We honor the neon spirit of the past but update it with island-inspired prints that connect heritage to today’s lifestyle. It’s not just fashion nostalgia—it’s the evolution of beach culture, stitched into every piece.

Because beach volleyball has always been more than a sport—it’s a scene, a culture, and a style statement. The short shorts and neon brights of the 80s and 90s are back, and Keoni Beachwear is here to make sure they shine even brighter this time around.