10 Bizarre Fads from the ’70s That Actually Caught On
The '70s were full of weird trends, and somehow, these actually became popular.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
The 1970s had some of the strangest trends people actually loved. Some were fun, some were weird, and a few were downright questionable. Looking back, it is hard to believe these fads took off, but they did. People embraced everything from pet rocks to disco fashion, turning odd ideas into mainstream hits.
1. Pet Rocks
Owner of Pet Rock Net on Wikimedia Commons
A rock in a box became one of the biggest toy fads of the decade. People paid good money for these “pets,” which came with their own instruction manual. This odd craze showed that clever marketing could even make a rock seem exciting.
2. Mood Rings
Moodman001 on Wikimedia Commons
These rings claimed to reveal your mood by changing colors based on body temperature. People became obsessed with checking their emotions through this piece of jewelry. While the science behind them was questionable, they were a huge hit.
3. Streaking
jenaragon94 on Wikimedia Commons
Running through public spaces completely naked became an actual trend. This wild and rebellious act even made its way onto live TV events. While streaking still happens occasionally, it peaked as a mainstream phenomenon in the ‘70s.
4. Waterbeds
Photographed by Robert Paprstein on Wikimedia Commons
The idea of sleeping on a mattress filled with water sounded futuristic and luxurious. These beds became a must-have, even though they were heavy, leaked often, and were a nightmare to move. Despite their impracticality, they were a status symbol of the decade.
5. Disco Fashion
Pitt Rom on Pexels
Bell bottoms, platform shoes, and shiny jumpsuits ruled the dance floor. Inspired by the disco craze, people embraced bold and flashy outfits. While some elements remain iconic, much of ‘70s disco fashion would turn heads today.
6. CB Radios
Zuzu on Wikimedia Commons
Before cell phones, CB radios became a social trend, not just for truckers. People created their own radio handles and spent hours chatting with strangers. The craze eventually faded, but for a while, everyone wanted a CB radio.
7. Space-Age Furniture
Cassina Furniture Company; Gerrit Rietvelt on Wikimedia Commons
The ‘70s embraced futuristic furniture with rounded edges, plastic materials, and bright colors. Homes looked like something out of a sci-fi movie, with egg chairs and bubble-shaped sofas. This style still pops up occasionally, but it peaked in the ‘70s.
8. The Farrah Fawcett Hairstyle
ABC Television on Wikimedia Commons
Women everywhere wanted Farrah Fawcett’s feathered hairstyle after seeing it on TV. The layered, bouncy waves became a beauty staple of the decade. While hair trends have changed, this look still gets recreated in modern fashion.
9. Roller Disco
Roller Disco Space
Combining roller skating with disco music created one of the most energetic trends of the decade. People dressed in flashy outfits and glided across neon-lit rinks to funky beats. While roller skating remains, the roller disco scene was truly a ‘70s phenomenon.
10. Tanning with Baby Oil
Summer Stock on Wikimedia Commons
People would slather themselves in baby oil and bake in the sun for hours, aiming for the perfect tan. Sunscreen was often ignored, leading to painful burns and long-term skin damage. Thankfully, sun protection awareness has replaced this risky trend.