10 Habits from the ’90s That Are Weirdly Back in Style
These ’90s habits you thought were gone have found their way back into today’s world, and somehow, they feel cooler than ever.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
The ’90s gave us some unforgettable trends, many of which we thought were gone for good. Yet, somehow, these habits have circled back into everyday life and feel surprisingly fresh again. These comebacks show that what was once old can feel brand new all over again.
1. Flipping Phones Open for Drama
Sean-netsafe-nz on Wikimedia Commons
The flip phone click was a whole mood in the ’90s, and now, it is back in sleek, foldable form. There is something satisfying about snapping a phone shut after a conversation — it feels final, dramatic, and oddly empowering. Foldables are proving that people still crave that tactile connection. It is nostalgia mixed with modern flair, and everyone seems to love the blend.
2. Scrunchies as Everyday Accessories
Battyboy663 on Wikimedia Commons
Scrunchies were once the crown jewels of every ’90s hairstyle. Now, they have spun back into our wardrobes, appearing on wrists, buns, and ponytails. Their bright colors and soft textures add a fun touch that plain elastics never could. They are proof that comfort and style can actually go hand in hand.
3. Snapping Photos on Disposable Cameras
NEXT Conference from Berlin, Deutschland on Wikimedia Commons
Before phone filters and instant uploads, disposable cameras captured life one click at a time. People are picking them up again for that raw, unedited magic. The waiting, the surprise, and even the blurry photos make the memories feel real. In a world of perfection, that imperfection feels refreshing.
4. Rolling Around on Blades
Jorge Royan on Wikimedia Commons
Rollerblades were once the ultimate weekend thrill, gliding through streets and parks. Today, they are back, not just as exercise but as a joyful escape. It feels like flying when the wheels hit smooth pavement and the breeze catches your face. People are rediscovering how freeing it can be to roll instead of run.
5. Wearing Tie-Dye Loud and Proud
Steven Falconer from Niagara Falls, Canada on Wikimedia Commons
Tie-dye once ruled every ’90s summer camp and school event. Now it is trending again, showing up on shirts, hoodies, and even sneakers. Each swirl of color feels personal, like a tiny art piece you can wear. It brings that carefree energy of the past into modern fashion.
6. Hanging Out at Arcades
cottonbro studio on Pexels
The ’90s arcade was a social hotspot, glowing with neon and filled with laughter. Now, retro game bars are reviving that same buzz for adults and teens alike. There is something special about standing shoulder-to-shoulder, cheering each other on. It feels more alive than any online match ever could.
7. Slapping on Bracelets for Fun
Anntinomy on Wikimedia Commons
Slap bracelets made every kid in the ’90s feel instantly cool. They are silly, flashy, and still somehow addictive to play with. Their playful snap never gets old, even decades later. Now, they pop up at festivals and events, bringing a bit of fun to any outfit.
8. Loving Polaroid Prints Again
WI-Photos on Wikimedia Commons
Polaroids once filled albums, lockers, and bedroom walls across the ’90s. Instant cameras have returned, capturing moments that feel more personal than any digital snap. Watching a photo develop in your hand still feels like a tiny bit of magic. It is the kind of instant gratification that does not involve a screen.
9. Decorating Rooms with Lava Lamps
Dean Hochman from Overland Park, Kansas, U.S. on Wikimedia Commons
Lava lamps once turned every ’90s bedroom into a psychedelic light show. They are glowing again in modern spaces, adding a cozy, hypnotic touch. The slow-moving colors bring a sense of calm to tech-filled rooms. It is a small piece of retro decor that still feels timeless.
10. Collecting VHS Tapes for Fun
User:Brandmeister (Togrul Safarov) on Wikimedia Commons
VHS tapes were once movie night essentials stacked by every TV set. Now, collectors are hunting for them like rare treasures. Each tape carries a piece of history, from fuzzy trailers to those iconic tracking lines. Watching one feels like being transported back to a simpler, slower time.