11 Fads That Made Zero Sense in Hindsight
Some popular trends from the past became widely followed, even though many now seem confusing or pointless when looking back.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Fads often rise quickly, fueled by peer influence or media, but many fade just as fast. Years later, some of these trends no longer seem logical or appealing. This list highlights 11 fads that, in hindsight, left people wondering why they ever caught on.
1. Sagging Pants
Gaywash on Wikimedia Commons
This trend involved wearing pants far below the waist, often revealing underwear. It started in the 1990s and spread through music and street fashion. Many wore belts just to keep the pants from falling off completely. Over time, it became uncomfortable, impractical, and banned in some public places.
2. Planking
Cramyourspam on Wikimedia Commons
Planking involved lying stiff and face down in unusual places, often for photos. People did it on benches, floors, counters, or even dangerous spots. The trend spread quickly on social media but had no real purpose. Eventually, people stopped doing it as it lost interest and raised safety concerns.
3. Extremely Thin Eyebrows
Vinayak1996 on Wikimedia Commons
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, many people shaved or overplucked their eyebrows into thin lines. The style was hard to maintain and often caused permanent damage to hair growth. People later turned to makeup or treatments to fix or regrow their brows. Looking back, the look seems harsh and unnatural to many.
4. Silly Bandz
woodleywonderworks on Wikimedia Commons
These were rubber bracelets shaped like animals, objects, or symbols. Children wore dozens on each arm and traded them at school. They served no function beyond collecting and showing off. After a short time, schools banned them, and the trend disappeared.
5. Overuse of Auto-Tune
cmglee, Audacity developers on Wikimedia Commons
Auto-Tune became popular in the mid-2000s and was used to alter singers’ voices. While it helped fix pitch issues, some artists used it heavily even when they could sing well. The robotic sound became overused and lost its effect. Many listeners later felt it reduced the emotion in music.
6. Ed Hardy Clothing
Adm1976 on Wikimedia Commons
Ed Hardy clothes featured bold prints with skulls, tigers, and tattoo-style art. The designs were flashy and expensive, often seen as a status symbol. The trend peaked quickly but soon became associated with poor taste. After a few years, demand dropped and the brand faded from fashion.
7. Pet Rocks
Pet Rock Net on Wikimedia Commons
In the 1970s, people bought smooth stones sold in boxes as “pets.” They came with a manual and required no care. It was marketed as a joke, but many people still bought it. Today, it’s remembered more as a marketing stunt than a real trend.
8. Bleached Spiky Hair
Chris Dlugosz on Wikimedia Commons
This hairstyle involved bleaching the hair blond and styling it in sharp, stiff spikes. It was popular in the early 2000s, especially among teen boys. The look took effort and used strong hair products. It quickly went out of style and is now rarely seen.
9. Rainbow Tongue Candies
Editor182 on Wikimedia Commons
Candies like Push Pops and Ring Pops were designed to last a long time and often left the tongue stained bright colors. Kids loved them for the color change and shape. Parents didn’t like the sugar and mess they caused. Eventually, they became more of a novelty than a real treat.
10. Shutter Shades
Wacknally on Wikimedia Commons
These were plastic sunglasses with horizontal slats instead of lenses. They became popular after being worn in music videos and parties. They blocked very little sunlight and were hard to see through. The design looked cool at the time but didn’t serve any real purpose.
11. Mood Rings
Moodman001 on Wikimedia Commons
Mood rings were cheap accessories that changed color based on finger temperature. The colors were said to show emotions like calm, stress, or excitement. Many people believed the ring reflected real feelings, though it was based on body heat. Today, most see them as just a fun toy, not a real tool.