13 Ridiculous Fads People Swore By in the ’90s
The ’90s were a wild ride of questionable fashion, bizarre trends, and fads that somehow felt like the peak of cool at the time. Cringe-worthy or iconic, they’re the trends we loved, lived for, and now can’t believe we ever took seriously.
- Tricia Quitales
- 3 min read
The 1990s were full of over-the-top trends that people couldn’t get enough of. From bizarre fashion choices to strange toys and odd beauty habits, these fads swept through schools, malls, and living rooms. Looking back now, they seem ridiculous—but that’s what made the ’90s so fun and unforgettable. This list of 13 crazy fads reminds us just how colorful and carefree the decade really was.
1. Frosted Tips
Nataliya Vaitkevich on pexels
Guys everywhere were bleaching just the tips of their hair. It was often paired with spiky gel styles and lots of mirror time. Looking back, it’s hard to believe anyone thought this looked good—but they really did!
2. JNCO Jeans
the.cre8ive.icon on pexels
These jeans had legs so wide they could hide a small pet. The bigger the jeans, the cooler you were—especially if you had chains hanging off them. Walking in them was awkward, but that didn’t stop anyone.
3. Slap Bracelets
Will Rinehart on Wikimedia
Metal bands wrapped in bright fabric could be slapped onto your wrist with a snap. Kids loved trading them and collecting every color. Teachers hated them because they were noisy and distracting.
4. Tamagotchis
David on Wikimedia
Tiny digital pets that beeped for food or attention all day long. If you forgot to feed them, they “died,” and it was oddly emotional. Kids brought them to school even though they weren’t allowed.
5. Platform Sneakers
Godisable Jacob on pexels
Inspired by the Spice Girls, these chunky shoes made everyone feel taller and bolder. Walking in them wasn’t easy, but fashion came first. The higher the sole, the better the outfit.
6. Pogs
Spc. Ruth McClary on Wikimedia
These little cardboard discs were everywhere, and no one really understood the rules. You stacked them, slammed them, and hoped for the best. The collection craze was real, even if the game wasn’t.
7. Overalls with One Strap Down
Anastasia Shuraeva on pexels
Wearing overalls with one strap undone was the ultimate in ‘90s style. It looked like you were trying, but not too hard. It was the go-to look for music videos and school pictures.
8. Butterfly Clips
Lap Dinh Quoc on pexels
Tiny, colorful clips shaped like butterflies were stuck all over the girls’ hair. The more you had, the trendier you looked. They turned every head into a rainbow garden.
9. Mood Rings
Alkivar on Wikimedia
These rings claimed to show your emotions by changing color. Everyone wore them and checked constantly to see if they were “calm” or “in love.” Spoiler: They mostly just reacted to your hand temperature.
10. Macarena Dance
Alena Darmel on pexels
This catchy tune came with an easy-to-follow dance that took over parties and school assemblies. Everyone knew the moves and did them—whether they liked it or not. It was cheesy, but totally unescapable.
11. Sun-In Hair Lightener
Beyzanur K. on Pexels
Spraying your hair with Sun-In and sitting in the sun was supposed to give you natural highlights. Most of the time, it just turned hair orange or brassy. Still, it was cheaper than a salon and totally ’90s.
12. Inflatable Furniture
Lany-Jade Mondou on Pexels
Blow-up chairs and couches were the ultimate room decor for teens. They were bright, see-through, and squeaked every time you sat down. They didn’t last long, but they looked super cool while they did.
13. Beanie Babies
Ty Inc on Wikimedia
People thought these stuffed toys would make them rich someday. They were collected, tagged, and never played with—just stored like treasure. In the end, most were worth less than lunch money.