15 Bizarre Fashion Trends We Thought Were Normal
These 15 strange fashion trends actually caught on, even if they make no sense today.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
This list looks at 15 weird fashion trends people once wore like they were totally normal. Some were uncomfortable, some were dangerous, and some were just plain confusing. Each one had its moment in the spotlight and left people wondering what they were thinking. You might laugh, cringe, or even remember trying one yourself.
1. Foot Binding
Own work Daniel Schwen, 2010-11-05 on Wikimedia Commons
In ancient China, young girls had their feet tightly bound to make them appear small and curved. This was seen as a symbol of beauty and higher social status. Sadly, the process was extremely painful and often caused permanent damage.
2. Hobble Skirt
Dellon Thomas on Pexels
Hobble skirts were so tight around the ankles that walking became very difficult. Women wore them in the early 1900s even though they caused many accidents. Some women even tripped and fell while trying to walk in them.
3. Crinolines
Wilhelm Storm on Wikimedia Commons
Crinolines were large hoop skirts made with stiff materials like steel and horsehair. They created a wide, bell-like shape that was considered fashionable. However, they were heavy, hard to move in, and sometimes even caught fire.
4. Codpieces
Dpmath (talk) on Wikimedia Commons
Men in the Renaissance wore codpieces to cover and exaggerate the groin area. These padded pieces were meant to show off masculinity. Looking back now, the trend seems very strange and awkward.
5. Paper Dresses
locationsite on Wikimedia Commons
In the 1960s, paper dresses were sold as fun, colorful fashion pieces. They were meant to be worn once and thrown away. While they were eye-catching, they tore easily and did not last long.
6. Blackened Teeth
Original uploader was Kborland at en.wikipedia on Wikimedia Commons
Blackened teeth became popular in England after Queen Elizabeth I’s teeth turned dark from too much sugar. People copied the look to show they were wealthy enough to afford sweets. It looked unnatural, but it became a trend for a while.
7. Extreme Platform Shoes
Hamdigumus on Wikimedia Commons
Platform shoes in the 1970s got higher and more dramatic each year. Some people wore shoes so tall they could hardly walk. These shoes were stylish but very uncomfortable and unsafe.
8. Armadillo Shoes
LilianaUwU on Wikimedia Commons
Armadillo shoes were made famous by designer Alexander McQueen. They had curved soles that made their feet look like animal hooves. Most people could not even stand in them without help.
9. Parachute Pants
Fotoboy on Pexels
Parachute pants were made of shiny fabric and covered in zippers and folds. They were loose and designed for breakdancing. The look caught on for a while, but the pants looked strange and bulky.
10. Gothic Lolita
Georges Seguin (Okki) on Pexels
Gothic Lolita is a Japanese fashion that mixes dark colors with old-fashioned dresses. It creates a doll-like appearance with lace, bows, and parasols. The look is dramatic and not something you see every day.
11. Trashion
Nic McPhee on Wikimedia Commons
Trashion is a trend where designers make clothes out of trash and recycled items. People have worn outfits made of plastic bags, newspapers, and bottle caps. These looks are creative but not made for regular wear.
12. Ganguro
You can love me or hate me. I swear it won’t make me or break me. on Wikimedia Commons
Ganguro was a bold Japanese trend where girls tanned their skin, bleached their hair, and wore heavy white makeup. It went against traditional beauty standards. The style was loud, colorful, and meant to stand out.
13. Face-Kinis
User:Eat me, I’m a red bean on Wikimedia Commons
Face-kinis are stretchy masks that cover the entire face to protect skin from the sun. They became popular on beaches in China. The look surprised many people but helped prevent sunburns.
14. Bagel Head
La Carmina on Wikimedia Commons
Bagel head was a short-lived trend in Japan where people injected saline into their foreheads. The swelling created a ring shape that looked like a bagel. It faded after a few hours and was done more for shock value than fashion.
15. Shoulder Pads
Copyright (c) 1986 by Nancy J Price on Wikimedia Commons
In the 1980s, shoulder pads became a huge trend in both men’s and women’s fashion. They made shoulders look bigger and gave outfits a strong, boxy shape. People wore them in everything from business suits to casual jackets, even though they often looked stiff and unnatural.