15 Clothing Styles from the ’90s That Should Never Come Back

The 1990s were a unique time for fashion, with big trends and new styles setting the tone for the decade. Many of these fashion choices are still recognizable, but some should stay in the past and never come back.

  • Tricia Quitales
  • 5 min read
15 Clothing Styles from the ’90s That Should Never Come Back
cottonbro studio on Pexels

Fashion tried new things in the 1990s, but not all of the trends have held up well over time. Some styles from that time were cool when they were new, but they don’t look good now and should stay in the past. The article talks about 90s fashion trends that you should avoid wearing again and gives reasons why they should never come back. These styles should be left in the past because they aren’t flattering and have too many logos.

1. Baggy Jeans

 cottonbro studio on Pexels cottonbro studio on Pexels

In the 1990s, baggy jeans were a must-have. They were often worn in oversized styles that buried the wearer in fabric. Because these jeans had no shape, they often made people look bad. While comfort was a big draw, the style is outdated and not stylish.

2. Cargo Pants

RDNE Stock project on Pexels RDNE Stock project on Pexels

Several years ago, everyone wore cargo pants with many pockets and a loose fit. Even though they were useful, they often looked bulky and unfinished. The oversized, practical style doesn’t go with modern, clean-lined looks.

3. Flannel Shirts

RDNE Stock project on Pexels RDNE Stock project on Pexels

Grunge culture made flannel shirts popular, but their boxy, messy fit didn’t always look good on people. This style didn’t look put together when worn open over graphic T-shirts or tied around the waist. Today, people like clothes that are more tailored and put together instead of this casual, rough look.

4. Windbreakers

 Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels

The windbreaker jacket was a top choice for casual wear. However, its bright colors and boxy shape made it feel too sporty and out of place for most events. The style didn’t work well for everyday wear but was good for outdoor activities. The bright designs that sometimes clash should be forgotten.

5. Platform Shoes

Arianna Jadé on Pexels Arianna Jadé on Pexels

People wore many platform shoes in the 1990s, especially big, chunky ones. They made you taller, but style and comfort were often lost. These shoes don’t look as good now as they did when they were new because of their thick soles and flashy designs.

6. Mullets

annmteu on Pexels annmteu on Pexels

The mullet hairstyle, once famously called “business in the front, party in the back,” was very popular in the 1990s. The style made people love or hate it, but looking back, it was mostly a fashion disaster. The mullet’s uneven shape just looks old and weird these days.

7. Oversized Sweatshirts

Alena Shekhovtcova on Pexels Alena Shekhovtcova on Pexels

Even though sweatshirts that were too big for you were comfortable, they often looked messy instead of stylish because they didn’t fit right. This style was popular for casual wear in the 1990s but didn’t look good on many body types. These days, we like athletic wear that fits better and looks better.

8. Neon Colors

luizph on Pexels luizph on Pexels

Neon colors were very popular and could be found on everything from tank tops to accessories. Although bold, these bright, glaring colors often looked tacky and unattractive. These days, fashion is mostly about more muted, earthy colors.

9. High-Waisted Denim

Alina Matveycheva on Pexels Alina Matveycheva on Pexels

In the 1990s, high-waisted jeans were popular, but the fit often made people look boxy and awkward. Today, high-waisted jeans are back in style and have a more flattering shape than in the 1990s, when they were too big and made of stiff fabric. These days, denim styles are more about shape and balance.

10. Chunky Belts

 legitimum couro on Pexels legitimum couro on Pexels

Wide, chunky belts were all the rage, often worn over dresses or shirts that were too big for the body. The belt made a statement but often interfered with the body’s natural shape and made people look bad. Thinner and refined belts are popular these days for a more put-together look.

11. Wind Pants

OG Productionz on Pexels OG Productionz on Pexels

Many people wore wind pants with windbreakers or T-shirts that were too big on them in the 1990s. The loud, shiny material and loose fit didn’t look good on anyone, and they made me feel like I was stuck in the 1990s, which should be left in the past. Activewear today tends to be sleek and form-fitting.

12. Butterfly Clips

Lap Dinh Quoc on Pexels Lap Dinh Quoc on Pexels

Many kids in the 1990s wore cute, colorful butterfly clips in their hair. At the time, they were fun, but when worn by adults, they often looked silly and out of place. Today, people like hair accessories that are more understated and grown up.

13. Shutter Shades

 Alex P on Pexels Alex P on Pexels

Shutter shades, which had horizontal slats instead of single lenses, were popular in the 1990s. However, they were more of a novelty than a stylish addition, and people who wore them often looked silly instead of trendy. Therefore, it would be better to abandon this trend.

14. Visors

Vika Glitter on Pexels Vika Glitter on Pexels

People used to think visors were cool and sporty, especially when worn with athletic or casual clothes. However, they often looked tacky and out of place, especially when the rest of the outfit didn’t match. For now, the full-cap look is the only way to dress for sports.

15. Graphic Tees with Logos

Eleanor Jane on Pexels Eleanor Jane on Pexels

In the 1990s, graphic t-shirts with big brand logos were all the rage. A lot of the time, these shirts were like walking ads for big brands, but they weren’t very creative and often felt too commercial. People today like to show their style in more subtle and creative ways.

Written by: Tricia Quitales

Tricia is a recent college graduate whose true passion lies in writing—a hobby she’s cherished for years. Now a Content Writer at Illumeably, Tricia combines her love for storytelling with her fascination for personal growth. She’s all about continuous learning, taking risks, and using her words to connect with and inspire others.

Recommended for You

16 Trends From the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s That Are Making a Comeback

16 Trends From the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s That Are Making a Comeback

Fashion and pop culture trends from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s are back, proving that nostalgia never really goes out of style.

12 Things That Were Once Popular But Are Now Totally Uncool

12 Things That Were Once Popular But Are Now Totally Uncool

Trends come and go, and some things that were once the height of cool are now just embarrassing relics of the past.