15 Forgotten Fashion Trends from the ’90s You Might Regret Wearing
Some '90s looks were bold, fun, and unforgettable, for better or worse.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
The ’90s delivered some truly memorable fashion moments, but not all of them have aged gracefully. This list dives into the trends that once ruled the playgrounds, malls, and music videos, yet now make many cringe. You might laugh, you might wince, but chances are, you rocked at least one of these back in the day.
1. Inflatable Backpacks
Nikolay Dragov on Wikimedia Commons
These clear, puffy bags with a Tamagotchi inside were everywhere, especially among tweens. They squeaked, fogged up, and popped way too easily, but we thought they were cool. Now, they feel like a fashion prank we all fell for.
2. JNCO Jeans
Schreckgespenst on Wikimedia Commons
These ultra-wide denim pants were practically parachutes. They dragged on the ground, soaked up puddles, and made getting through doorways a challenge. Somehow, the bigger the flare, the cooler you were.
3. Tiny Sunglasses
Jamal Umar on Wikimedia Commons
The smaller the lenses, the sharper the attitude, or so we thought. These barely-there shades were more about looking edgy than actually blocking the sun. They’re cool in old music videos, but hard to pull off now.
4. Tattoo Chokers
cottonbro studio on Wikimedia Commons
These stretchy, plastic necklaces made you feel instantly rebellious. Every teen magazine featured them, and every mall kiosk sold them in bulk. Wearing one now might spark a few eye-rolls.
5. Frosted Tips
JEFERSON GOMES on Pexels
The boy band look spread like wildfire. A little bleach and a spiky do, and you were ready for your close-up. It worked in TRL days, but now it’s a punchline in reunion tour jokes.
6. Platform Flip-Flops
Ceddie2000 on Wikimedi Commons
Teetering on a stack of foam was somehow peak summer fashion. They were cute in Delia’s catalogs but not so forgiving on uneven sidewalks. The twisted ankles were not worth the height.
7. Windbreaker Sets
Coldstreamer20 on Wikimedia Commons
Matching windbreaker jackets and pants in neon colors made you feel fast, even if you were just heading to lunch. They made noise with every move, and that was kind of the point. Loud in every sense.
8. Bucket Hats
Mikhail Nilov on Pexels
Everyone from skaters to hip-hop stars wore these floppy hats. They were quirky then and still turn heads now, but for different reasons — a true love-it-or-hate-it item.
9. Velour Tracksuits
Nino Sanger on Pexels
Juicy Couture turned velour into a statement and a status symbol. Was it cozy? Absolutely. However, looking back, matching fuzzy outfits in pastel colors feels like a strange flex.
10. Cargo Everything
Jose Izquierdo on Pexels
The more pockets, the better. Cargo pants, cargo skirts, and even cargo vests had a moment. Were they useful? Maybe. Are they stylish now? That’s up for debate.
11. Rave Beads and Kandi Bracelets
Charity Davenport on Wikimedia Commons
Stacks of colorful beads up your arm were a badge of honor in rave circles. They were DIY, bright, and often completely mismatched. Unless you’re headed to an EDM festival, these probably belong in a memory box.
12. Logo Mania
Lad Fury on Wikimedia Commons
Clothes in the ’90s were not subtle about branding. Tommy Hilfiger, FUBU, and Guess splashed their names across shirts, jeans, and even shoes. It was more of a billboard than a fashion statement.
13. Overalls with One Strap
Antonio Friedemann on Pexels
Wearing overalls? That was cool. Leaving one strap undone? Instantly cooler, or so we thought. It screamed effortless, even if it was a little impractical.
14. Metallic Lipstick
Inna Mykytas on Pexels
Icy blues, silvers, and frosted purples were all over our makeup bags. It looked magical in certain lights and totally off in others. The trend shimmered…then disappeared.
15. Slap Bracelets
Anntinomy on Wikimedia Commons
One shift snap and you were accessorized. These metal-core fabric bands were banned from schools for being too distracting (and painful). Fun for a second, regrettable once they frayed.