18 Things That Made You Cool in the ’90s
Here's a nostalgic dive into 18 real-life status symbols and trends that defined coolness in the ’90s, from Tamagotchis to Razor scooters.
- Alyana Aguja
- 5 min read
The 1990s were a golden era of youth culture, filled with gadgets, fashion statements, and pop culture moments that defined what it meant to be cool. From owning the latest sneakers and gaming consoles to sporting signature accessories like slap bracelets and Starter jackets, every item carried social weight. This list revisits 18 authentic trends that not only shaped childhood memories but also captured the spirit of an unforgettable decade.
1. Owning a Tamagotchi
Image from Wikipedia
Having a Tamagotchi hanging from your backpack was like wearing a badge of honor in the ’90s. You had to feed it, clean up after it, and make sure it did not “die” from neglect. Kids compared their pets’ ages like bragging rights, and the older your digital pet was, the cooler you were.
2. Wearing JNCO Jeans
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The bigger the denim legs, the higher your street cred. JNCO jeans, with their massive flares and embroidered logos, became a staple for skaters and alternative kids. Even if they were wildly impractical, they were a fashion statement that screamed rebellion and individuality.
3. Rocking a Walkman or Discman
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Whether it was a cassette Walkman or a sleek CD Discman, carrying your own music around meant you were ahead of the game. Choosing the right mixtape or burned CD showed your taste and personality. Bonus points if you could walk without your CD skipping on every step.
4. Sporting a Starter Jacket
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Starter jackets, especially those with NBA or NFL team logos, were a must-have for anyone trying to look athletic and stylish. They were flashy, oversized, and instantly recognizable. Wearing one meant you were tuned into both sports culture and fashion trends.
5. Knowing All the Macarena Moves
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The Macarena wasn’t just a song; it was a cultural phenomenon. Everyone from school kids to wedding guests danced to it, but only the “cool” kids nailed every move without hesitation. If you could do it without watching others, you were a true ’90s dance floor star.
6. Owning a Pair of Air Jordans
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Michael Jordan dominated basketball and sneaker culture in the ’90s, and his shoes became a fashion necessity. Air Jordans weren’t just for playing basketball; they were for making a statement in the hallways. A fresh pair instantly boosted your popularity.
7. Having a Beeper or Pager
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Before smartphones, having a beeper meant you were important — or at least wanted people to think you were. Kids and teens with pagers looked like they had serious business going on. It was even cooler if you knew the number codes that spelled words.
8. Wearing Slap Bracelets
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Slap bracelets were colorful, playful, and slightly dangerous if the metal poked through. They made a satisfying “snap” when wrapped around your wrist, making them an addictive accessory. Collecting them in different designs was a way to show off your style.
9. Playing with a Super Soaker
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The Super Soaker transformed summer water fights into full-on battles. Having the newest, most powerful model made you the ruler of the neighborhood. Friends admired your water-blasting power, and enemies feared it.
10. Collecting Beanie Babies
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Beanie Babies weren’t just toys; they were investments — or so people thought. The rare ones could make you the envy of your classmates. Even if you didn’t get rich from them, having the hard-to-find designs gave you bragging rights.
11. Watching The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
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Quoting lines from Will Smith or singing the theme song instantly made you part of the in-crowd. The show’s mix of humor, music, and style influenced fashion and slang. Knowing every character’s quirks was a sign you were pop culture-savvy.
12. Carrying a Lisa Frank Folder
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Lisa Frank’s neon-colored unicorns, dolphins, and rainbows were everywhere in the ’90s. Having her stationery made school supplies feel like a fashion accessory. It was a colorful way to show personality in an otherwise dull classroom.
13. Knowing Every Mortal Kombat Fatality
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Arcade and console gaming were at their peak, and Mortal Kombat ruled the scene. Pulling off a fatality in front of your friends proved you had skills. If you knew all the secret codes, you were practically a legend.
14. Wearing Doc Martens
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Doc Martens were the footwear of choice for punks, grunge fans, and anyone who wanted to project a tough image. They were durable, heavy, and unmistakably cool. Scuffed boots showed you had experience, while shiny new ones meant you were serious about style.
15. Owning a Nintendo 64
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When GoldenEye 007 or Mario Kart 64 nights happened, whoever had the console automatically became the most popular kid. The N64 was a social magnet for sleepovers and after-school hangouts. Mastering the controller’s awkward joystick was a badge of gaming honor.
16. Having Frosted Tips
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Boy bands like NSYNC and Backstreet Boys made frosted tips a hair trend for teen boys. It was the ultimate “pop star” look, even if it took a lot of hair gel. If you had them, you were instantly seen as stylish and trendy.
17. Bringing Lunchables to School
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Lunchables weren’t just food—they were a status symbol in the cafeteria. Pizza and cracker packs meant you had the “fun” lunch everyone wanted. Trading items with them was like a miniature economy among classmates.
18. Owning a Razor Scooter
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By the late ’90s, the Razor scooter was the hottest new way to get around. It was fast, portable, and made you look effortlessly cool gliding down the street. Mastering tricks on it gave you instant street cred.