19 Trends From the ’80s That Make Zero Sense Today
Fashion, gadgets, and pop culture from the 1980s were bold, bright, and often bizarre. Looking back, some of the most popular trends from that decade seem completely confusing today. It’s fun and strange to see what people once thought was cool.
- Tricia Quitales
- 5 min read
The 1980s were a time of wild creativity, but not every trend aged gracefully. From fashion choices that defy logic to technology that now feels ancient, many fads from that era make little sense in today’s world. Each of these 19 trends tells a story of a time when bigger was better and logic took a backseat to style. Whether you lived through the ’80s or just heard about them, this list will have you scratching your head or laughing out loud.
1. Shoulder Pads in Everything
The Library of Congress on Wikimedia
People in the ’80s loved stuffing shoulder pads into jackets, dresses, and even sweaters. The goal was to look powerful and broad-shouldered, especially for women in the workplace. Today, it just makes clothes look like football gear.
2. Neon Colors from Head to Toe
Kelly on Pexels
Bright neon pinks, greens, and oranges were everywhere, from gym clothes to casual wear. The louder your outfit, the cooler you were. Now, these colors are mostly seen in highlighters, not human wardrobes.
3. Rat Tails and Mullet Hairstyles
annmteu on Pexels
The rat tail and mullet were two hair trends that made bold statements. One featured a long tail of hair at the neck, while the other was famously “business in the front, party in the back.” Today, these styles are more of a punchline than a fashion choice.
4. Leg Warmers for No Reason
MART PRODUCTION on Pexels
Originally meant for dancers to keep their legs warm, leg warmers became a fashion must-have. People wore them over jeans or with miniskirts, even in warm weather. They served no real purpose but were somehow super trendy.
5. Rolled-Up Blazer Sleeves
Darina Belonogova on Pexels
TV shows like Miami Vice made pushing up your blazer sleeves seem effortlessly cool. The look was meant to be casual but classy. Today, it just looks unfinished and oddly placed.
6. Acid-Washed Everything
Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels
In the ’80s, denim got the bleach treatment, turning jeans, jackets, and skirts into cloudy, splotchy fashion statements. Acid-washed clothes were considered edgy and modern. Now, they mostly look like laundry accidents.
7. Fanny Packs as Fashion
Yan Krukau on Pexels
Fanny packs were worn around the waist and used for carrying everyday items. People thought they were stylish and practical at the same time. Now, they’re mostly seen on tourists or used ironically.
8. Huge Boomboxes on Shoulders
Ricky Esquivel on Pexels
Carrying a giant stereo on your shoulder while blasting music in public was seen as cool. It was all about sharing your music and looking confident. Today, we have earbuds and Bluetooth speakers that fit in your pocket.
9. Workout Clothes as Everyday Outfits
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Thanks to fitness stars like Jane Fonda, spandex bodysuits and headbands became everyday wear. People wore them to the mall, not just the gym. Wearing that now would probably get you a few odd stares.
10. Jelly Shoes That Made Your Feet Sweat
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Jelly shoes were made of plastic and came in glittery colors, perfect for kids and adults alike. They looked fun but were slippery and made feet hot and sticky. Fashion clearly won over comfort back then.
11. Parachute Pants That Didn’t Help You Fly
Tim-desser on Wikimedia
These nylon pants were baggy with zippers and were made famous by breakdancers. They made a loud swishing sound when you walked. They offered no real benefit, other than making people look like they were headed to space.
12. Crazy Patterned Sweaters
Public domain on Wikimedia
From wild zigzags to cartoon designs, sweaters in the ’80s were loud and full of personality. Think Cosby sweaters or ones your grandma might knit while blindfolded. They were conversation starters, even if the conversation was just “What are you wearing?”
13. Slap Bracelets That Hurt
Will Rinehart on Wikimedia
Slap bracelets were metal bands covered in fabric that would snap onto your wrist when slapped. Kids loved them, but they were later banned in many schools for safety reasons. They were fun but not very safe or sensible.
14. Overuse of Hairspray
Kaboompics.com on Pexels
Big hair was everything in the ’80s, and hairspray was the magic tool behind it. People used cans of it to create volume and hold impossible styles in place. Aside from the damage to hair (and the ozone layer), the results didn’t always look great.
15. Fingerless Gloves with No Real Function
Fluzwup on Wikimedia
Madonna made fingerless gloves a fashion statement, especially lace or leather ones. They added edge to outfits but did nothing to keep your hands warm. Today, they’re mostly used for working out, not walking down the street.
16. Wearing Sunglasses at Night
Francesco Paggiaro on Pexels
Thanks to the hit song by Corey Hart, many people actually wore sunglasses indoors or after dark. It was meant to be mysterious and stylish. Now, it’s just confusing and unsafe.
17. Swatch Watches Piled on One Arm
Minicooperfahrer on Wikimedia
Swatch watches were colorful and affordable, so people wore several at once. Each one had a different design, turning your wrist into a rainbow of timepieces. Today, one smartwatch does the job of all 10.
18. Matching Tracksuits for Casual Outings
David Kouakou on Pexels
Tracksuits were worn as everyday outfits, not just for jogging. Matching top and bottom in bold colors was all the rage. Now, they seem more fitting for gym class than grocery shopping.
19. Scrunchies in Every Color
Pexels User on Pexels
Hair scrunchies were huge, fluffy, and available in every color imaginable. People wore them on their wrists when they weren’t tying up their hair. While they’ve made a small comeback, the ’80s version was extra in every way.