Remember the 80s? It was a wild time of big hair, neon colors, and questionable fashion choices. Back then, these trends were all the rage, with everyone from celebrities to your next-door neighbors rocking them proudly. But times have changed, and what was once considered cool is now often seen as cringe-worthy.
In this blog, I’ll examine some of the most iconic 80s trends that would likely face public ridicule if they made a comeback today.
Mullet Haircuts
The mullet, with its short front and long back, was a popular 80s hairstyle for both men and women. Rock stars and average Joes alike sported this look, thinking it was the height of cool. Today, the mullet is often seen as a joke haircut, associated with rednecks and bad taste. While some hipsters have tried to bring it back ironically, most people still cringe at the sight of this infamous “business in the front, party in the back” style.
Shoulder Pads
Shoulder pads were a staple of 80s fashion, found in everything from blazers to dresses. They were meant to give women a more powerful, masculine silhouette in the workplace. Now, these bulky additions are seen as unnecessary and unflattering. Modern fashion favors more natural shoulder lines, making the exaggerated look of shoulder pads seem dated and silly.
Acid-Washed Jeans
Acid-washed jeans, with their bleached, mottled appearance, were all the rage in the 1980s. People loved the edgy, rock-and-roll vibe these jeans gave off. Today, this denim style is often mocked for being tacky and overdone. While distressed jeans are still popular, the extremely bleached look of acid wash is generally considered a fashion faux pas.
Neon Everything
The 80s were awash in neon colors, from clothing to accessories to home decor. Bright pinks, greens, and yellows were everywhere, symbolizing the decade’s loud and energetic spirit. Now, wearing head-to-toe neon is likely to get you strange looks. While bright colors are still used in fashion, the all-neon look is seen as gaudy and overwhelming.
Legwarmers
Legwarmers, inspired by dance and aerobics wear, became a mainstream fashion trend in the 80s. People wore them over jeans, with skirts, and even with formal wear. Today, wearing legwarmers outside of a dance studio or gym would likely result in laughter and confusion. They’re seen as a dated, impractical accessory that serves no real purpose in everyday fashion.
Permed Hair
Perms were incredibly popular in the 80s, giving people the big, curly hair that was so desired at the time. Both men and women got perms, often resulting in frizzy, unnatural-looking curls. Now, the perm is mostly ridiculed as a hair disaster. Natural curls or straightened styles are preferred, with the poodle-like perm look firmly relegated to the past.
Parachute Pants
Parachute pants, made of nylon with a baggy fit and zippered pockets, were a hit in the 80s. They were associated with breakdancing and hip-hop culture. Today, these shiny, noisy pants are seen as a fashion mistake. Their impractical design and dated look make them a subject of mockery rather than admiration.
Fanny Packs
Fanny packs, worn around the waist, were a popular 80s accessory for carrying small items. They were seen as practical and stylish, often in bright colors or patterns. Now, fanny packs are generally ridiculed as a tourist stereotype and a fashion don’t. While they’ve had a slight resurgence in hipster circles, most people still see them as an embarrassing relic of the past.
Crimped Hair
Crimping irons were a must-have beauty tool in the 80s, creating a zig-zag texture in hair. This frizzy, crimped look was considered edgy and cool. Today, crimped hair is often seen as damaging and unflattering. The unnatural texture and dated association make it a hairstyle that’s more likely to be mocked than admired.
Members Only Jackets
Members Only jackets were a status symbol in the 80s, with their distinctive epaulets and branding. Owning one of these jackets was a way to show you were part of the in-crowd. Now, these jackets are often ridiculed as a symbol of trying too hard to be cool. Their dated design and association with 80s materialism make them a frequent target of jokes.
Jelly Shoes
Jelly shoes, made of PVC plastic, were a popular footwear choice in the 80s. They came in various colors and were loved for their cheap, waterproof design. Today, jelly shoes are often mocked for being uncomfortable and impractical. Their plasticky look and association with childish fashion make them a frequent subject of ridicule.
Rat Tails
The rat tail, a long strand of hair at the nape of the neck, was a popular 80s hairstyle for boys and men. It was seen as rebellious and cool, often braided or beaded. Now, the rat tail is widely regarded as one of the worst hairstyle trends ever. It’s associated with poor taste and is more likely to be the butt of jokes than a serious style choice.
Oversized Everything
The 80s loved oversized fashion, from sweaters to suits to jewelry. Bigger was always better, with clothing often several sizes too large. Today, this trend is often ridiculed for being unflattering and impractical. Modern fashion tends to favor more fitted styles, making the oversized 80s look seem sloppy and dated.
Stirrup Pants
Stirrup pants, with their foot straps designed to keep them in place, were a fashion staple in the 80s. They were worn for everything from casual outings to workouts. Now, stirrup pants are generally seen as an unflattering and unnecessary design. Their odd foot strap and tendency to bunch up make them a frequent target of fashion mockery.
Velour Tracksuits
Velour tracksuits, often in bright colors, were a popular leisure wear choice in the 80s. They were seen as both comfortable and stylish, worn by everyone from suburban moms to hip-hop artists. Today, wearing a full velour tracksuit is likely to get you laughed at. The shiny, plush fabric and dated design make them look more like a costume than a serious fashion choice.
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