27 Trends That Take Us Back to the 1980s
The 1980s were a time of bold fashion choices, experimental technology, and unforgettable pop culture moments.
From neon colors to high-tech gadgets, this vibrant decade introduced trends that are making a huge comeback today. Whether it’s the resurgence of vintage style or the reemergence of beloved tech, the 1980s have left a lasting impression.
These 27 trends take us back to the era of big hair, cassette tapes, and unforgettable fashion statements that continue to inspire modern-day nostalgia.
1. Scrunchies
Scrunchies were the epitome of 80s hair fashion, often worn to keep hair in place while adding a stylish pop of color. These fabric-covered hair ties came in every pattern imaginable, from velvet to floral prints. As an accessory that symbolized the era’s playful and bold attitude, scrunchies are back in a big way.
Modern-day fashionistas are incorporating them into their looks, showing that the scrunchie is a true 80s classic.
2. Neon Fashion
One of the standout trends from the 1980s was the use of neon colors in fashion. Bright pinks, greens, yellows, and blues were everywhere, from clothing to accessories.
Neon tights, oversized shirts, and scrunchies were a must-have. The bold, eye-catching colors were a staple for workout gear, nightclubs, and casual wear.
Today, neon fashion has made a significant return, with neon accents showing up on runways, streetwear, and even athleisure.
3. High-Top Sneakers
High-top sneakers were a symbol of 80s cool, often worn by basketball players, rock stars, and everyday teens alike. Brands like Nike and Converse made their mark with sneakers that provided ankle support while looking stylish.
Today, high-top sneakers are making a comeback, with sneaker culture and streetwear continuing to push this retro look into the forefront of modern fashion.
4. Spandex and Lycra
In the 1980s, spandex and Lycra took over athletic and workout wear. These stretchy, form-fitting materials were a favorite among aerobics enthusiasts and workout gurus. Brightly colored leotards, leggings, and bike shorts made their way into everyday fashion.
Fast forward to today, and athleisure has made these materials popular again, with yoga pants and performance wear becoming essential parts of daily wardrobes.
5. Mullets
The mullet hairstyle, famously described as “business in the front, party in the back,” became one of the most iconic haircuts of the 1980s. This bold and rebellious look was worn by everyone from rock stars to everyday individuals.
While the mullet took a backseat in later decades, it’s had a major resurgence in recent years, with many embracing the ironic style for a retro look that’s both fun and nostalgic.
6. VHS Tapes
Before DVDs and streaming services took over, VHS tapes were the primary way people watched movies and recorded TV shows. The 80s saw the rise of home video rentals and family movie nights, with VHS players becoming a staple in homes across the world.
While VHS is now a thing of the past, the nostalgia surrounding it has led to a resurgence of interest in VHS tapes, often as collectibles for movie buffs and retro enthusiasts.
7. Fanny Packs
Fanny packs were once a staple of the 1980s fashion scene, providing a convenient way to carry essentials while keeping hands free. Often worn around the waist or across the chest, these small, zippered bags were a favorite for travelers, tourists, and athletes.
Today, the fanny pack has made a huge comeback in streetwear, with designers bringing the retro accessory back into fashion as both a functional and stylish addition to any outfit.
8. Members-Only Jackets
Members-Only jackets were a symbol of exclusivity and coolness in the 1980s, with their sleek designs and signature epaulets. These jackets became a must-have for anyone looking to show off their fashion-forward style.
While their popularity waned in the decades that followed, Members-Only jackets have returned, often in updated styles that combine vintage charm with modern fabrics, making them a go-to outerwear piece for anyone embracing retro fashion.
9. Walkman
The Sony Walkman revolutionized the way people listened to music in the 1980s, allowing music lovers to take their favorite tunes on the go. This portable cassette player gave people the freedom to enjoy their favorite albums wherever they went.
Nowadays, the Walkman has become a nostalgic symbol of the 80s, with vintage versions fetching high prices from collectors and newer generations embracing its retro appeal through digital music players and wireless earbuds.
10. Acid-Wash Jeans
Acid-wash jeans were all the rage in the 1980s, characterized by their light, bleached look that made them stand out from traditional denim. These jeans, often worn with oversized shirts and jackets, became a symbol of rebellious fashion.
In recent years, acid-wash denim has made a strong comeback, seen on everything from jackets to skirts, and it’s become a staple of the modern grunge and streetwear scenes.
11. Trapper Keepers
In the 1980s, Trapper Keepers were the ultimate in school organization. These colorful binders with velcro closures and vibrant designs were beloved by students everywhere.
Whether you had a design featuring a favorite cartoon or a sleek, minimal look, a Trapper Keeper was a must-have school accessory.
Today, while they may not be as popular as they once were, they’ve become a nostalgic item for collectors and retro enthusiasts.
12. Cabbage Patch Kids
Cabbage Patch Kids took the world by storm in the 1980s, becoming a must-have toy for children. These soft, uniquely designed dolls were famous for their wide range of outfits and the birth certificate that came with each doll.
While the craze of the 80s has died down, Cabbage Patch Kids have remained a beloved part of childhood nostalgia. Today, they are sought-after collectibles and still evoke fond memories of the era.
13. Sweaters with Bold Patterns
Sweaters with bold, colorful patterns were a staple of 80s fashion. From stripes to abstract designs, these sweaters were often oversized and worn as statement pieces. Whether layered over collared shirts or paired with jeans, they added a fun, playful vibe to the wardrobe.
Nowadays, bold patterns have made a return, with vintage-inspired sweaters making their way back into stores as part of the ongoing 80s revival.
14. Boomboxes
The boombox was the portable music player of the 1980s, often carried on the shoulders of young music enthusiasts who loved blasting their favorite tunes in public. Whether playing cassette tapes, FM radio, or CDs, the boombox became a cultural symbol of the 80s.
Although portable speakers have largely replaced them, boomboxes are still fondly remembered and sometimes reproduced for nostalgic purposes, with some even making a comeback in modern designs.
15. Leg Warmers
Originally worn by dancers during the 1980s, leg warmers became a popular fashion accessory both in and out of the studio. Worn with everything from skirts to jeans, they added warmth and style to any outfit.
With the resurgence of 80s fashion in the modern day, leg warmers have returned as a trendy accessory, especially in athleisure and dance-inspired fashion, making them a nostalgic addition to any retro wardrobe.
16. Flip Phones
In the 1980s, flip phones made their mark as the latest in mobile technology. Their compact design and satisfying “snap” when closing became a symbol of convenience and style.
These early cell phones were often bulky compared to today’s smartphones but were incredibly popular for their ability to make calls on the go.
While flip phones faded in favor of touchscreens, their retro charm has led to a resurgence in recent years, with modern versions of flip phones appealing to those seeking nostalgia and a break from constant connectivity.
17. Parachute Pants
Parachute pants were a staple of 80s street fashion, popularized by the rise of hip-hop culture. Known for their baggy fit and lightweight fabric, these pants became synonymous with breakdancing and the fast-moving rhythms of the time.
Worn with oversized jackets and chunky sneakers, parachute pants were a statement piece for those embracing urban style.
Today, they’re a retro favorite among fashion-forward individuals, with modern designers updating the style with new materials and cuts, making them a fun throwback for 80s enthusiasts.
18. Slap Bracelets
Slap bracelets were a popular trend among kids in the 1980s, often worn on wrists as an accessory but also a source of endless fun. These thin, flexible strips of metal would “snap” into shape when slapped against the wrist, creating a satisfying sound and action.
While they were banned in some schools due to safety concerns, slap bracelets are now back as a nostalgic piece of 80s memorabilia, making occasional appearances in fashion and novelty stores, reminding us of a simpler time of carefree fun.
19. Roller Skates
Roller skating was a major pastime in the 1980s, whether at a roller rink or outdoors in the park. With brightly colored wheels and often adorned with glitter and decals, roller skates embodied the fun and freedom of the 80s.
The rise of roller disco also added to the excitement, with people showing off their moves to the beat of disco tunes. While roller skating became less popular in later years, it’s made a major comeback, with people of all ages rediscovering the joy of skating for exercise and recreation.
20. MTV Music Videos
MTV forever changed the music industry when it launched in 1981, ushering in an era where music videos were just as important as the music itself. Artists began to use elaborate visuals to enhance their songs, creating iconic videos that became cultural touchstones.
From Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” to Madonna’s “Like a Virgin,” these music videos defined the 80s. Although MTV’s role in music videos has shifted over time, the channel remains a symbol of the 80s, and music videos continue to be an essential part of promoting artists today.
21. The Rubik’s Cube
The Rubik’s Cube became an iconic puzzle in the 1980s, challenging people’s minds with its colorful, twistable design. It became a worldwide sensation, with millions trying to solve the puzzle’s seemingly endless combinations.
Known for improving cognitive and problem-solving skills, the Rubik’s Cube remains a nostalgic piece of the 80s. Today, it continues to be popular as both a brain teaser and a collector’s item, with speedcubers and enthusiasts trying to solve it in record time, keeping the 80s puzzle craze alive.
22. Big Hair
Big hair was one of the defining features of 1980s fashion, with both men and women sporting voluminous hairstyles. From teased curls to crimped waves, hair was bigger, fuller, and higher than ever before.
The bold, exaggerated styles were often achieved with copious amounts of hairspray and styling gel. While the super-high hair of the 80s is less common today, it’s occasionally seen on the runway or as a retro-inspired look.
The trend is also captured in vintage photographs, reminding us of the bold, audacious fashion spirit of the 80s.
23. Power Suits
In the 1980s, power suits for both men and women became a symbol of ambition and success, often characterized by broad shoulders and sharp lines. Influenced by the rise of corporate culture, the power suit was seen as a uniform for those climbing the corporate ladder.
This trend was epitomized by characters in popular shows like Dynasty and Dallas. Today, power suits have evolved, but the tailored, confident look of the 1980s is making a comeback as fashion embraces both classic styles and modern power dressing.
24. Hypercolor Shirts
Hypercolor shirts were an exciting and interactive fashion trend from the 1980s, designed to change color in response to heat. These shirts would shift hues when exposed to body heat, such as when you touched them or wore them in hot weather.
The changing colors made these shirts a fun and popular novelty in the 80s. While Hypercolor shirts faded from mainstream fashion, they remain a beloved part of 80s fashion history, often sold as collector’s items and bringing a sense of nostalgia to fashion lovers.
25. Cassettes and Mixtapes
In the 1980s, cassettes were the go-to medium for music lovers. People would buy albums, record their favorite songs, or make mixtapes for friends and loved ones, creating personal soundtracks for their lives.
Making a mixtape was a beloved tradition that involved carefully curating songs for specific moments or emotions. Though CDs and digital downloads have replaced cassettes, the mixtape has made a nostalgic return, with people still creating custom playlists as modern-day mixtapes for those special moments.
26. Swatch Watches
Swatch watches were a sensation in the 1980s, known for their vibrant colors, unique designs, and affordability. These Swiss-made watches became an essential accessory, loved for their ability to match any outfit or mood.
Swatch made collecting watches fun, with new designs released regularly to keep fans coming back for more. While the brand continues to thrive, the 80s Swatch models are still iconic, often making appearances in retro fashion collections and being adored by fans of the era’s playful style.
27. Game Consoles
The 1980s saw the rise of home video game consoles, with systems like the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and the Sega Master System revolutionizing entertainment. Families would gather around the TV to play games like Super Mario Bros., Duck Hunt, and Pac-Man.
These consoles laid the foundation for the modern gaming industry, and today, retro gaming has grown in popularity. Classic 80s consoles and games are often re-released or available through retro gaming systems, keeping the spirit of 80s gaming alive for new generations to enjoy.