1. Pet Rocks (1975 to 1976)
Some trends take years to fade, others vanish almost before the photos develop. Pet Rocks were one of those flashes of absurd fun. Marketed as the ultimate low maintenance companion, each rock came in a small box complete with breathing holes and a tongue in cheek manual. For months they were the talk of offices, schools, and gift shops everywhere. People laughed, gave them as gags, and treated them like real pets. The craze was short lived, but it showed how a simple idea could sweep through popular culture and leave behind a smile in memory.
2. Mood Rings (1975 to 1977)
Mood Rings felt magical at first glance, tiny bands of color changing stone that promised to reveal your feelings. In reality, the shifting hues were caused by temperature, but that didn’t stop people from believing in their charm. Kids compared shades, friends giggled over meanings, and they became an instant schoolyard sensation. They were stylish too, shiny little gems that felt special even if the science was shaky. Their popularity burned bright for a while before fading quietly, yet they left behind the memory of a time when a small ring could make emotions feel visible.
3. The Hustle (1975 to 1976)
Every decade has a dance that defines its mood, and in the mid-seventies it was The Hustle. Born out of disco fever, the dance moved across clubs, roller rinks, and weddings with its easy-to-follow steps and upbeat groove. Couples and groups loved joining in, shuffling in unison to the sound of Van McCoy’s song of the same name. For a few years it was impossible to escape, a symbol of disco’s glitter and shine. Then, as disco faded, so did the craze. Still, hearing the opening chords today brings back the joy of moving together.
4. Shag Haircuts (1973 to 1976)
Hair trends always tell a story about the times, and the shag haircut was pure seventies attitude. With its uneven layers and lived in look, it broke away from stiff styles and matched the laid back energy of rock music. Celebrities wore it proudly, from Jane Fonda to Mick Jagger, and suddenly everyone wanted the same rough edged layers. It was rebellious, messy yet stylish, and unisex in a way that felt new. Eventually people wanted sleeker shapes, but the shag still lingers in fashion memory, a reminder of when hair could embody freedom and a carefree spirit.
5. Vidal Sassoon Wedge Cut (1974 to 1977)
Precision became the hallmark of beauty when Vidal Sassoon’s wedge cut burst onto the scene. It was sharp, structured, and undeniably modern, the kind of style that turned heads with its clean lines. Dorothy Hamill, Olympic gold medalist, wore it proudly, inspiring countless women to copy the look. The cut was striking and empowering, giving short hair a sophisticated spin that felt different from casual shags or curls. It had its moment everywhere from sports arenas to magazine covers before fading as new shapes took over. The wedge remains a symbol of elegance from an era chasing sleek confidence.
6. Waterbeds (1977 to 1981)
Furniture fads don’t come often, but waterbeds turned bedrooms into conversation starters. They promised futuristic comfort, gentle waves of relaxation, and even a touch of romance. Owning one became a sign of being stylish and forward thinking. The reality was less dreamy though, with leaks, heavy frames, and the headache of moving them around. For a few years they seemed essential, showing up in ads and movies as the height of cool. Eventually practicality won out and the craze slipped away. Still, they are remembered fondly as a bold experiment in comfort and seventies lifestyle dreams.
7. Roller Disco (1978 to 1980)
Nothing captured late seventies fun quite like roller disco. It blended the thrill of skating with the glamour of disco lights and sparkling outfits. Rinks pulsed with energy as skaters glided in rhythm to hits from Donna Summer and the Bee Gees. It felt like freedom on wheels, combining music, movement, and style in one glittering package. Teens and adults alike fell into the craze, making weekends all about the rink. As disco waned, so did roller disco, but the memories remain vivid. It was short lived, joyful, and perfectly timed, leaving behind colorful photos and good nostalgia.
8. Feathered Hair (1978 to 1982)
Hair in the late seventies and early eighties reached new levels of fame with feathered locks. Farrah Fawcett made the look iconic, her golden waves flowing with effortless bounce. Women and men alike scrambled to salons, armed with round brushes and cans of hairspray, chasing that soft layered perfection. It became the beauty standard of its time, symbolizing youth, glamour, and sun kissed charm. Eventually bigger, bolder styles replaced it, but the feathered look never fully vanished from memory. It represented a moment when hair felt alive and free, carried by the breeze of a cultural icon.
9. Puka Shell Necklaces (1976 to 1979)
Accessories often tell their own cultural stories, and puka shell necklaces carried the beach to every corner of the world. Once a surfer staple, they suddenly appeared on teenagers and young adults far from the ocean. The white, natural beads symbolized carefree summer vibes and became an instant trend at concerts, malls, and school dances. For a while they were seen as cool tokens of laid back living. Like most fads, they eventually lost their shine and were tossed into drawers, but they remain a reminder of when a simple necklace connected people to an imagined island lifestyle.
10. Rubik’s Cube Craze (1981 to 1983)
Puzzles don’t often spark worldwide frenzy, but the Rubik’s Cube did just that. Its colorful twisting squares appeared in classrooms, playgrounds, and living rooms everywhere, challenging people to line up the colors. Some took pride in solving it, others just loved turning it endlessly, but it quickly became a universal obsession. Competitions popped up, books taught strategies, and kids compared times. It was a brainy fad, but still fun, making it stand out from other fleeting crazes. While it settled into a classic toy later, its early eighties craze showed how one little cube could dominate attention.
11. Jelly Shoes (1983 to 1985)
Some fads are all about looks, others about feel, and jelly shoes were a mix of both. These colorful plastic sandals hit stores in the early eighties, tempting kids and teens with their see through sparkle. They were cheap, playful, and came in every shade imaginable. But they squeaked, rubbed, and made feet sweat in the summer heat, which quickly dimmed their appeal. Still, they carried a charm that turned sidewalks into rainbow displays. For a brief moment, jelly shoes made fashion fun and carefree, leaving behind squeaky memories that instantly transport people back to childhood summers.
12. Banana Clips (1984 to 1986)
Hair accessories can define a look, and for a short time banana clips were the go to tool. Shaped like a curved comb, they pulled hair back into cascading ponytails that felt stylish yet easy. Every girl seemed to have one tucked in her bag or clipped into her hair, whether for school, parties, or hanging out at the mall. They gave hairstyles volume and drama, even if they sometimes pinched or broke. The craze faded quickly as other accessories took over, but for a while banana clips made everyday hair feel like part of a fashion statement.
13. Leg Warmers Craze (1982 to 1984)
Fitness culture was booming in the early eighties, and leg warmers stepped right into the spotlight. Inspired by dancers and boosted by workout videos, they became more than functional, they became fashion. People wore them with tights, jeans, or skirts, strutting around malls and classrooms as if every hallway were a studio. Bright colors and stretchy knits made them feel playful, and suddenly dance gear became everyday wear. Like many trends, they burned out once the novelty faded. Yet they remain tied to an era of aerobics, VHS workouts, and the belief that comfort and style could blend.
14. Shoulder Pads in Everything (1984 to 1987)
Fashion in the eighties was about power, and shoulder pads became the ultimate symbol. Blazers, dresses, even sweaters were stuffed with foam or fabric to give sharp, wide silhouettes that projected authority. Women in the workplace embraced them as a sign of confidence, while designers exaggerated the look to match the decade’s boldness. For a few years it was almost impossible to shop without seeing them. Eventually the excess faded, and people laughed at photos of their square shouldered past. Still, shoulder pads captured a cultural moment when fashion aimed to say, I am here and I matter.
15. Acid Wash Jeans (1986 to 1988)
Denim never really goes away, but its styles constantly change, and acid wash was the ultimate late eighties experiment. With its pale streaky pattern, it looked almost glowing under lights, giving jeans a flashy, rebellious vibe. Teens wore them to concerts, paired them with leather jackets, and embraced them as part of a rock inspired look. For a short time they were everywhere, even creeping into skirts and jackets. Then the look suddenly felt dated, almost too tied to its moment. Today they pop up now and then in retro revivals, still carrying the wild edge of their time.
16. Swatch Watch Stacking (1985 to 1987)
When watches became fashion accessories, Swatch led the way with bright, playful designs. But the real craze was wearing more than one at a time, sometimes stacking two, three, or even more up one arm. The look screamed color and individuality, perfect for a decade that loved bold expression. Kids compared collections, traded bands, and made statements with every flick of the wrist. For a few seasons, it seemed like more was better. Eventually the trend calmed, and one watch was enough again, but the memory of stacked Swatches still sparkles with that over the top eighties spirit.
17. Frankie Says Relax T Shirts (1984 to 1985)
Pop culture often finds its way onto clothing, and Frankie Says Relax shirts proved just how quickly it can happen. Inspired by the band Frankie Goes to Hollywood and their controversial hit song, these bold slogan tees became instant street fashion. Everyone seemed to have one, flaunting the oversized lettering as both cool and rebellious. For a brief moment, the shirt carried as much weight as the music itself. The craze didn’t last long, but it showed how a simple phrase could unite a generation of fans. It was bold, loud, and perfectly timed for its short lived fame.
18. Cabbage Patch Kids Mania (1983 to 1984)
Toy crazes come and go, but few matched the frenzy of Cabbage Patch Kids. Each doll came with a name and adoption papers, making them feel personal and special. Stores couldn’t keep them in stock, and parents lined up, fought, and even made headlines trying to get one. For children, owning a Cabbage Patch Kid felt like joining a club. The mania only lasted a couple of years before new toys stole the spotlight, but the dolls remain iconic. They captured the magic of childhood desire and showed how a single toy could drive families into holiday chaos.
19. Mall Bangs (1988 to 1991)
Hair in the late eighties was all about size, and mall bangs delivered height with pride. With layers of teased and sprayed hair standing tall, they became the signature look for teens everywhere. Getting the perfect spray was almost an art form, practiced in bathrooms before heading to school or hanging out at the mall. For a while, they felt like the crown of coolness, shining in yearbooks and photos. Eventually softer styles took over, and mall bangs became a punchline, but they remain unforgettable. They were a snapshot of youth culture reaching sky high during that bold era.
20. Members Only Jackets (1984 to 1986)
Nothing said casual status in the mid-eighties quite like a Members Only jacket. With its slim cut, narrow collar, and shoulder epaulets, it quickly became the cool jacket to wear. Ads promised exclusivity, and the brand name alone gave it a certain edge. Teens and adults alike embraced it, layering it over jeans or slacks for a sleek everyday look. For a few seasons, the jacket felt essential. Then, as trends shifted, it disappeared just as quickly as it came. Today, it lives in memory as a symbol of an era chasing subtle style and instant recognition.
21. Crimped Hair (1986 to 1989)
Hair irons got a new twist in the eighties, literally, when crimping took hold. The zigzag textured look transformed straight hair into wavy patterns that felt bold and playful. Teens crimped their entire heads for parties or just added sections for flair, and it became a fun way to stand out without much effort. For a while it was the go to style at dances, concerts, and even casual weekends. The fad faded as smoother styles returned, but the crimped look still sneaks back now and then, carrying the quirky spirit of a decade that loved experimenting with hair.
22. Hacky Sack (1987 to 1989)
College campuses and high school yards came alive in the late eighties with hacky sack circles. The small footbag became the center of group games, as players passed it around with kicks, stalls, and tricks. It was social, competitive, and oddly addictive, bringing strangers together in impromptu circles. For a few years it was everywhere, a simple pastime that spread quickly. As technology and other distractions took over, the game lost ground. Still, for those who played, the memory of laughing, kicking, and keeping the hacky sack off the ground remains a warm reminder of youth and simple connection.
23. Friendship Bracelets Craze (1988 to 1990)
Few accessories carried as much meaning as friendship bracelets. Made with colorful threads and knots, they were given as gifts to symbolize loyalty and care. Kids spent hours weaving them at summer camps, sleepovers, and school, then proudly tied them on their friends’ wrists. Each bracelet told a story, making them more than just fashion. For a couple of years the craze swept through classrooms and hallways, uniting kids in shared craft and sentiment. As with most fads, it faded, but the bracelets remain nostalgic. They represented the joy of simple handmade connections during carefree childhood days.
24. Puffy Starter Jackets (1989 to 1991)
Sports fashion jumped from the stadium to the streets with Puffy Starter Jackets. Bright, oversized, and emblazoned with team logos, they became the must have outerwear for kids and teens. Even those who never watched a game wore them proudly, showing off the bold colors and shiny fabric. They offered warmth and style all at once, a mix that made them irresistible. For a few years, it felt like everyone had one, turning sidewalks into mini sports parades. The craze cooled as styles shifted, but the jackets remain a beloved memory of youthful pride in both fashion and teams.
25. Rat Tails (1988 to 1990)
Sometimes all it takes is one strand of hair to spark a trend. The rat tail hairstyle was short on top but left a single long strip hanging down the back. It became a rebellious statement, worn by kids who wanted to stand out just a little. For a while, it popped up in schools and sports fields, sparking equal parts admiration and teasing. It was easy to grow, easy to trim, and easy to regret later. The fad didn’t last long, but the rat tail remains a quirky footnote in the history of hair experiments gone mainstream.
26. Zubaz Pants (1989 to 1992)
Bold patterns and baggy comfort came together in Zubaz pants, which stormed into the late eighties and early nineties. Originally designed for weightlifters, their loud colors and zebra like stripes caught mainstream attention. Soon they were seen everywhere, from gyms to classrooms, often paired with oversized T shirts. They embodied the decade’s love of loud, carefree fashion. The craze burned bright before fading as quickly as it came, but Zubaz pants still resurface now and then as a nostalgic nod. They were a reminder of when comfort and wild expression collided in one unforgettable piece of clothing.
27. Breakdancing Craze (1983 to 1985)
Street culture exploded in the early eighties, and breakdancing became its beating heart. Kids spun on cardboard, balanced on hands, and froze in dramatic poses, turning sidewalks into stages. Movies and TV specials showcased the moves, fueling the craze even more. For a couple of years it felt like breakdancing was everywhere, from playgrounds to talent shows. Then the spotlight dimmed, and it became less visible in the mainstream. Still, it never fully disappeared, evolving into a respected element of hip hop. The early craze remains a memory of raw energy and creativity bursting into public view.
28. The Rachel Haircut (1995 to 1996)
Television has influenced style for decades, but few examples were as powerful as The Rachel. Jennifer Aniston’s layered cut from Friends became the most requested salon look in the mid-nineties. Women lined up to copy its bouncy shape, and magazines offered step by step guides. For a year or so, it dominated fashion, defining a generation of hair inspiration. Aniston herself later admitted she disliked maintaining it, but that didn’t stop the craze. Eventually other styles took over, yet The Rachel remains iconic, a reminder of how one show and one character could shape beauty everywhere.
29. Hypercolor Shirts (1991 to 1992)
Clothing that changed color felt futuristic, and Hypercolor shirts delivered that magic, at least for a little while. The fabric shifted hues with body heat, turning simple movements into playful displays. Kids pressed handprints into each other’s backs, laughed at shifting patterns, and loved showing off the effect. For a couple of years, they seemed like the coolest thing to wear. Then reality set in, with fading colors, visible sweat marks, and short lifespans. The fad disappeared almost as quickly as it arrived, but for a brief moment, Hypercolor made everyday clothing feel alive with surprise.
30. Snap Bracelets (1990 to 1991)
Playful and addictive, snap bracelets became a sensation among kids in the early nineties. The simple strip of metal covered in colorful fabric could be slapped onto a wrist, snapping instantly into a bracelet. They were traded, collected, and worn in multiples, turning recess into a show of colors and sounds. Teachers and parents grew wary when cheap versions split and exposed sharp edges, leading to bans in schools. The craze burned out quickly after that, but for the kids who wore them, snap bracelets remain a fond memory of a time when a simple toy accessory felt magical.
31. Platform Sneakers (1996 to 1997)
Shoes can define an era, and platform sneakers towered over the mid nineties thanks to the Spice Girls. With thick soles that added inches of height, they turned casual outfits into bold fashion statements. Teens and young adults wore them proudly, balancing style with a little wobble. They were flashy, fun, and playful, exactly what the pop scene was all about. For a short moment, it seemed like everyone wanted to stomp through life on a higher level. The trend faded fast, but the memory of platform sneakers remains tied to youthful energy and fearless fashion choices.
32. No Fear T Shirts (1994 to 1996)
Slogans ruled the nineties, and No Fear T shirts brought a mix of bravado and attitude to the scene. With bold fonts and extreme sports inspired sayings, the shirts were worn by kids who wanted to look daring, even if they had never stepped on a skateboard. They spread quickly through malls and schools, riding the wave of action sports culture. For a while, the message felt empowering, a way to stand tall among peers. As trends shifted, the shirts disappeared, but they remain a reminder of a time when confidence and coolness were printed across cotton fronts.
33. Tamagotchi (1997 to 1998)
Digital pets entered lives through tiny egg shaped screens called Tamagotchis. They beeped for food, care, and attention, making kids and teens feel responsible for their pixelated companions. Teachers often banned them in classrooms, but that only added to the thrill of sneaking peeks. The craze swept across playgrounds, with friends comparing whose pet had survived the longest. It was a crash course in digital caregiving, both fun and stressful. The fad was brief, but Tamagotchis are remembered as the first handheld glimpse of tech meeting play. They made childhood a little more interactive, even with simple pixel screens.
34. Beanie Babies (1997 to 1999)
Stuffed animals became investment dreams when Beanie Babies took over the late nineties. Each plush toy was given limited availability, making collectors scramble for certain designs. Parents hunted through stores, hoping to find the latest rare piece, convinced values would skyrocket. For a couple of years, kids and adults alike were swept into the frenzy, building shelves of carefully tagged animals. Then the bubble burst, and values collapsed almost overnight. Still, Beanie Babies left behind a colorful legacy, a reminder of how quickly hype can turn everyday toys into treasures, only to vanish when reality sets in.
35. New Kids on the Block Merchandise (1990 to 1991)
Boy band mania exploded early in the decade, and New Kids on the Block sat at the center of it. Fans snapped up everything from pillowcases to lunchboxes, turning bedrooms and schools into shrines of devotion. Owning the merchandise felt like being closer to the band, part of the movement of screaming crowds and catchy tunes. For a brief time, their faces were everywhere, and the craze was unstoppable. As music shifted, so did the obsession, but the merchandise remains a nostalgic token of first loves, first concerts, and the power of pop culture to sweep people away.
36. M.C. Hammer Pants (1990 to 1991)
Fashion sometimes dances hand in hand with music, and M.C. Hammer pants did just that. Loose, baggy, and ballooning at the hips, they were built for movement and instantly tied to his energetic stage presence. Kids and adults alike tried them, convinced they were stepping into something stylish and cool. For a year or so, the pants were everywhere, making hallways and parties look like dance floors. Then the craze faded, leaving behind photos and music videos that captured the moment. Hammer pants remain unforgettable, not just as clothes but as part of a rhythm filled cultural memory.
37. Tie Dye Revival (1991 to 1992)
Trends often resurface, and in the early nineties tie dye came back with a splash. Bright swirls of color decorated shirts, socks, and headbands, giving off a carefree, slightly retro vibe. It wasn’t as tied to protest movements as in the sixties, but it offered a playful way to stand out. Teens proudly wore their rainbow shirts to school, camp, and concerts, soaking in the free spirited look. The revival was short, soon replaced by sleeker, darker styles, but it reminded everyone of fashion’s cyclical nature. Tie dye lived again briefly, adding color to an otherwise grunge leaning time.
38. Flock of Seagulls Hair (1982 to 1984)
Some hairstyles turn into cultural markers, and the dramatic swoop of Flock of Seagulls hair became one of them. With its angled waves brushing high over the forehead and down the sides, it was theatrical, bold, and instantly recognizable. Fans of new wave music adopted the look, giving it life beyond the band. For a couple of years it captured the playful weirdness of the era, appearing in clubs, concerts, and music videos. Eventually it vanished as quickly as it came, but the memory still sparks smiles. It remains one of the wildest reminders of eighties hair experimentation.
39. Perms for Everyone (1985 to 1987)
Few hair trends spread as widely as perms. Suddenly curly hair was everywhere, even on people who had never had a wave before. Salons filled with the smell of chemicals as women and men alike embraced the look, hoping for bouncy locks. For a while, perms symbolized volume, fun, and a certain kind of confidence. The curls varied from tight coils to looser waves, but the message was the same, bigger was better. The fad eventually fizzled as people tired of upkeep and damage, but perms remain one of those defining eighties memories that everyone seems to remember.
40. Chia Pets (1977 to 1979)
Sometimes the silliest ideas make the biggest splash, and Chia Pets proved just that. Shaped like animals or cartoon figures, these clay planters sprouted green hair like magic once watered. For a few years, they were must have gifts, advertised with catchy jingles and proudly displayed on shelves. They fit perfectly as quirky decor, bridging the gap between novelty and hobby. Like most fads, the craze was short lived, settling into the realm of gag gifts and nostalgia. Yet Chia Pets remain a cheerful reminder that trends don’t always have to make sense to make people smile.
This story 40 Crazes, Fads, Dances & Haircuts That Rose and Fell in a Flash was first published on Daily FETCH
