Top fads from the 1980s. What we did while growing up in the 80s.
| Baby On Board Signs The little yellow sign that looked like a yellow warning sign. Boom Boxes The “ghetto blaster.” The portable radio, with two speakers as a minimum, the heavier and the bigger, the better Rubik Cube The toy that was a real pain in the butt to solve, unless you peeled the stickers or pulled it apart. Skateboarding Skateboarding really hit a peek in popularity during the 80s, it seemed like everyone was doing it at one point. Trivial Pursuit The game that made people start memorizing useless crap in order to win. Probably one of the biggest crazes when it came out though. Video Arcades There are arcades now, but during the 80s, they were the *in* place to hangout. Wrestling Although it has made a comeback in recent years, nothing even compares with the classic years of the WWF, and the NWA. Break Dancing Remember the parachute pants and cardboard boxes we danced on. Cabbage Patch Dolls Roller Skating |
Iconic 1980s Fads That Defined a Generation
The 1980s were a decade of bold colors, bigger hair, louder music, and unforgettable trends. It was a time when pop culture moved fast, and fads spread even faster—often fueled by television, music videos, and shopping malls. Some 1980s fads were short-lived, while others left a permanent mark on fashion, entertainment, and everyday life. Together, they helped define one of the most energetic and expressive decades in modern history.
Fashion Fads: Bigger Was Better
Fashion in the 1980s was all about excess. Neon colors dominated wardrobes, often layered in leg warmers, oversized sweatshirts, and off-the-shoulder tops inspired by movies like Flashdance. Shoulder pads became a symbol of power and confidence, appearing in everything from business suits to casual jackets. Acid-washed jeans, parachute pants, and designer sneakers turned everyday clothing into bold statements.
Accessories were just as important. Jelly shoes, fingerless gloves, chunky plastic jewelry, and Swatch watches were must-have items, especially among teens. The goal wasn’t subtlety—it was standing out.
Hair and Beauty Trends
No discussion of 1980s fads is complete without mentioning hair. Big hair ruled the decade, achieved with perms, teasing, and industrial-strength hairspray. Styles like the mullet, feathered bangs, and sky-high curls were everywhere. Makeup followed the same philosophy: bright eye shadow, heavy blush, and glossy lips in bold shades.
Music-Driven Fads
Music heavily influenced 1980s trends. MTV, launched in 1981, transformed musicians into style icons and trendsetters. Fans copied the looks of Madonna, Michael Jackson, Prince, and Cyndi Lauper, from lace gloves and layered necklaces to single sequined gloves and military-style jackets.
Breakdancing and hip-hop fashion also emerged as major cultural forces, popularizing track suits, gold chains, and high-top sneakers.
Toy and Game Crazes
The 1980s were a golden age of toy fads. Rubik’s Cubes challenged minds worldwide, while Cabbage Patch Kids sparked shopping frenzies during the holidays. Care Bears, My Little Pony, and Transformers became household names. On playgrounds, kids collected Garbage Pail Kids cards, played with Slime, and mastered yo-yos and hacky sacks.
Fitness and Lifestyle Trends
Fitness became fashionable in the 1980s. Aerobics exploded in popularity thanks to Jane Fonda workout videos and celebrity-led exercise programs. Spandex, leotards, sweatbands, and leg warmers weren’t just gym wear—they were everyday attire. Roller skating and roller rinks also experienced a massive revival, blending fitness with music and social life.
Novelty Fads and Pop Culture Obsessions
Some 1980s fads were quirky and short-lived but unforgettable. Mood rings claimed to reflect emotions through color changes. Pet Rocks proved that even the simplest ideas could become cultural phenomena. Arcade games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Space Invaders dominated malls and pizza parlors, while home gaming systems brought the excitement into living rooms.
A Lasting Legacy
While many 1980s fads eventually faded, their influence never fully disappeared. Modern fashion, music, and entertainment continue to borrow heavily from the decade’s fearless creativity and fun-loving spirit. The 1980s weren’t just about trends—they were about self-expression, experimentation, and embracing the joy of being a little over the top.