10 Disappeared 1970s Trends That Will Take You Back

Let’s take a fun trip back to the groovy days of the 1970s and explore 10 trends that have ended but will never be forgotten. The 1970s were a time of daring fashion choices, oddball toys, and bizarre fads. Some of these trends have faded into history, but those who experienced them still remember them with fondness (or a smile).

1. Mood Rings
These color-changing rings were the hottest accessory of the ’70s. Designed to reflect your mood based on your body temperature, they quickly became a way to wear your feelings on your finger. While they didn’t actually work scientifically, they were a fun way to express yourself, even if the only thing they really showed was how hot or cold you were!

2. Clackers
Clackers (or Click Clacks) were two hard balls connected by a string. When you swung them, they made a loud clacking sound. They were a lot of fun — until they broke or hit you in the face. Though they were eventually banned in schools due to safety concerns, they’re still remembered as a classic (if slightly dangerous) childhood toy.

3. Pet Rocks
It sounds ridiculous now, but Pet Rocks was a huge hit in the ’70s. All you got was a rock in a box, complete with a care manual. But it was the clever marketing that made this novelty so popular, proving that sometimes the simplest ideas can take off in unexpected ways.

4. Platform Shoes
Want to add some height? Platform shoes were the way to go. These towering shoes were a staple for both men and women in the ’70s and paired perfectly with bell bottoms and wide lapels. Although they’re mostly seen as costume pieces today, in the ’70s, they were a serious fashion statement — even if they did risk twisted ankles.

5. Pinball Machines
Before video games took over, pinball machines were the top arcade attraction. With its bright lights, catchy sounds, and intense gameplay, pinball was more than just a game — it was a social activity. Whether you were at the local pizza parlor or the arcade, pinball was everywhere.

6. CB Radios
Citizens Band (CB) radios weren’t just for truckers — they became a massive pop culture phenomenon in the ’70s. With their own lingo and code words, CB radios were like early social media, allowing people to chat with strangers from all over the place. Everyone from suburban dads to rebellious teens had one, but they quickly faded out when cell phones arrived.

7. Earth Shoes
These shoes had a unique design: the heels were lower than the toes, mimicking the sensation of walking on sand. Promising better posture and comfort, Earth Shoes attracted a dedicated following. But they weren’t as comfortable as advertised, and most people soon ditched them for more practical footwear.

8. Invisible Pet Leashes
This hilarious gag toy made it look like you were walking an invisible dog. The invisible pet leash became a popular prank, especially in parks and parties. It wasn’t a long-lasting trend, but it certainly brought a lot of laughs while it lasted.

9. Leisure Suits
Polyester, wide lapels, and bold colors: leisure suits were the quintessential ’70s fashion statement. These suits said, “I’m here to relax!” But by the end of the decade, they were seen more as a fashion faux pas than anything cool. Still, they remain a nostalgic reminder of a time when style was all about comfort (and a little bit of tackiness).

10. Long Hair on Men
In the ’70s, growing long hair wasn’t just a style — it was a statement. Influenced by the counterculture and anti-war movements, long hair became a symbol of rebellion and freedom. By the time the ’80s rolled around, short hair came back in style, but for many, long hair will always be tied to the rebellious spirit of the ’70s.