’80s Fads and Trends That Are Cringe

The 1980s were a vibrant decade full of bold fashion choices and groundbreaking fads. While some of these trends are fondly remembered, others are best left in the past. Here’s a look at 20 of the most cringe 80s trends that might make you chuckle when you look back.

Family Portraits
Family photos in the 80s often featured overly dramatic hairstyles and questionable fashion choices. Families would pose in cheesy ways, with some even opting for artificial backdrops. These portraits, with their extravagant poses and vibrant colors, are now a humorous reminder of an era obsessed with excess.

Crimped Hair
Crimped hair, popularized by celebrities like Barbara Streisand, reached its peak in the 80s. The zigzag pattern was meant to add texture and flair, but looking back, it often seemed more like a fashion faux pas. Despite its cringy reputation, crimped hair makes occasional comebacks.

Valspeak
Popularized by Frank Zappa’s 1982 hit “Valley Girl,” Valspeak was a high-pitched, vocal fry style of speaking. Characterized by phrases like “like, totally” and “gag me with a spoon,” it defined the valley girl stereotype and remains a memorable (if cringeworthy) part of 80s culture.

Parachute Pants
Named for their nylon material, parachute pants were tight-fitting and often seen in breakdancing circles. The shiny, billowy fabric made these pants a standout—though not always in a flattering way. They’re best remembered for their association with the breakdancing craze.

Car Surfing
Car surfing involved standing on top of a moving vehicle, a trend highlighted by movies like Teen Wolf. This dangerous fad resulted in numerous injuries and fatalities, and it’s a stark reminder of how reckless some ’80s trends could be.

Suits with Pastel Shirts
Inspired by shows like Miami Vice, pastel shirts and light-colored suits became a fashion statement. While they worked for TV characters, most people who tried this look ended up with a rather dated appearance.

Velcro Sneakers
Velcro was seen as a convenient alternative to laces, but these sneakers often looked childish and would get dirty quickly. Though still available for kids, adult versions rarely make an appearance anymore.

Fax Machines
The fax machine was once a marvel of technology, allowing documents to be sent over phone lines. Now, it seems almost archaic compared to modern digital communication methods.

Geometric Pattern Shirts
Brightly colored shirts covered in abstract shapes were all the rage in the 80s. These shirts often looked more like pieces of modern art than fashion statements, making them a notable cringe factor.

Outdated Computers
The 80s saw the rise of home computers, but their slow processing speeds and clunky designs quickly became outdated. What was once cutting-edge tech is now a nostalgic relic of the past.

Sweaters Draped Over Shoulders
This preppy trend involved draping a sweater over the shoulders, tied around the neck. It was less about warmth and more about making a fashion statement, often looking impractical and odd.

New Coke
In a bid to compete with Pepsi, Coca-Cola introduced a new formula in the 80s. The backlash was swift, and the original formula was reintroduced as Coca-Cola Classic just months later.

Clocks on Chains
Popularized by Flavor Flav, wearing large clocks on chains was meant to symbolize the value of time. While it made a bold statement, it also led to some very questionable fashion choices.

The Mullet
The mullet’s “business in the front, party in the back” style was a favorite in the 80s. While it was embraced by many, it remains one of the most controversial and difficult hairstyles to pull off.

Swatch Watches
Swatch watches were known for their bright colors and playful designs. The trend of wearing multiple Swatches at once aimed for a quirky look but often ended up making wearers look more like walking billboards.

Betamax
Before VHS became the standard, Betamax was Sony’s answer to home video recording. Despite its superior picture quality, Betamax struggled with higher costs and shorter recording times which led to its decline.

Aquanet Hairspray
Voluminous hairstyles of the 80s are almost impossible without an Aquanet hairspray. The product’s stronghold was effective but left hair stiff and the air filled with a powerful chemical smell.

Shoulder Pads
Shoulder pads were used to create a powerful silhouette in business attire. While they initially projected strength and confidence, they eventually became a symbol of over-the-top fashion that’s now mostly mocked.

Neon Colors
Neon clothing, in bright pinks, greens, and yellows, was everywhere in the 80s. Though eye-catching, the overuse of neon often made outfits look more like highlighters than high fashion.

Rubik’s Cube Clothing
Inspired by the Rubik’s Cube puzzle, clothing featuring the cube’s colorful design was a quirky trend. While it was fun in concept, it often resulted in a visually overwhelming look.

The 80s were a decade of bold experimentation—some of which didn’t age gracefully. Whether you laugh or cringe, these trends are a reminder of an era that embraced all things big and bright.

Watch the video below and reminisce about the most cringe trends.