ADVERTISEMENT

Get ready to cringe, laugh, and maybe even feel a weird urge to dust off the boxes in your attic, because we're diving deep into the most radical (and questionable) fashion choices of the 1980s! Back when bigger meant better and more meant MORE, we somehow convinced ourselves that acid-wash everything, shoulder pads that could double as flotation devices, and hair that defied both gravity and reason were totally tubular fashion choices.

From fluorescent windbreakers that could be seen from space to perms that survived nuclear-levels of hairspray, these trends defined an era when fashion said "hold my New Coke" and went absolutely bananas. Whether you lived through these sartorial adventures or just enjoy pointing and laughing at old family photos, join us for a bodacious trip down memory lane. Warning: This much neon and spandex in one place may cause an unprompted performance of "Flashdance."

#1

Early-Mid '90s Windbreaker/Tracksuit: Just A Reminder That We All Wore These And We Thought They Looked Good. I Can Still Hear The Swoosh/Swish

Colorful 80s fashion tracksuit with geometric patterns in pink, green, blue, and white on a flat surface.

multiplesmiles Report

RELATED:
    #2

    Big Earrings And Big Hair! The Classic 80s Combo

    Woman with voluminous 80s-fashion hairstyle, wearing hoop earrings, reading a magazine and smiling.

    hotbowlsofjustice Report

    #4

    Spandex And Paint Splash Pattern

    Women showcasing vibrant 80s fashion trends in colorful leggings and tops with abstract patterns.

    SarahBelle44 Report

    #6

    My Friends And I Grew Up Hundreds Of Miles Away From A Beach, But We Sure Did Have A Ton Of Ocean Pacific Gear In The 80s!

    80s fashion trends with Ocean Pacific designs, featuring graphic tees and hoodies with colorful stripe patterns and logos.

    Quick_Presentation11 Report

    #7

    Crop & Mesh Tops Were Popular Mens Fashion Options Back In The 1980s

    Group of young men sporting 80s fashion trends, wearing shorts and colorful tops, posing outdoors with a football.

    hotbowlsofjustice Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #9

    The 80's Secretary: Big Hair, Stockings And Heels, Smoking Cigarettes In The Office

    Woman in 80s fashion wearing a white blouse and plaid skirt, sitting by a desk with vintage computer.

    mime Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Paul C.
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm surprised the BP Overlords haven't censored the cigarette.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #10

    1988 Side Ponytail And Rolled Up Mc Hammer Pants. The Coolest I've Ever Been

    Teen wearing glasses and patterned pants sitting on a couch, representing 80s fashion trends.

    reddit.com Report

    #11

    Going To The Chapel - Vintage Images Of Wedding Fashions, 1980

    Wedding party in 80s fashion trends, with bridesmaids in pink dresses and big hairstyles, and groomsmen in tuxedos.

    Slow-moving-sloth Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Seán Baron
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can we have a two minute silence for all the ozone layers that died for the hair in these pictures. Many thanks.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #13

    The Scrunchie

    Woman with 80s fashion scrunchie holding a bun, wearing a shimmering top, viewed from behind.

    Gizem Oktay Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Dawn Marie
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I LOVE my scrunchies!! I still wear them every day for my long hair which I guess is still me living in the 1980's!!

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #15

    Don't You Just Miss The Fashion

    Woman in 80s fashion with red tights and black dress, standing by a river, holding a red boombox.

    earthmoonsun Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    ucp
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Red and black: my dream colour scheme when I was 10, in the mid 80s

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #16

    Wanted To Appreciate Some Colorful 80s Footwear From Jcpenney

    80s fashion trends featuring various colorful boots and shoes from a vintage catalog.

    hotbowlsofjustice Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Dawn Marie
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I will take D in a 7 and E in a yellow, white and a blue. I am loving those prices also. Not anymore if these are made in China!!

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #17

    Punk Fashion Circa 1986

    Two people with 80s fashion in punk style, featuring vibrant mohawks, sitting inside a train.

    Quercusrobur Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Apatheist Account2
    Community Member
    1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This was from the 1970s though. It had been overtaken by modern romantics long before this.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #18

    At The Prom, 1981

    A group of women in 80s fashion trends, wearing colorful dresses with ruffles and puffy sleeves, smiling for a photo.

    reddit.com Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    karen snyder
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There is absolutely NO WAY all these women are in high school. This looks WAY more like a group shot from a USO ball. 1981 seems accurate

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #21

    Suits With Pastel Shirts And Ties Were A Big Hit Thanks To Miami Vice

    Men wearing pastel and dark suits, showcasing 80s fashion trends with loose fits and bold colors in an urban setting.

    NBC Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Bored Sailor
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Being raised just north of there, Fort Lauderdale, I can say that was more a TV/ Hollywood fashion then local.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #22

    Hypercolor

    Two people in vibrant 80s fashion, one in a gold shirt and the other in a colorful "Touch Me" T-shirt.

    bigmada Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    ucp
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My wife is still bitter that her sister tumble-dried hers.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #23

    My Parents Had 80s Ski Fashion Down

    Two people in colorful 80s fashion ski outfits, wearing sunglasses, posing on snow with mountains and a cabin in the background.

    letzg00akland Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Verfin22
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I live in Florida and wear ski pants in winter. Really comfy and better than sweatpants.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #24

    Punk Fashion

    People in vibrant 80s fashion trends, with colorful mohawk hairstyles and bold makeup, in an urban setting.

    Vintage Everyday Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Darius S. (he/him) cis/grey
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Again punk seems to be here as a dated look.... I had friends who looked like this in '80s,'90s, aughts and on. maybe look up what a crust punk looks like vs a horror punk. Zoo music girl.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #25

    Leggings: The Huge Fashion Trend Of Women In The 1980s

    Woman in blue spandex bodysuit with big hair, 80s fashion trends, standing by a racing car.

    Vintage Everyday Report

    #26

    It Was The 80s, And My Fanny Pack And I Were Down With The Ladies. LOL

    Man in 80s fashion with sunglasses, tank top, fanny pack, posing outdoors with trees in the background.

    Pavlovs_Doug Report

    #27

    Hard Rock T-Shirt With A Denim Skirt Is A Great 80s Look!

    Group of women in 80s fashion trends, wearing denim skirts and colorful tops, holding balloons, standing by a parked car at night.

    Vintage Everyday Report

    #28

    The Essential Early 80s Fashion Accessory: The Colorful Webbed Belt

    Group of women modeling colorful 80s fashion trends with vibrant tops and jeans in a vintage Sears catalog.

    stemandall Report

    #29

    Mom Jeans

    Woman in 80s fashion trends wearing a blue sweatshirt and high-waisted jeans, posing with eyes closed.

    Vintage Everyday Report

    #30

    Neon

    Two girls in bright 80s fashion trends, one in a neon green outfit with a black belt, the other in an oversized orange top.

    Cliquey Pizza Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    cerinamroth
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Kids didn't have phones back then - we needed to be able to find them.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #31

    Teens In The 80s

    Two women in 80s fashion trends with big hair, wearing striped and black outfits, posing in a retro living room.

    Vintage Everyday Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Enuya
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I was in secondary school during late '00s, half of the girls had similar haircuts, usually also with hair severely burned by cheap paint or bleach

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #32

    Aerobic Leotards And Head Bands Are Some Of My Favorite 80s Workout Fashions

    Woman in 80s fashion, wearing a pastel leotard and leg warmers, doing a split against a black background.

    Ms. Fabulous Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #33

    Acid Wash Denim Skirt And Crop Top, 1986

    A woman in 80s fashion trends, wearing a denim outfit and talking on a vintage phone in a casual home setting.

    imgur.com Report

    #35

    Ray-Ban Wayfarer Advertisement From 1987

    Vintage 80s fashion trends featuring bold sunglasses and edgy hairstyles in a Ray-Ban Wayfarer ad.

    BryanWake Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    DowntownStevieB
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can seeee you! Your brown skin shinin' in the sun! You got your top pulled down...Wayfarer's on!

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #40

    Neon Laces

    Two girls wearing colorful neon bracelets, showcasing popular 80s fashion trends.

    fart-debris Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    sbj
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For me it was metal bangles and I'd wear them from my wrists right up to my elbows, to this day I still don't know how I got all my school work done

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #41

    Young Iranian Men Wearing Casual Preppy Outfits In 1981

    Group photo showcasing people in 80s fashion trends with vibrant and casual clothing outdoors.

    PayandehIran Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    cerinamroth
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The woman looks like she's in charge of the bunch of them. Love a good matriarch!

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #42

    Halston For Bausch & Lomb Sunglasses, Circa Early 1980s

    Women in various sunglasses, showcasing 80s fashion trends, lying together and smiling, representing vintage style.

    Tony_Tanna78 Report

    #43

    Members Only Jackets- All The Cool 80s Kids Had ‘Em

    80s fashion trends featuring Members Only jackets on a group in a vintage setting with a waiter holding drinks.

    DiosMioMan2 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Gia SDP
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I first met my now ex-husband in 1988 he was wearing a Members Only jacket. Asked him if he was the last Member...

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #44

    My Mother In The 80s. Fashion Has Sure Changed

    Woman dressed in 80s fashion with black jacket, leggings, and white boots, standing in a cluttered room.

    rn7rn Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Forrest Hobbs
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My mother was - erm - a wee bit older than that in the 1980s... 🧐

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #45

    Reebok Freestyle Sneakers Advertisement, 1985

    Neon Reebok sneakers in yellow, blue, and red against a vibrant background, showcasing iconic 80s fashion trends.

    ReebokUSA Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hey shut up! I still have 10 pair of those, all different colours, and I wear them every day!

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #46

    What People Wore To A Wedding In The 1980s

    Group in 80s fashion trends with suits, pastel dresses, and ruffles, posing at an indoor event.

    Vintage Everyday Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Kit Black
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Weddings - the only time eighties kids actually looked their age 😬

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #47

    My Sis With Her 80s Hair

    Woman in 80s fashion, wearing denim shorts and studded belt, sitting on a motorcycle indoors.

    diaper Report

    #48

    80s Christmas Party

    Group of friends at a party wearing vibrant 80s fashion trends, including funky sunglasses and colorful shirts.

    imgur.com Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Bi.Felicia
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It looks more like a pool party or a costume party, to me, than a Christmas party.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #50

    Styles Of Young Women In The 1980s

    Women embodying 80s fashion trends with a bandana and denim against vibrant autumn foliage.

    GaGator43 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Enuya
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Except of hairstyles, these outfits would fit in a modern street, too.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #51

    Ripped Jeans

    Person in 80s fashion trends, wearing a hat, scarf, and ripped jeans, posing by a fire hydrant in a park.

    NassCeary Report

    #52

    Some Fashionable 1983 Apple T-Shirts For The Whole Family!

    Family wearing 80s fashion T-shirts with rainbow stripe designs.

    Matthew Oliphant Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #53

    Young Woman In 1980 Wearing A Low-Cut Spaghetti Strap Dress

    Woman in 80s fashion wearing a ruffled dress, standing on a balcony with a city street and signage in the background.

    Infrogmation of New Orleans Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Enuya
    Community Member
    1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These are rather universal - I still see very similar ones every summer

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #54

    Remember When Duck Shoes/Duck Boots Were A Preppy Trend?

    Duck wearing a yellow hat and green shoes, showcasing quirky 80s fashion trends in an advertisement.

    ClickAmericana Report

    #55

    1980's Plastic Bell Charms Necklace! My Kindergarten Self's Cup Runneth Over

    Colorful 80s fashion trend keychains with various charms and trinkets arranged in a circle on a dark background.

    coffeecoffeecoffee44 Report