The 80s were a wild time when it came to fashion and culture, especially in the summer. It was a mix of neon colors, experimental styles, and some choices that left us scratching our heads even back then. Looking back now, some of those trends seem downright bizarre—but they were all part of the charm of growing up in that unforgettable decade. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane with these 14 summer trends from the 80s that we just don’t see anymore.
1. Neon Leg Warmers in Summer
Leg warmers in the middle of July? Why not! Thanks to the aerobics craze led by Jane Fonda, everyone wanted to look workout-ready, even if they were just hanging out at the arcade.
2. Hypercolor Everything
Remember those shirts that changed color when you touched them? Hypercolor was all the rage, especially in the summer heat. The idea was fun, but in reality, sweat stains turning neon wasn’t exactly flattering. Still, we couldn’t get enough of them.
3. Cutoff Shorts That Were Too Short
Short shorts ruled the summer—on guys and girls alike. Homemade cutoffs were everywhere, with strings of frayed denim hanging down like a badge of honor. Today, we’d call them impractical, but back then, they were as cool as it got.
4. Giant Plastic Sunglasses
The bigger, the better! Plastic frames in neon colors dominated the beaches and malls. These oversized shades made everyone look like they were auditioning for a futuristic sci-fi flick, but we wore them with pride.
5. Jelly Shoes
Ah, jelly shoes—the translucent, rubbery footwear that somehow managed to be both adorable and incredibly uncomfortable. They came in every color of the rainbow and were perfect for the pool, even if they left your feet sweaty and blistered.
6. Men in Crop Tops
Yes, crop tops weren’t just for women in the 80s—they were a staple for men, too! Whether it was a football jersey or a brightly colored tee, guys showed off their midriffs with confidence. Imagine the reaction if someone rocked that today.
7. Double Socks
One pair of socks wasn’t enough in the 80s. We layered them—often in clashing neon colors—over our high-top sneakers. It was a commitment in the summer heat, but it made you look effortlessly cool.
8. Huge Hair Bows
The bigger the bow, the better. Hair bows weren’t just for kids—they were a staple for teens and even adults. Paired with teased hair and scrunchies, they added an extra layer of flair to every summer outfit.
9. High-Waisted Bathing Suits
Bathing suits with sky-high waists and French-cut legs were the definition of 80s swimwear. They made your legs look a mile long but weren’t exactly the most comfortable thing to wear while lounging by the pool.
10. Banana Clips
Banana clips were the way to keep cool in the summer while still showing off your big, voluminous hair. They looked like a cross between a comb and a claw, and they were essential for that perfect 80s half-ponytail.
11. Shiny Spandex Everything
From bike shorts to tank tops, shiny spandex ruled the summer. Bright metallics were especially popular, even if they made you sweat buckets under the sun. It was all part of the 80s workout aesthetic!
12. Fanny Packs
Fanny packs weren’t just practical—they were a fashion statement. Everyone had one, often in neon or wild patterns, slung around their waist as they roamed the boardwalk or hit the amusement parks.
13. Striped Zinc Sunscreen
Sunscreen wasn’t just a necessity—it was a way to stand out. Brightly colored zinc oxide strips on noses and cheeks were everywhere. Kids would argue over who got the pink, blue, or green stripe. Practical? Not so much.
14. Patterned Parachute Pants
Parachute pants weren’t just for breakdancing—they were summer streetwear staples. The lightweight material made them somewhat bearable in the heat, but the wild patterns and shiny fabrics made them impossible to ignore.
Looking back, these trends might seem a little odd now, but they were all part of what made the 80s so unforgettable. Do you remember rocking any of these styles? Or maybe you had a favorite trend we didn’t mention?
