The 1970s were a wild time for trends, with everything from fashion to food to hobbies exploding into popularity seemingly overnight. Some fads stuck around and defined the decade, but others burned brightly for a brief moment before vanishing into obscurity. These were the trends that everyone had to try—sometimes just to say they did—before they disappeared as quickly as they arrived. Let’s take a look back at 13 bizarrely short-lived fads from the ’70s that everyone gave a shot at least once.
1. Gas Station Collectible Glasses
Before fast-food restaurants perfected the art of collectible promotions, gas stations in the ’70s were giving away all kinds of limited-edition glasses featuring cartoons, superheroes, and even movie characters. Every family had at least one set of these promotional glasses, often featuring characters from Looney Tunes, Marvel Comics, or Star Wars. Kids begged their parents to fill up at the right gas stations so they could complete their collection, even if they didn’t need more glasses. By the ’80s, the trend had mostly faded, but today, those old glasses are a nostalgic collector’s dream.
2. The 8-Track Tape Craze
Before cassettes and CDs took over, 8-track tapes were the must-have music format of the early ’70s. They were bulky, awkward, and often had frustrating track breaks mid-song, but for a few years, they were the cutting-edge way to listen to music on the go. Many cars came equipped with 8-track players, and everyone rushed to build their tape collection, even if rewinding and fast-forwarding were nearly impossible. By the late ’70s, the compact cassette had taken over, and 8-tracks were quickly tossed aside like yesterday’s news.
3. Earth Shoes
These strange-looking shoes had a thick front sole and a thinner heel, designed to mimic the feeling of walking barefoot on sand. Marketed as a healthier way to walk, Earth Shoes became a counterculture sensation, especially among hippies and environmentalists. They were sold in limited supply and became highly sought-after for a brief period in the mid-’70s. By the end of the decade, most people had abandoned them, realizing they were more awkward than comfortable.
4. String Art
If you had a creative streak in the ’70s, chances are you tried your hand at string art at least once. Using a wooden board, nails, and colorful thread, people created geometric designs, often in psychedelic patterns or images of owls and flowers. It was a huge DIY fad, with kits sold in craft stores and homes decorated with intricate string masterpieces. But like many ’70s crafts, the appeal faded, and by the ’80s, string art was mostly a forgotten relic of the past.
5. Pyramid Power
At some point in the ’70s, people became convinced that pyramids had mysterious energy that could enhance everything from health to plant growth. Pyramid-shaped objects were sold with the claim that they could sharpen razor blades, preserve food, and even improve meditation. Some people even tried sleeping under small pyramids, believing it would boost their energy and well-being. The trend never had any scientific backing, and by the time the ’80s rolled around, most people had moved on to the next New Age obsession.
6. Water Beds
For a brief period in the ’70s, owning a water bed was considered the height of cool. Originally marketed as a groovy and luxurious alternative to regular beds, they became a must-have for bachelor pads and trendy couples. However, they were heavy, leaked easily, and turned out to be a nightmare to maintain. By the ’80s, most people had moved on, leaving water beds as more of a weird memory than a lasting household staple.
7. Disco Fashion for Everyday Wear
Sure, disco was huge, but for a short time, people actually tried wearing their disco outfits in broad daylight. Shiny polyester shirts, sequined dresses, platform shoes, and glittery everything made their way into schools, offices, and even grocery stores. While it was fine for a night out at the club, the trend didn’t translate well into daily life, and soon people realized they couldn’t go to work looking like they belonged in Saturday Night Fever. By the late ’70s, most had ditched the disco glam for something more practical.
8. CB Radio Craze
CB (Citizens Band) radios became a national obsession thanks to trucker culture and hit songs like “Convoy.” Regular people started installing them in their cars just to chat with strangers on the road, adopting their own call signs and using trucker slang. The fad got so big that even suburban moms and dads were jumping on the CB radio trend, despite having nothing to do with trucking. By the early ’80s, the novelty had faded, and CB radios returned to being mostly a trucker tool.
9. Sea Monkeys
The advertisements made them seem magical—little creatures that would hatch from tiny eggs and create an underwater world in your own home. In reality, Sea Monkeys were just brine shrimp, and most kids were disappointed when they didn’t resemble the cartoon characters in the ads. Still, everyone had to try them at least once, even if they quickly lost interest when the tiny creatures failed to do much of anything. While they still exist today, the peak of the Sea Monkey craze was definitely in the ’70s.
10. Puka Shell Necklaces
At some point in the ’70s, everyone seemed to be wearing puka shell necklaces, whether they were surfers or not. These natural shell necklaces were a symbol of laid-back beach culture, but soon, they were popping up everywhere, from city streets to high school hallways. For a brief moment, wearing one made you feel instantly cool, even if you had never set foot on a surfboard. The trend faded as quickly as it arrived, but for a while, puka shells were the accessory to have.
11. Carpeted Bathrooms
Yes, people in the ’70s actually thought putting carpet in the bathroom was a good idea. It was supposed to feel luxurious and warm underfoot, but in reality, it was a disaster waiting to happen. Moisture and carpet do not mix well, leading to mildew, mold, and some seriously gross cleaning situations. By the end of the decade, most people realized this was a terrible idea and returned to tile.
12. Roller Disco Craze
Roller skating had always been popular, but in the late ’70s, it collided with the disco movement, creating a short-lived but unforgettable craze. Roller disco meant skating under flashing lights to funky beats, and for a while, it seemed like every city had its own skating hotspot. Movies like Roller Boogie tried to capitalize on the trend, but by the early ’80s, the disco backlash had arrived, and roller rinks were no longer the hottest place to be. While skating never truly disappeared, the over-the-top roller disco era was gone almost as fast as it arrived.
13. Mood-Lit Rooms with Lava Lamps and Fiber Optic Decor
The ’70s were all about setting the mood, and nothing did that better than lava lamps and fiber optic decorations. Lava lamps had been around since the ’60s, but they reached peak popularity in the disco era, casting hypnotic, slow-moving globs of colored wax. Fiber optic lamps, meanwhile, created a shimmering light display, often changing colors to give any room a groovy, futuristic vibe. But as cool as they looked in a dark room, the novelty wore off quickly, and they were soon replaced with more practical lighting choices.
The ’70s were full of unforgettable trends, but these fads came and went before they had a chance to make a lasting impact. Whether they were impractical, dangerous, or just plain weird, they all had their moment in the spotlight before fading into the past. Looking back, it’s hard not to smile at the strange things we all tried, even if we wouldn’t bring them back today!
