Fashion has always been a fascinating reflection of society’s values, desires, and let’s be honest, its sometimes downright bizarre sense of style. From towering wigs to shoes that could double as a weapon, history is filled with fashion trends that make us wonder what people were thinking. At times, trends were more about making a statement or demonstrating wealth and status than comfort or practicality. While today’s trends might raise eyebrows, they’ve got nothing on the outrageous looks that graced the runways of the past. Some of these fads seem so strange, they could almost be considered performance art rather than everyday wear. We hope you’re ready for some ridiculous fashion trends because that’s what we have for you. Here are 20 bizarre fashion trends from the past.
1. Powdered Wigs
People powdered their wigs white, sometimes to the point of looking like they were wearing cotton candy on their heads.
2. Victorian Bustle Skirts
Women wore huge skirts with “bustles” that made their backsides look enormous. Not very practical for sitting though.
3. Panniers
These massive side hoops worn under dresses made women’s hips look as wide as doorways.
4. Mutton Chops
A facial hair trend where men grew wide sideburns that connected to a mustache but left the chin bare.
5. The Ducktail Hairstyle
Popular with men in the ’50s, this slick hairstyle made it look like you had a duck’s tail on the back of your head.
6. The Zoot Suit
Men wore ridiculously oversized suits with giant lapels and high-waisted pants. Think “The Godfather” but even more exaggerated.
7. Hobble Skirts
A skirt so tight at the bottom that women could barely walk in it, leaving them to shuffle instead of walk normally.
8. The “Mullet” Hairstyle
Business in the front, party in the back. A look so iconic it still resurfaces from time to time.
9. Corsets
A garment so tight that women’s ribs would literally bend to create an ultra-narrow waist. Many women fainted from lack of air.
10. Shoulder Pads
Women wore giant shoulder pads to give the illusion of broader shoulders, making them look like they had wings.
11. The Monocle
A single lens that was supposed to improve vision, but looked more like an eye accessory for villains.
12. Fingerless Gloves
A practical disaster; gloves that offered no warmth but still gave the illusion of being “cool” or “rock star.”
13. Ripped Jeans
I never understood why people paid more money for jeans with rips in them.
14. Flared Pants
Pants so wide at the bottom, they could have fit a whole other person inside them.
15. Hats With Fruit
Hats adorned with actual fruit, like bananas, apples, and pineapples. Were they fashion accessories or snacks?
16. Puffer Jackets
Jackets that made you look like a walking marshmallow. They may have been functional but not very flattering.
17. Sagging Pants
Pants so low they were practically falling off, often leaving the wearer struggling to keep them up.
18. The Tea-Length Dress
A dress with a skirt that’s neither too long nor too short… but still awkwardly in between.
19. The Canadian Tuxedo
You see this outfit is worn now as a joke, but denim on denim was never a good idea.
20. Crocs
The legendary Croc. These cozy and convenient shoes are great as water shoes but somehow became a major fashion trend, even making appearances on the red carpet.
