The 1980s were a decade of loud fashion, catchy catchphrases, and some of the weirdest teen trends ever to go mainstream. But not everything from the neon era had staying power. While a few 80s trends became iconic, many fizzled out just as quickly as they appeared. They burned bright, sparked curiosity, and then vanished, often leaving people wondering why they ever caught on in the first place. Here are 10 teen fads from the 80s that disappeared almost as fast as they blew up.
1. Rat tails
Rat tails were the rebellious twist on a regular haircut, one thin strip of long hair hanging down the back of the neck. Teens thought they were edgy, cool, or at least attention-grabbing. But it didn’t take long for the style to get mocked and phased out. Once people started seeing them as more weird than stylish, they vanished quickly. Even among the boldest 80s trends, the rat tail was a blink-and-you’ll miss-it moment.
2. Designer shoelaces
In the 80s, it wasn’t just about the shoes; it was the shoelaces. Teens swapped plain laces for neon-colored, patterned, or glittery ones to customize their kicks. It was a way to stand out without spending big. But like many accessory-based fads, the novelty wore off fast. As soon as lace-swapping became too common or too flashy, teens moved on to cleaner, sleeker looks. It was fun while it lasted, but not for long.
3. Shoulder pads in everything
Even teen jackets and sweatshirts weren’t safe from the shoulder pad craze. Borrowed from adult fashion, this trend made teens look like mini linebackers. For a brief moment, oversized silhouettes were in, and big shoulders screamed “power.” But the look didn’t stick, especially among younger crowds. Once the padding felt more costume than cool, teens dropped it. It’s now one of the most joked-about fashion missteps of the decade.
4. Slap bracelets
They were shiny, colorful, and incredibly satisfying to wear. You’d slap them onto your wrist, and they’d curl around like magic. Slap bracelets became a must-have accessory in schools everywhere until teachers started banning them. Complaints of pinched skin, broken plastic, and general distraction caused the trend to die fast. They went from must-have to classroom contraband in what felt like days. Their viral moment was real, but painfully short-lived.
5. Reebok Pump shoes
For a short time, having shoes with built-in air pumps felt like the peak of cool. Teens pressed that little orange button on the tongue, thinking it boosted performance or style. But once the novelty wore off, and kids realized it didn’t make them faster, the trend deflated. The shoes were pricey, bulky, and eventually seen as a gimmick. Like many techy trends, the wow factor faded fast once reality set in.
6. Neon everything
Teens in the 80s were obsessed with being seen, literally. Neon shirts, socks, hats, and sunglasses made sure no one missed you coming. But too much of a good thing quickly becomes overwhelming. After a few years of blinding color combos, the neon overload started to fade. The vibe shifted toward more muted or minimalist looks, and the head-to-toe highlighter look was left behind. Today, neon only shows up in small doses, for good reason.
7. Jam shorts
Jam shorts were loud, patterned, and loose, perfect for summer hangouts or beach days. They looked like someone had sewn a party onto your legs. For a while, they were everywhere. But their bold colors and clashing prints quickly became too much. Teens who wanted to look cool (not like walking confetti) quietly stopped wearing them. By the early 90s, they were already cringe. The jam short era came and went in a flash.
8. Hypercolor shirts
These shirts changed color with body heat, turning you into a walking science experiment. At first, it felt futuristic and fun. But teens quickly realized that highlighting their sweat patterns wasn’t exactly flattering. Plus, after a few washes, the color-changing magic faded. What started as the ultimate conversation starter became a laundry disaster. The idea was cool, but not cool enough to stick around once the hype wore off and the awkwardness kicked in.
9. Feathered roach clips
Yes, teens in the 80s wore feathers in their hair, clipped on using roach clips, originally meant to hold cigarettes. It started as a rebellious accessory, mixing rock-and-roll with a boho vibe. But it didn’t take long before schools banned them and parents raised eyebrows. Once the association with drug culture became too obvious, the trend nosedived. Even for a wild decade like the 80s, this one didn’t have staying power.
10. Breakdancing cardboard mats
Breakdancing was huge in the 80s, and some teens took it seriously, so much that they carried around cardboard mats to practice anywhere. You’d find kids spinning in parking lots and schoolyards like they were in a music video. But as the trend faded, lugging around flattened boxes lost its appeal. When new dance styles took over, the cardboard mats stayed in garages. It was fun while it lasted, but breakdance mats folded quickly, literally and figuratively.
