The 1970s were a groovy time, but many trends that teens loved back then leave us scratching our heads today. What was once cool now feels bizarre. From funky fashion to strange hobbies, some fads of the past just don’t translate in today’s world. While nostalgia keeps them alive in throwback pics and movies, these once-popular trends would have Gen Z asking, “Wait… people did that?” Let’s take a look at 12 teen obsessions from the 70s that no longer make much sense now.
1. Mood rings for checking emotions
In the 70s, mood rings were the ultimate teen accessory. These heat-sensitive rings claimed to change color based on how you felt. A calm mood might turn the stone blue, while stress turned it black. Teens wore them proudly, thinking they could track their emotions in real time. But in truth, it was just body temperature doing the work. Today, we’ve got mindfulness apps and mood tracking tools, so the idea of trusting a ring to understand your feelings just seems a little too magical for comfort.
2. Bell-bottom pants as a wardrobe essential
Bell-bottoms weren’t just pants; they were a personality. The flared bottoms swished with every step, and teens believed the bigger the flare, the cooler the vibe. Everyone wore them to school, parties, or even while just lounging at home. But try walking in a puddle or upstairs without getting tangled. Today’s fashion leans toward function and cleaner silhouettes. Seeing someone in extra-wide bell-bottoms today would turn heads, for reasons that have nothing to do with style.
3. Feathered hair as the ideal look
In the 70s, teens spent hours in front of the mirror trying to perfect their feathered hair. Inspired by TV stars like Farrah Fawcett and David Cassidy, layers were blown outwards to create a wing-like effect. It took dedication, a lot of hairspray, and even more patience. These days, hair trends are all about ease, think low-maintenance cuts and effortless waves. Feathered hair might have ruled the disco era, but today it looks more like a retro costume than a go-to hairstyle.
4. Pet rocks as a status symbol
Imagine paying money for a rock in a box, because that’s exactly what teens did in the 70s. Pet rocks came with their packaging, instructions, and even a sense of humor. The appeal? You didn’t have to feed, walk, or clean up after them. They were hassle-free “pets.” While the novelty was fun at the time, the idea seems almost absurd now. In an era of smart devices, digital pets, and interactive toys, teens would likely laugh at the idea of bonding with a literal stone.
5. Platform shoes as daily footwear
Platform shoes weren’t just for disco queens; they were everywhere. Teens rocked massive heels to school, malls, and even grocery stores. These shoes added inches but also came with a serious risk of twisted ankles. Walking in them was more of a balancing act than a fashion statement. Today, sneakers and slides dominate teen footwear trends. Comfort is king now, and the thought of wearing towering shoes just to impress classmates feels like way too much effort for too little reward.
6. Iron-on T-shirts with bold slogans
Teens in the 70s loved personalizing their fashion. Iron-on T-shirts were all the rage, with slogans like “Keep on Truckin’” or “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” printed across the chest. At malls, kiosks let you choose graphics or text and heat-press them onto a tee. These shirts were quirky and loud, just like the era itself. But today, fashion statements are often subtle or brand-driven. A teen wearing one of those shirts today might get compliments for their vintage taste, not their cutting-edge style.
7. Banana clips as hair must-haves
Banana clips were the holy grail of 70s hair accessories. These long, curved clips were used to hold hair in a high, sweeping style that gave volume and drama. They were easy to snap shut, but not so easy on your scalp. Pulling hair tight often meant pain and breakage. Despite their popularity, banana clips have all but vanished. Modern teens prefer soft scrunchies, claw clips, and gentle hair ties. The bulky plastic look of banana clips feels outdated and unnecessarily uncomfortable.
8. Waterbeds as bedroom goals
Back in the 70s, having a waterbed meant you were living the dream. Teens begged their parents for one to feel cool and modern. The beds were soft, wavy, and different from traditional mattresses. But they weren’t exactly practical. They were heavy, hard to move, and prone to leaks. Plus, not everyone found them comfortable. Fast forward to today, and waterbeds have become rare relics. Teens now go for memory foam, adjustable bases, or even minimalist floor mattresses over liquid-filled novelty.
9. Album covers as room decoration
Vinyl wasn’t just for music; it was also décor. Teens displayed their favorite album covers like art on their bedroom walls. Whether it was Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, or The Bee Gees, your music taste was visible to anyone who stepped into your room. While vinyl is making a comeback, wall art has changed. Posters, LED lights, and digital photo collages now dominate. Hanging record sleeves for aesthetic still happens, but it’s more hipster-chic than mainstream teen trend now.
10. CB radio slang for casual chat
Before texting or social media, CB radios were how teens connected. They’d use trucker-style slang like “10-4” and “breaker-breaker” to chat from car to car or room to room. It was a badge of cool to know the lingo. But with smartphones, FaceTime, and messaging apps now at our fingertips, CB talk feels ancient. Most teens today wouldn’t even know how to work a CB radio, let alone use it for fun. And hearing a “rubber ducky” over static airwaves would probably just get a confused laugh.
11. Tie-dye as the ultimate fashion choice
Tie-dye wasn’t just a trend; it was a movement. Teens dyed shirts, socks, bandanas, and even jeans in swirls of bright color. DIY tie-dye parties were common, and no wardrobe was complete without at least one rainbow mess. While tie-dye has seen brief resurgences, it’s not the everyday staple it once was. Today’s fashion leans toward neutrals, minimalism, or sleek graphic prints. Walking into school in full tie-dye gear might earn a smile, but probably not a fashion compliment.
12. Clackers as the toy to master
Clackers were two hard acrylic balls on strings that teens smacked together rhythmically. The goal? Get them clacking faster and louder without hitting your fingers. They were simple, noisy, and surprisingly dangerous. Many broke or shattered mid-use, leading to injuries. Eventually, they were banned in several places. Compared to today’s carefully safety-tested fidget toys and gadgets, clackers seem reckless. Ask a modern teen to try them, and you’ll probably get a nervous “no thanks.”
