The Worst 13 Things From the ’80s We Couldn’t Wait to Leave Behind

Ah, the 1980s—a decade of bold fashion, electrifying music, and unforgettable cultural phenomena. It was a time when neon colors, shoulder pads, and synthesizers ruled the world.

While some trends from this vibrant era have made a nostalgic comeback, there are certain things from the ’80s that we were more than happy to leave behind. Whether it was questionable style choices or technology that now seems archaic, these relics of the past are best remembered through the rose-tinted glasses of nostalgia rather than revived in reality. 

1. Shoulder Pads

Shoulder pads were the hallmark of ’80s fashion, giving everyone an exaggerated silhouette. Originally intended to make women look more powerful in the workplace, they quickly became a staple in both men’s and women’s apparel. These fashion statements found their way into everything from blazers to casual shirts. While they were meant to empower, they often left people looking like linebackers. Today, the idea of adding excessive bulk to our shoulders seems laughable. Modern fashion has shifted towards more natural silhouettes, leaving the bulky shoulder pads of the ’80s in the past. Thankfully, this is one trend that has stayed there.

2. Mullets

The mullet, often described as “business in the front, party in the back,” became an iconic ’80s hairstyle. It was sported by rock stars, athletes, and even TV personalities. This hairstyle defied conventional grooming norms with its distinct dual-length look. It was versatile and rebellious, capturing the spirit of the decade. However, as fashion moved on, the mullet became a symbol of outdated style. Today, it’s often the subject of jokes, and few voluntarily revisit this unique look. While some attempt a modern revival, it’s mostly remembered as a quirky piece of ’80s culture.

3. Neon Colors

The ’80s were awash with neon colors, from clothing to accessories, to decor. These bright hues were thought to be futuristic and cool, embodying the vibrant energy of the decade. Neon was often paired with bold patterns, creating eye-catching and often garish ensembles. This trend spread through nightclubs, fitness videos, and even everyday streetwear. While neon occasionally reappears in modern fashion, it’s used much more sparingly and tastefully. The over-the-top neon craze of the ’80s is now seen as a fashion faux pas, best left in the past where it belongs. Subtlety is the name of the game today.

4. Cassette Tapes

Cassette tapes were a crucial part of the ’80s music scene, providing a portable way to enjoy music. They were the mixtapes of their time, allowing people to record songs from the radio and share with friends. While they were innovative, cassette tapes were also notoriously fragile. They could get tangled, warped, or even snapped, ruining favorite albums. Fast forward to today, and digital music has made cassettes obsolete. We now enjoy music with a click, without the risk of physical damage. While they hold a nostalgic charm, cassette tapes are a relic of a bygone era.

5. Leg Warmers

Leg warmers were originally used by dancers to keep their muscles warm, but they became an everyday fashion accessory in the ’80s. They were often worn over leggings, tights, or even jeans. This trend was fueled by the popularity of aerobics and dance movies. Despite their practical origins, leg warmers often looked out of place in non-athletic settings. Today, this accessory is rarely seen outside of dance studios. As fashion has evolved, the everyday use of leg warmers has faded, leaving them as a quirky memory of ’80s style. They serve as a reminder of how trends can quickly shift.

6. Big Hair

The ’80s were known for big, bold hairstyles, often achieved through teasing and copious amounts of hairspray. This voluminous look was popular among both men and women, with styles ranging from perms to feathered bangs. Hair was considered a statement, and the bigger it was, the better. However, the upkeep of these styles was often time-consuming and damaging to the hair. As trends shifted, people embraced more natural looks. Today, big hair is mostly reserved for costume parties and themed events. The effort and hair damage required to maintain these styles make them a thing of the past.

7. Rubik’s Cube Obsession

The Rubik’s Cube became a global craze in the ’80s, challenging people to solve its complex color-matching puzzle. Many spent hours twisting and turning the cube, driven by the lure of finally achieving a perfect match. It became a symbol of intelligence and persistence, often featured in competitions. However, the obsession also led to frustration for those unable to solve it. While the Rubik’s Cube remains popular, its initial craze has waned. Today, it is appreciated more as a brain-teaser than an all-consuming obsession. The ’80s fascination with it was a unique cultural moment that has since passed.

8. Mix Tapes

Mix tapes epitomized personal expression in the ’80s. Compiling a mix tape involved hours of recording songs from the radio or other cassettes. It was an art form, often used to convey emotions, from love to friendship. Each tape was unique, reflecting the creator’s tastes and personality. However, creating them was labor-intensive and often resulted in imperfect recordings. With the advent of digital playlists, the need for physical mix tapes vanished. While they hold sentimental value, today’s convenience of digital music sharing makes mix tapes a relic of the past. They remind us of a time when sharing music was more personal.

9. Spandex

Spandex became synonymous with ’80s fitness culture, featuring prominently in workout videos and gym classes. Its stretchy, form-fitting nature made it ideal for exercise, albeit often uncomfortably tight. Bold colors and patterns added to its appeal, making workout sessions vibrant. While spandex remains popular in activewear, its everyday use has diminished. The ’80s fascination with wearing spandex outside of the gym has thankfully waned. Today’s activewear focuses on comfort and performance without compromising style. The gaudy spandex outfits serve as a reminder of a time when fitness fashion was as loud as the music playing in aerobics classes.

10. Pac-Man Fever

Pac-Man fever swept the world in the ’80s, as arcades filled with eager players trying to master the game. Its simple yet addictive gameplay captured the era’s love for digital entertainment. Pac-Man became a cultural icon, appearing on merchandise and in music. However, the obsession with arcades and the constant pursuit of high scores eventually faded. As gaming technology advanced, players sought more complex experiences. While Pac-Man remains a beloved classic, the arcade culture of the ’80s is largely a nostalgic memory. The simplicity of those games contrasts sharply with today’s sophisticated gaming worlds.

11. Acid Wash Jeans

Acid wash jeans were a quintessential ’80s fashion trend, characterized by their faded, splotchy appearance. They represented the era’s rebellious spirit, often paired with oversized tops and sneakers. While initially popular, acid wash jeans quickly fell out of favor as new styles emerged. Today, they are rarely seen in everyday fashion, viewed more as a novelty than a staple. The distinctive look of acid wash is a reminder of how trends can quickly come and go. While some ’80s styles have returned, acid wash jeans remain largely in the past, serving as a symbol of the decade’s bold fashion choices.

12. Velcro Sneakers

Velcro sneakers were all the rage in the ’80s, offering a convenient alternative to traditional lace-ups. Their ease of use made them popular among children and adults alike. These sneakers often featured bright colors and flashy designs, perfectly embodying the decade’s playful style. However, the novelty soon wore off, and laces reclaimed their place in shoe fashion. Today, Velcro shoes are mostly found in children’s sizes or specialized adult footwear. The ’80s fascination with Velcro sneakers reflects a time when fashion embraced fun and simplicity. While practical, their widespread popularity is not something most are eager to revisit.

13. Cabbage Patch Kids

Cabbage Patch Kids dolls were a phenomenon of the ’80s, sparking frenzies in stores as parents scrambled to purchase them. Each doll was unique, complete with adoption papers that added to their charm. They became a must-have item, often leading to shortages and retail chaos. However, the intense craze eventually faded, and these dolls became less of a status symbol. While they still exist today, their popularity is a shadow of what it once was. The Cabbage Patch Kids craze serves as a classic example of a fad that captured the public’s imagination before quickly burning out.