35 Facts About Weird Fashion Trends History

Weird Fashion Trends in Ancient Times

Fashion has always been a way for people to express themselves. Some trends from ancient times seem bizarre today, but they were all the rage back then.

1. Foot Binding in China: This practice began in the 10th century. Girls' feet were tightly bound to keep them small, which was considered beautiful. It was painful and often led to lifelong disabilities.

2. Powdered Wigs in Europe: In the 17th and 18th centuries, European men and women wore large, powdered wigs. These wigs were often infested with lice, but they were a symbol of status and wealth.

3. Lotus Shoes: These tiny shoes were worn by Chinese women with bound feet. They were only about 3 inches long and incredibly ornate.

4. Crakows: In the 15th century, men in Europe wore shoes with extremely long, pointed toes. The longer the toe, the higher the status.

5. Corsets: Women in the 16th to 19th centuries wore tight corsets to achieve an hourglass figure. These garments could cause serious health issues, including broken ribs and fainting.

Unusual Fashion Trends in the Middle Ages

The Middle Ages had its own share of strange fashion trends. Some of these were influenced by social status, while others were just plain odd.

6. Hennins: These were tall, cone-shaped hats worn by noblewomen in the 15th century. They were often adorned with veils and could be up to three feet tall.

7. Houpelandes: This was a long, flowing robe worn by both men and women. It had wide sleeves and was often lined with fur.

8. Codpieces: In the 15th and 16th centuries, men wore padded codpieces to emphasize their groin area. It was a symbol of masculinity and virility.

9. Parti-colored Clothing: People in the Middle Ages often wore garments made from two different colored fabrics. This trend was popular among jesters and nobility alike.

10. Chopines: These were platform shoes worn by women in the 15th and 16th centuries. Some chopines were so high that women needed servants to help them walk.

Strange Fashion Trends in the Renaissance

The Renaissance was a time of great artistic and cultural change. Fashion during this period was no exception, with some truly bizarre trends.

11. Ruffs: These were large, stiff collars worn around the neck. They were made from lace or linen and could be up to a foot wide.

12. Slashing: This trend involved cutting slits into clothing to reveal the fabric underneath. It was popular among both men and women.

13. Bombasting: Men in the Renaissance often padded their clothing to appear more muscular. This included stuffing their doublets and hose with wool or horsehair.

14. Plucked Hairlines: Women in the Renaissance would pluck their hairlines to create a high forehead, which was considered a sign of intelligence and beauty.

15. Venetian Breeches: These were wide, knee-length pants worn by men. They were often elaborately decorated with embroidery and lace.

Odd Fashion Trends in the 18th and 19th Centuries

Fashion in the 18th and 19th centuries saw some peculiar trends, many of which were influenced by the Industrial Revolution and changing social norms.

16. Macaroni Fashion: In the 18th century, young British men called "macaronis" wore extravagant clothing, including oversized wigs and tiny hats.

17. Bustles: Women in the 19th century wore bustles under their skirts to create a large, rounded shape at the back. This trend often made it difficult to sit down.

18. Mourning Jewelry: In the Victorian era, people wore jewelry made from the hair of deceased loved ones. It was a way to remember and honor the dead.

19. Crinolines: These were large, hoop skirts worn by women in the 19th century. They could be up to six feet wide and made it difficult to move through doorways.

20. Mutton Chops: Men in the 19th century often grew large sideburns called mutton chops. This facial hair trend was popular among politicians and military men.

Modern Weird Fashion Trends

Even in modern times, fashion has its share of strange trends. Some of these are influenced by pop culture, while others are just plain weird.

21. Shoulder Pads: In the 1980s, both men and women wore clothing with large shoulder pads. This trend was meant to create a powerful, authoritative look.

22. Jelly Shoes: These colorful, plastic shoes were popular in the 1980s and 1990s. They were cheap and came in a variety of styles.

23. Sagging Pants: This trend, popularized by hip-hop culture, involves wearing pants low on the hips, often revealing underwear.

24. Crocs: These rubber clogs became a fashion statement in the early 2000s. Despite being considered ugly by many, they remain popular for their comfort.

25. Jeggings: A combination of jeans and leggings, jeggings became popular in the 2010s. They offer the look of jeans with the comfort of leggings.

Bizarre Fashion Accessories

Fashion isn't just about clothing. Accessories can be just as strange and fascinating.

26. Facekini: This is a mask worn by beachgoers in China to protect their skin from the sun. It covers the entire face, leaving only the eyes, nose, and mouth exposed.

27. Teeth Jewelry: Some people have taken dental bling to the next level by adding gems and gold to their teeth.

28. Nail Art: While nail polish is common, some people go to extremes with elaborate nail art, including 3D designs and even tiny sculptures.

29. Eyeball Jewelry: This involves implanting tiny pieces of jewelry into the white part of the eye. It's a controversial and risky trend.

30. LED Eyelashes: These are false eyelashes that light up with tiny LED lights. They can be controlled with a small remote and are popular at raves and festivals.

Unusual Hairstyles

Hair has always been a canvas for self-expression. Some hairstyles throughout history have been particularly strange.

31. Beaded Beards: In ancient Egypt, men would decorate their beards with beads and gold thread. It was a sign of status and wealth.

32. Liberty Spikes: This punk hairstyle involves spiking the hair into long, stiff points. It requires a lot of gel and hairspray to maintain.

33. Rat Tails: Popular in the 1980s, this hairstyle involves growing a long, thin section of hair at the nape of the neck while keeping the rest of the hair short.

34. Frosted Tips: In the late 1990s and early 2000s, men would bleach the tips of their hair for a frosted look. This trend was popularized by boy bands.

35. Mullet: This hairstyle, popular in the 1980s, involves short hair on the top and sides with long hair in the back. It's often described as "business in the front, party in the back."

The Quirky World of Fashion

Fashion trends have always been a reflection of society's quirks and creativity. From the bizarre crinoline skirts of the 19th century to the zoot suits of the 1940s, each era has its own unique style statements. These trends often push boundaries, challenge norms, and sometimes leave us scratching our heads. But that's the beauty of fashion—it’s ever-changing and always surprising.

Understanding these weird fashion trends gives us a glimpse into the past, showing how people expressed themselves and what they valued. Whether it’s the outrageous platform shoes of the 1970s or the eccentric punk fashion of the 1980s, each trend tells a story.

So next time you see a strange fashion choice, remember it’s part of a long history of bold and daring styles. Fashion is more than clothes; it’s a form of art and self-expression.