35 Facts About Weirdest Fashion Trends

Weirdest Fashion Trends in History

Fashion has always been a way for people to express themselves. Sometimes, though, trends take a turn for the bizarre. Here are some of the strangest fashion trends from history that will leave you scratching your head.

1. Crakows: These were shoes with extremely long, pointed toes popular in the 15th century. The longer the toe, the more fashionable you were considered.

2. Hobble Skirts: In the early 1900s, women wore skirts so tight around the ankles that walking was nearly impossible. They were called "hobble skirts" because they made women hobble.

3. Chopines: These platform shoes from the 15th to 17th centuries could be over 20 inches high. They were so tall that women often needed servants to help them walk.

4. Powdered Wigs: In the 18th century, both men and women wore large, white wigs powdered with starch. The bigger and whiter the wig, the higher your social status.

5. Lotus Shoes: In China, women with bound feet wore these tiny shoes. Foot binding was a painful practice that deformed the feet to fit into these small shoes.

Unusual Accessories

Accessories can make or break an outfit. Some historical accessories, however, were just plain odd.

6. Ruffs: These large, stiff collars were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were made of lace and could be so wide that they made it hard to turn your head.

7. Codpieces: In the 15th and 16th centuries, men wore padded pouches over their groins. These were meant to emphasize their masculinity.

8. Face Patches: In the 18th century, people wore small, black patches on their faces to cover blemishes. These patches were often shaped like stars, moons, or hearts.

9. Mouches: Similar to face patches, these were small pieces of fabric or velvet worn on the face. They were used to highlight the wearer's complexion.

10. Chatelaines: These were decorative belts with chains that held useful items like scissors, keys, and watches. They were popular in the 19th century.

Strange Hairstyles

Hair has always been a big part of fashion. Some historical hairstyles, though, were downright weird.

11. Bejeweled Beards: In ancient Persia, men decorated their beards with gold thread and jewels. The more elaborate the beard, the higher your status.

12. Gibson Girl Hair: In the early 1900s, women styled their hair into large, voluminous buns. This look was inspired by the illustrations of Charles Dana Gibson.

13. Victorian Hair Art: During the Victorian era, people made jewelry and decorations out of human hair. It was a way to remember loved ones who had passed away.

14. Marie Antoinette's Pouf: The French queen popularized a hairstyle that involved piling the hair high on the head and decorating it with feathers, flowers, and even model ships.

15. Liberty Spikes: In the 1980s, punks styled their hair into long, stiff spikes. The look was achieved with copious amounts of hairspray and gel.

Bizarre Clothing Materials

Sometimes, it's not the style but the material that makes a fashion trend weird.

16. Paper Dresses: In the 1960s, disposable paper dresses became a short-lived trend. They were cheap and could be thrown away after one use.

17. Meat Dress: Lady Gaga shocked the world in 2010 by wearing a dress made entirely of raw meat to the MTV Video Music Awards.

18. Glass Dresses: In the 19th century, some women wore dresses made of glass beads. These dresses were incredibly heavy and difficult to move in.

19. Rubber Suits: In the early 20th century, some people wore rubber suits as a form of exercise gear. The idea was that the rubber would make you sweat more and lose weight.

20. LED Clothing: Modern fashion has seen the rise of clothing with built-in LED lights. These outfits can light up and change colors, making them perfect for parties and concerts.

Outlandish Headwear

Hats and headpieces can be the crowning glory of an outfit. Some, however, are just plain strange.

21. Horned Helmets: Contrary to popular belief, Vikings didn't wear horned helmets. However, some ancient cultures did wear helmets with horns for ceremonial purposes.

22. Bird Hats: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, women wore hats decorated with entire stuffed birds. This trend led to the near-extinction of some bird species.

23. Phrygian Caps: These soft, conical hats were worn in ancient Greece and Rome. They later became a symbol of freedom during the French Revolution.

24. Cockscomb Hats: In the 16th century, jesters wore hats with points that resembled a rooster's comb. These hats were often brightly colored and adorned with bells.

25. Balaclavas: Originally designed for soldiers in the Crimean War, these knitted masks cover the entire head and neck, leaving only the eyes and mouth exposed. They are still used today for skiing and other cold-weather activities.

Peculiar Fashion Statements

Fashion is often about making a statement. Some statements, though, are just plain peculiar.

26. Zoot Suits: In the 1940s, young men wore these oversized suits with wide-legged pants and long jackets. The look was flashy and rebellious.

27. Harem Pants: These baggy pants with a dropped crotch were popularized by MC Hammer in the 1980s. They were inspired by traditional Middle Eastern clothing.

28. Bubble Dresses: In the 1950s, designers created dresses with skirts that puffed out like bubbles. The look was whimsical and fun.

29. Panniers: In the 18th century, women wore wide hoops under their skirts to make them stick out at the sides. The wider the panniers, the more fashionable you were considered.

30. Jelly Shoes: These colorful, plastic shoes became a fad in the 1980s. They were cheap, waterproof, and came in a variety of styles.

Unconventional Beauty Practices

Beauty standards have changed over time. Some historical beauty practices, however, were downright bizarre.

31. Lead Makeup: In the 18th century, women used makeup made from lead to achieve a pale complexion. This practice was dangerous and often led to lead poisoning.

32. Arsenic Complexion Wafers: In the 19th century, women ate wafers containing arsenic to achieve a pale, translucent complexion. This practice was also extremely dangerous.

33. Belladonna Drops: Women in the Renaissance used eye drops made from the belladonna plant to dilate their pupils. This made their eyes look larger and more attractive but could cause blindness.

34. Radium Beauty Products: In the early 20th century, some beauty products contained radium, a radioactive element. These products were believed to rejuvenate the skin but were highly dangerous.

35. Corsets: For centuries, women wore tight corsets to achieve an hourglass figure. These garments could cause serious health issues, including broken ribs and organ damage.

Fashion's Oddities Through Time

Fashion trends have always been a reflection of society's quirks and creativity. From powdered wigs in the 18th century to platform shoes in the 1970s, each era has its own unique style statements. These trends, while sometimes bizarre, showcase the ever-changing nature of human expression. Whether it's the corsets that shaped Victorian silhouettes or the neon colors of the '80s, fashion tells a story of its time. Embracing these oddities reminds us that style is subjective and ever-evolving. Next time you see a peculiar trend, remember it's part of a long history of fashion experimentation. Who knows, today's weird might be tomorrow's classic. Fashion's oddities are a testament to our endless creativity and willingness to push boundaries. So, keep an open mind and enjoy the ride through fashion's fascinating journey.