Expensive Fashion Trends That No Longer Exist

Peak Popularity: 1930’s
Average Cost: $150-$300*

While some of us may associate the Zoot Suit with Jim Carrey’s iconic character from The Mask, these high-waisted, wide-legged trousers first emerged in the jazz and swing music scene in the east coast in the 1930’s.  Typically they were also worn with a long coat with wide, padded shoulders and a feathered fedora.

Zoot Suits @elpachucozootsuits / Facebook.com

The glamorous suit was known to be donned by the likes of Louis Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie, though it also had profound political meaning to some. During wartime, rations on fabrics made wearing oversized suits an unaffordable indulgence. In fact, Malcolm X recounts in his autobiography buying one on credit.

The suit caused such a stir back in the early 1940’s that there was a law made against wearing them in the state of California, supposedly because they used too much fabric. While it’s unlikely you’ll spot someone in a Zoot Suit today, unless for some kind of dress up party, they are in fact illegal in the state of California to this very day.  

Peak Popularity: 1700’s
Average Cost: $1,400 (adjusted for inflation)*

This look was (rather unsurprisingly) originally inspired by Italian fashion, taken to the extreme by young, English aristocratic men who were known to exceed the ordinary bounds of fashion. This so-called “Macaroni style” was luxurious and effeminate, most famously recognizable by an extremely large wig with a very small hat placed on top. 

Macaroni ©Lana K / Shutterstock.com

The term “Macaroni” went on to symbolize bourgeois excess – and in fact, the song about Yankee Doodle was a joke, poking fun at the naïveté of Americans who thought it would suffice to stick a feather in their hat and call it Macaroni.

While originally worn exclusively by aristocracy and gentry, the fashion extended to men of a so-called ‘lower class’. They would don a cheaper version of this lavish clothing in an attempt to raise their social standing or at least appear a higher social class, at a time in history where this was considered extremely important. 

Peak Popularity: 1970’s and ‘80’s
Average Cost: $50*

For those who don’t have the motivation to put together an entire outfit, enter the jumpsuit. Originally designed in the early 1900’s for military purposes, today the jumpsuit reminds us of why we like a man in uniform (think Tom Cruise in Top Gun).

Men’s Jumpsuits @maxime23042002 / @Matthew Weseman / Pinterest.com

While the jumpsuit is synonymous with workwear in the present day, we have had our share of idols glamorizing this little piece of fashion history. First and foremost is Elvis, whose rhinestone jumpsuit auctioned for $1.5 million, or Elton John who popularized the suit back in the androgynous glam rock era. 

Today, the jumpsuit for men seems to be making a comeback, as we know fashion tends to be cyclical. There have been recent features in fashion spreads and men’s publications like GQ citing the jumpsuit as modern, comfortable, and stylish. Found at big retail stores like ASOS, as well as high-end options like Bottega Venetta and even on Amazon

Peak Popularity: 1984
Average Cost: $30*

Think back to the b-boys of the 1980’s, whose energetic street dances exploded with creativity, humor and even an element of danger. Parachute pants were commonly worn in the early breakdancing days, allowing speedy and intricate routines without fear of friction burns or wear in clothing.

Parachute Pants @Alicia Rogers / Pinterest.com

Back in the ’80s, they came in all the brightest shades of luminous, and the coolest kids had different luminous shades haphazardly splashed across the pant leg design. As well as color, these legendary pants were all about the texture. The crinkly paper look is what added to the crisp, coolness and cemented them in the halls of fashion history.

The trend was, in the words of Grandmaster Flash, a hit and run – and disappeared all too quickly. After just two years they were replaced by more durable sportswear by big brands like Adidas and Puma. But even by then, parachute pants had already sold thousands of pairs. 

Peak Popularity: 1980’s
Average Cost: $9.99*

Let’s be honest: did leg warmers ever truly go out of fashion? Unfortunately – in terms of dollars and cents anyway – the industry answer seems to be yes. Leg warmers are basically footless socks, wooly and warm, designed to keep your ankles and calves cosy. What’s not to love?

Leg Warmers @Swagbucks Official / Pinterest.com

Originally made fashionable by classic films like Flashdance and Footloose (and even those Jane Fonda workout videos), these once-standard accessories bring us back to warm and fuzzier times. While these products can still be found, they’re not the industry titan they once were. 

Though perhaps a less known fact: the leg warmers were not just a super cool fashion accessory in the 80s, they also have a genuine function! Worn by ballet dancers, their function is to keep the leg muscles warm in order to prevent cramping or other muscle injuries. 

Peak Popularity: 1990’s
Average Cost: $49.99*

PVC was originally an innocent, plastic coated fabric used in the 1960’s and ‘70’s for waterproofing raincoats. But in the 1990’s the product was adopted by the alternative goth scene. Despite its once-nice market, the PVC clothing industry is still thriving worldwide all these years later -is used by major designers including Jimmy Choo.

PVC suits @oldschoolcool/Twitter.com

Today it is understood that PVC contains harmful toxic chemicals, which are known to be unhealthy and can cause bad side effects if overexposed. The purpose of these chemicals is to create an aesthetically pleasing shine, or a ‘fake leather’ look which is quite a common reason for using the fabric. 

This remains a somewhat controversial choice of fabrics in the modern age, considering that PVC is one of the most environmentally-damaging fabrics to manufacture. Iconic red PVC thigh high boots were worn by Cruella De Vil (Glenn Close) in 101 Dalmatians, ultimately getting slimed in molasses and covered in mud; an act of divine justice, perhaps?

Peak Popularity: 1980’s
Average Cost: $4*

Apparently everyone was working out at every hour of the day in the 1980’s, right? Otherwise, how does one explain the explosion in headband sales for the duration of the entire decade? Regardless of their practical use, these accessories were the pinnacle of 1980s fashion merch.

80s Headbands @Taylor Virginia / Pinterest.com

Of course with all that sweat and hairspray (to hold the excessively large hair-dos in place) one needed a piece of absorbent fabric around their foreheads to prevent the blue eyeshadow from dripping down to their rosy cheeks and pink lipstick. 

To be honest, it would be a great time to revive the ol’ headband. Zoom work meetings would be so much easier if we could just throw on a headband to hide our morning bed head, so that we would look fashion-forward and camera ready. 

Peak Popularity: 2010’s
Average Cost: $99*

The first thing that pops to mind when one imagines denim boots is the iconic top-to-bottom denim look that Britney and Justin wore to the AMA’s in 2001. Upon closer inspection though, one realizes that Britney is not actually wearing denim boots – but rather, open toe sandals. Strange.

Denim Boots @Footwear News / @Talma Vardi / Pinterest.com

But even today, with celebrities shelling out thousands for designer thigh-high denim boots, this has inevitably led to a worldwide explosion in sales. This is one industry that hit a high in one decade, disappeared – then hit a new all-time high just ten years later. 

All the young and fashionable Instagram influencers are sporting the denim booted look, including Kendall Jenner, J-Lo, and Rihanna. And let’s face it, there is no better advertising than that. Celebrity endorsements can influence fashion followers to embrace even the most questionable fashion trends.

Peak Popularity: 1980’s
Average Cost: $89*

Spoiler: there is exactly no acid used in the manufacturing of acid washed jeans. Originally invented by Levi’s as early as the 1950’s, this stone washing technique reached its peak of popularity (and peak sales) during the 80’s. Stone washing is a surprisingly literal process involving large horizontal industrial clothes washers with stones pounding and basically torturing the fabric.

@tashalala/YouTube.com

The look was achieved using chlorine too; when young surfers in California in the 1960’s caught onto the trend. They loved the look of their jeans fading from the sun. They wanted to speed up the process so they used chlorine to create that ‘too-much-time-in-the-sun’ look that was so popular amongst the subculture. 

Levi Strauss relisted their shares on the New York Stock Exchange in March 2019 after leaving the public market in 1985. Years later, Levi Strauss’ net worth had reached nearly $350 million – thanks largely in part to creative fashion innovations such as this.

Peak Popularity: 2009
Average Cost: $515*

Mexican Pointy Boots are precisely what you’d imagine them to be – but somehow, even pointier. Think up to 5 feet pointier. Not only are they the pointiest shoes imaginable, but they’re also worn during dance-offs to music known as tribal guarachero.

Mexican Pointy Boots @GummySkeleton / @jarred1886 | Twitter.com

The wearers would take pride in modifying their boots. Many used LED lights, buttons or various other decorations to create a pointy boot that is unique and tells a story. Designs include bright colors, sequins, and beads, and of course, the lengths vary greatly too. 

The image of a dance floor full of people wearing 5 ft pointy boots conjures images of many a stumbling man. And yet, these highly choreographed dance competitions offer prizes for participants of up to $500 and a bottle of whiskey, which just about covers the cost of the boots. 

Peak Popularity: 1980’s
Average Cost: $40*

This 1980’s trend was not, in fact, Too Legit To Quit. The industry largely waved farewell to these saggy rise, tapered ankle beauties after about two years after the first pair was commercially made available. 

©Micahel Tran/Film Magic/Getty Images

Stanley Kirk Burrell, better known as MC Hammer, was insistent on the name ‘Hammer Pants’. One could say that this was a deserved title as he did wonders in cementing the look in fashion history, although they were inspired by a much older design. Harem pants can be traced all the way back to the 19th century. 

Fun fact: though MC Hammer made millions thanks to his iconic appearance in these pants, his fortunes practically fell apart in parallel with the declining popularity of these once-famed pants. He even lost a percentage of his song royalties along the way.

Peak Popularity: 1970’s
Average Cost: $30*

These boho-style patchwork skirts remind one of a child’s blankie. A perfect combination of upcycling, whimsy and hippie culture, this look is perfect for the wanderers, adventurers or modern hipster vagabonds. 

Patchwork Peasant Skirts @loura @Dee Palumbo / Pinterest.com

Typically in the bohemian culture of artists and intellectuals, they would prefer the life of art and learning above all else which for some reason seems to preclude material gains. One supposes that this is where the patchwork style comes from.

While big festivals like Lollapalooza and Burning Man Festival have brought boho-chic back to the fashion forefront, you are more likely to see steampunk and tank girl-inspired outfits than patchwork skirts. Though, they do make a point of saying that no fashion is out of place at Burning Man. 

Peak Popularity: 16th-17th Century
Average Cost: $20*

The neck ruff, which was worn by men, women and children throughout the 16th and 17th Century, was originally designed as a fabric which would prevent the shirt from becoming soiled at the neckline.

Neck Ruffs @pretty dresses / @Stama Knox / Pinterest.com

As time went on the ruff grew larger and larger; at their most extreme they were a foot or more in diameter. They were soon worn exclusively as a status symbol, forcing the wearer to keep one’s chin up and assume a proud pose. It was also assumed that anyone wearing a ruff could not do manual labor. 

Modern fashion looks back in history to gain inspiration for their looks. Big brands like Gucci are famously inspired by Roman art and architecture in their designs. Despite this fact, it is hard to imagine this particular fashion moment to ever reappear. Or so one would hope. 

Peak Popularity: 2001
Average Cost: $15.99*

These so-called popcorn shirts paved the way for lucrative fashion products including bubble shirts, origami shirts, and even scrunchie shirts. Why this trend caught on, however, certainly remains a mystery – as these shirts are notoriously itchy and uncomfortable. 

Popcorn Shirts @Depop @imgur / Pinterest.com

At less than $16 per shirt, these products exploded in popularity following Y2K. Manufacturers quickly adjusted their product lines to accommodate the trend – a big mistake, as interest in the initial popcorn shirt diminished quickly thereafter.

Today these crinkly shirts are the subject of jokes and memes and the epitome of early 2000’s fashion. Much like many of the trends from that time, like the super low rise jeans, we have yet to see them pop back into pop culture.