The 1970s were full of fun, weird, and unforgettable fads that came and went in the blink of an eye. From strange fashion statements to toys and bizarre lifestyle choices, some of these trends blew up overnight but then disappeared just as quickly.
Whether they were driven by clever marketing or pure novelty, each of these fads left its own unique mark on pop culture. While most didn’t last very long, they remain memorable pieces of a colorful and carefree decade. These are nine short-lived ’70s fads that were wild while they lasted.
1. Pet Rock – The Ultimate Low-Maintenance Companion
In 1975, millions of people across the globe bought rocks in boxes, which they kept as “pets.” These were the ultimate low-maintenance companions, as they required no feeding and no walks, just a smooth stone and a tongue-in-cheek care manual.
The Pet Rock started as a joke but quickly became a phenomenon, with the creator becoming a millionaire almost overnight. For a few months, people proudly showed off their pet rocks, but this trend faded as quickly as it arrived.
2. Mood Rings – Wear Your Feelings on Your Finger
In 1975, mood rings were launched, claiming to reveal a person’s emotions by changing color with their body temperature. All of a sudden, millions of people wanted to know if they were “calm blue” or “nervous black,” sparking endless conversations and comparisons.
Mood rings quickly became a must-have, but when people realized that the science was shaky and the novelty wore off, these rings disappeared.
3. Streaking – Boldly Bare Everywhere
During the 1970s, people suddenly began running through public events, from sports games to campus quads, completely naked. This was called “streaking,” and it was a protest and a prank, a symbol of rebellion and freedom that peaked in the mid-’70s.
Before too long, authorities and embarrassment caught up, and streaking became a thing of the past.
4. Waterbeds – The Groovy Way to Sleep
In the 1970s, waterbeds were promoted as “liquid luxury,” promising a new kind of comfort that quickly turned them into a bedroom status symbol. Everyone was talking about them, and they were hailed as the future of sleep.
However, leaks, mold, and maintenance issues soon popped up, and most waterbed owners decided to go back to their regular mattresses.
5. Platform Shoes – High Fashion, Literally
Everyone wanted to add a few extra inches to their height, from disco dancers to rock stars, and platform shoes certainly delivered. These bold, colorful, and sometimes dangerously unstable shoes quickly blew up, and everyone wanted a pair.
However, by the end of the decades, twisted ankles and changing fashion tastes sent flatform shoes packing.
6. CB Radios – The Social Network Before the Internet
What began with truck drivers soon caught on to everyone else. Soon, everyone had a “handle” and was talking over citizens band radio. For a short period of time, CB slang and “breaker one-nine” culture swept across America, connecting strangers and generating a unique lingo.
However, the novelty wore off as technology advanced, and CB radios quickly disappeared from living rooms.
7. Disco Roller Skating – Boogie on Wheels
In the 1970s, roller rinks quickly became disco hotspots, featuring flashing lights, funky beats, and skaters dancing on wheels. It was like something right out of a movie, with glitter, music, and motion blending into one.
But as new music emerged and popular genres changed, the disco lost its shine, and so did the craze for skating in style.
8. Clackers – The Toy That Was Banned
Clackers were a massive trend when it came to toys, with two acrylic balls on a string clacked together until they shattered or shattered nerves. These toys were everywhere, but while they mesmerized kids, they infuriated parents with their noise.
However, safety concerns and a bunch of injuries from these toys led to them getting banned.
9. Earth Shoes – Walk on the Wild Side
Known for their “negative heel,” Earth Shoes became popular in the 1970s because of their promise of better posture, health, and a touch of counterculture cool.
They quickly became a staple for people who wanted something a little different, but strange looks and uncomfortable walks meant that they disappeared pretty quickly.
Discover more DIY hacks and style inspo- Follow us to keep the glow-up coming to your feed!
Love content like this? Tap Follow at the top of the page to stay in the loop with the latest beauty trends, DIY tips, and style inspo. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments — we love hearing from you!