The Most Uncomfortable Fashion Trends From The ‘90

Doesn’t it feel like ‘90s fashion was one of the golden eras of style? Not in the same way other decades were, of course. They were no ‘20s glamorous flappers or free-spirited ‘70s boho, but the outfits in the last decade of the 20th century were undoubtedly distinct — and not just for their time. Instead of simply memorializing the fashion trends in Halloween costumes or vintage pictures, we actually continue to recycle ‘90s fashion in our real, everyday lives. In fact, all the coolest celebrity teens (Kylie Jenner, Zendaya, Willow Smith) are currently wearing '90s-inspired getups almost exclusively.

But of course, not even the golden age could get by without a few mishaps. Some ‘90s styles were just way too... uncomfortable. For example: Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake's all-denim getup. It was both painful to look at and, I imagine, even more so to wear. Sure, worn in tees and cozy flannels and roomy mom jeans were great. But for every cozy style, there were teetering platforms, bandeau tops, and spiky butterfly clips to offset any comfort your outfit could have promised. So while it’s true that ‘90s nostalgia is real, it also brought us some styles better left in the past.

1. Slap Bracelets

You loved them, but why?! They really were not that cute and they hurt like hell. Many a welt swelled as we all slapped these accessories on our wrists.

2. Chokers

These were uncomfortable in every sense of the word. Recently, these have come back, but haven't gotten any more pleasant to wear. Yeah, they look cool, but that plastic is just plain painful.

3. Low-Rise Jeans

These provided a thrilling combination of senses: feeling like your pants were falling down, while simultaneously suffering from a chilly lower back.

4. Jelly Shoes

I don’t care how cool it made you to have a pair in every color of the rainbow. These were about as much fun as wearing nails for shoes. My achilles are trembling with the memory of blisters past.

5. Crinkle Shirts

SO. ITCHY. Pass.

6. Huge Platforms

Platforms *might* be easier to walk in than stilettos, but these Baby Spice-style ones were far from comfortable. Honestly, it’s just asking to break your ankle.

7. Butterfly Clips

Ever have one of these snap on your head or your finger? That’s a pain I’d rather forget.

8. Spiked Stretchy Headbands

Speaking of torturous hair accessories, these dug into your scalp with the pain of a million needles.

9. Bandeau Tops

I'm always pro crop top, but these were just strapless bras (ugh) disguised as shirts. The constant fidgeting to keep them from falling down was just a pain.

10. Tight Hot Pants

Fans of the Spice Girls probably added a couple of these perpetual wedgies to their wardrobes. Why do the coolest pieces have to be so difficult to wear IRL?!

11. Massive Hats

In 2015, we have text neck. In the 1990s, it was all about oversized hat induced injuries (I assume).

Still itching to keep the ‘90s alive? Stick with matching skirt sets and fluffy sweaters.

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