The other day, I noticed my friend’s jeans looked like they were missing a button, so I asked her about it. Turns out, these buttonless jeans are a new fashion trend! Yep, that’s right!
As a fashion enthusiast, I’ve never felt so lost and behind the times. It was strange, bizarre, and oddly fascinating. And in that moment, I finally understood how my parents must have felt seeing me in distressed and ripped jeans. But distressed denim, cutout dresses, and buttonless jeans are just the tip of the iceberg. History is full of weird fashion trends that make me shiver and say, “Wow, thank goodness I was born in the right era.” Don’t believe me? Below, I’ve listed history’s some of the most wacky fashion trends that’ll make you scratch your heads.
1. Powdered Wigs (17th-18th Century)
Originating in France, powdered wigs, or “perukes,” became a fashion staple among European aristocracy. Interstingly, King Louis XIII was the one who amplified the trend of wearing this wig type. Made from horsehair, yak hair, or human hair, these wigs were often elaborately styled, powdered white, and were originally worn to hide premature balding. They symbolised status and wealth but were notoriously uncomfortable and required frequent maintenance.
2. Crakows (15th Century)
These medieval shoes, also known as “poulaines,” featured absurdly long, pointed toes that could extend several inches beyond the foot. The length of the toe was often a sign of social status, with the nobility sporting the longest and most impractical versions. They were so cumbersome that sometimes the tips had to be tied to the wearer’s leg to allow for easier walking.
3. Lotus Shoes (10th Century Onwards)
In China, the practice of foot binding resulted in the creation of “lotus shoes” for women with bound feet. These tiny, elaborately embroidered shoes were designed to fit feet that had been tightly bound since childhood, deforming them into a small, curved shape considered a symbol of beauty and status.
4. Hobble Skirts (1910s)
Introduced by French designer Paul Poiret, hobble skirts were narrow at the hem, restricting the wearer’s stride to small, delicate steps. This trend aimed to create an elegant, ladylike silhouette but was highly impractical and limited mobility.
5. Codpieces (15th-16th Century)
Codpieces were padded and often exaggerated coverings worn over the groin, attached to men’s trousers or hose. Originally functional, they evolved into a fashion statement, symbolizing virility and sometimes even being used to store small items.
6. Ruffs (16th-17th Century)
Large, stiffly starched collars called ruffs were popular in Elizabethan England and throughout Europe. Made of linen or lace, these collars could be so wide and elaborate that they required special supports to hold their shape, often making eating and moving the head difficult.
7. Macaroni Fashion (18th Century)
The term “macaroni” referred to a group of young, upper-class Englishmen who adopted an extremely flamboyant style. Inspired by their travels in Italy, their attire featured oversized wigs, tiny hats, and excessive adornments. The look was so exaggerated it became the subject of satire and ridicule.
Arsenic Dresses (18th-19th Century)
In the 19th century, some green dyes used in clothing, notably Scheele’s Green, contained toxic arsenic compounds. These “arsenic dresses” were popular for their vibrant color but caused severe health issues, including skin irritation, illness, and even death, due to arsenic exposure. This led to public outcry and eventual regulation of toxic substances in consumer goods, underscoring the importance of safety in manufacturing.
8. Bustles (Late 19th Century)
Bustles were padded undergarments worn under the skirt at the back, creating a pronounced and exaggerated posterior. This trend emerged after the decline of the crinoline and aimed to achieve a fashionable hourglass silhouette, though it often resulted in a cumbersome and awkward profile.
It goes without saying that clothing has come a long way, finally bridging the gap between practicality and style.
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