The 1970s were a time of bold fashion choices, groovy music, and offbeat inventions that somehow made perfect sense back then. From barefoot-inspired shoes to adopting a rock as a pet, the decade was full of quirky trends that captured the free-spirited, experimental vibe of the era. Whether you lived through them or just heard stories from your parents, these fads defined the wild and wonderful spirit of the ‘70s. Let’s look back at 10 quirky fads from the 70s you probably participated in—or at least wish you had!
1. Earth Shoes: A Step into Nature’s Design
During the 1970s, the world of footwear got a strange twist when Earth Shoes stepped onto the scene with their unconventional design. These shoes were designed with a unique negative heel — the heel was lower than the toe. Earth Shoes promised to align with the natural arch of the foot, improving posture and promoting better overall health. While they were a hit among those embracing the “back to nature” movement, they weren’t without controversy. Earth Shoes perfectly reflected the 1970s craze for eco-conscious living and the growing movement toward natural lifestyles.
2. The Fad of Mood Rings: A Colorful Emotional Expression
One of the most iconic quirky fads of the 70s was the mood ring, a gemstone ring that changed color based on the wearer’s body temperature, supposedly reflecting their mood. The rings contained thermotropic liquid crystals that responded to changes in temperature, and the colors ranged from blue for calm to red for excitement. Though the science behind mood rings was questionable, the trend surged in popularity. Mood rings were a fun, yet temporary, fashion craze that symbolized the 70s fascination with self-expression and mysticism.
3. Pet Rocks: A Low-Maintenance Companion
If you think you’ve heard it all, the pet rock fad will surely surprise you. In the mid-1970s, Gary Dahl introduced the idea of a “pet rock.” These were, literally, rocks sold as pets — packaged in a cardboard box with breathing holes and straw as bedding. While it may sound like a joke, millions of these “pets” were sold, and they became a quirky and humorous commentary on the growing frustrations of actual pet ownership. Despite its fleeting nature, the pet rock serves as a testament to how far people in the 70s were willing to go to embrace the unconventional.
4. Rubik’s Cube Mania: The Mind-Bending Puzzle That Defined the ’70s
Among the most iconic trends to emerge from the 1970s was the Rubik’s Cube, a brain-teasing puzzle that captivated millions. Though it was invented in 1974 by Hungarian architect Erno Rubik, the colorful cube didn’t explode in popularity until it hit international markets a few years later. Its simple concept of aligning colored squares by rotating the cube became an obsession for millions. Despite being a time-consuming and frustrating activity, the Rubik’s Cube remained a cornerstone of 70s pop culture and continues to be a beloved puzzle.
5. CB Radios: The Pre-Internet Way to Connect
Before cell phones and social media, there were CB radios—or Citizens Band radios. In the mid-1970s, especially around the time of the 1973 oil crisis, CB radios became a craze among everyday drivers, truckers, and even hobbyists. The federal government had imposed speed limits and fuel regulations, and CB radios allowed drivers to share information about gas stations, speed traps, and road conditions. With handles like “Rubber Duck” or “Bandit,” users communicated in a unique jargon that became part of the era’s charm. It was quirky, practical, and a lot of fun.
6. Waterbeds: The Groovy Way to Sleep
Waterbeds were another wild innovation that took off during the ’70s. Though first patented in the 1960s by Charles Hall, they gained widespread popularity during the 1970s as part of the era’s fascination with alternative lifestyles and comfort. The soft, wavy sensation of sleeping on water appealed to a generation experimenting with sensory experiences and relaxed living. However, they were also notorious for leaking, requiring maintenance, and being nearly impossible to move. Despite their decline in later decades, they remain a memorable icon of ’70s bedroom culture.
7. Lava Lamps: Psychedelic Décor for Every Room
No ’70s bedroom or basement was complete without a lava lamp bubbling away in the corner. Originally invented in 1963 by British accountant Edward Craven Walker, lava lamps hit peak popularity in the 1970s thanks to the psychedelic and counterculture movements. Their hypnotic, slow-moving blobs of wax suspended in colored liquid captured the era’s love of all things trippy and surreal. Lava lamps weren’t just décor—they were statements. Despite being invented a decade earlier, their demand skyrocketed in the ’70s, making them a must-have item for the decade’s coolest hangout spots.
8. Clackers: The Noisy Toy That Drove Everyone Crazy (In a Good Way)
If you were a kid in the 1970s, chances are you either owned a pair of Clackers or desperately wanted to. These toys consisted of two hard acrylic balls attached to either end of a string, with a finger loop in the middle. The goal? Swing the balls up and down until they collided rhythmically—creating a loud clack-clack-clack sound that could be heard across the block. While they were undeniably fun and hypnotic to master, Clackers came with a bit of risk. Misfires could result in bruised arms or even broken balls that shattered mid-swing.
9. Leisure Suits: The Epitome of Casual Cool
Another unmistakable 70s fashion trend was the leisure suit, which was a casual, yet sharp ensemble often made from polyester or other synthetic fabrics. Popularized by figures like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever, the leisure suit was a go-to outfit for men looking to embrace a laid-back yet polished look. Often worn without a tie, the leisure suit became the standard for clubbing, lounging, or casual outings. While its popularity waned by the 1980s, the leisure suit’s influence on men’s fashion is still remembered today as a testament to the era’s unique style.
10. Roller Disco: Skating to the Beat
Roller disco was a combination of two of the 1970s’ most beloved pastimes: roller skating and disco music. Roller rinks were transformed into disco ball-adorned dance floors where people would skate in rhythmic harmony to the latest dance hits. Flashy outfits, moves inspired by disco dancers became staples of the roller disco scene. This quirky fad wasn’t just about skating; it was about creating an experience that was both athletic and artistic. Though roller disco faded with the 80s, it remains a fun reminder of the crossover between sports, fashion, and music.
