Viral Gen Z trends are amusing Baby Boomers who recognize them as recycled staples from decades past.
Every generation likes to believe it has discovered something entirely new and revolutionary that defines its era. Gen Z is currently flooding social media with viral videos of their latest discoveries.
However, for the Baby Boomers watching from the sidelines, these so-called new trends look suspiciously like the contents of their own basements from forty years ago.
Boomers are finding plenty of amusement in seeing their grandchildren pay top dollar for items they donated to charity decades ago. Seeing these recycled fads take over the internet serves as a funny reminder that there is truly nothing new under the sun.
Tie Dye Clothing
The psychedelic swirls of the sixties counterculture movement have found a new home in the wardrobes of Gen Z. Making tie-dye at home became a massive quarantine hobby that transitioned into mainstream fashion.
It represents a desire for brightness and optimism during uncertain times, much like it did decades ago. DIY fashion allows for personal expression without breaking the bank or requiring great artistic skills. It is a splash of color that everyone can agree on.
Vinyl Records Making a Comeback
Boomers spent years curating massive collections of LPs, only to replace them with cassettes and, eventually, CDs for convenience. Now they watch with amusement as Gen Z flocks to record stores to buy the exact same albums at triple the price.
The crackle and pop that Boomers tried so hard to eliminate is now considered a warm and authentic part of the listening experience. This resurgence is not just a small niche for hipsters but a massive industry shift that has taken the music world by surprise.
Vinyl records have now outsold CDs in 2023 for the second time since 1987, with 43 million units sold. It seems the inconvenience of flipping the disc is part of the charm.
High Waisted Mom Jeans
For years, the low-rise skinny jean reigned supreme, but suddenly the denim landscape shifted back to the high-waisted cuts of the eighties. Boomers remember these pants simply as jeans that were practical for bending over to pick up a toddler without an incident.
Today, the silhouette that was once mocked on Saturday Night Live skits is now the standard uniform for anyone under twenty-five. Now, the report indicates that loose- and relaxed-fit jeans have seen a significant sales increase as comfort overtakes the skinny-jean trend.
The Return of Flip Phones
In a world dominated by smartphones that track every move, Gen Z is rebelling by purchasing “dumbphones” from the early 2000s. Boomers find it ironic that the technology they abandoned in favor of touchscreens is now being hailed as a tool for mental wellness.
This digital detox movement is driven by a desire to disconnect from the constant barrage of notifications and social media feeds. Sales of feature phones have seen a resurgence, with companies like HMD Global reporting tens of thousands of units sold monthly in the US market. Less is definitely more for this crowd.
Disposable Film Cameras
Boomers remember the anxiety of dropping off a roll of film at the pharmacy and waiting days to see if any of the pictures turned out. Gen Z has fallen in love with this delayed gratification and the imperfect, grainy quality of film photography.
The appeal lies in the authenticity of the moment rather than the curated perfection of an Instagram feed. Expert psychologist Dr. Clay Routledge notes that nostalgia provides a sense of continuity and meaning, which explains why analog tech is booming. The surprise is half the fun.
Crochet and Knitting Hobbies
Needlework was once the domain of grandmothers making blankets for new babies, but now it is a viral sensation on TikTok. Young people are picking up hooks and needles to create their own lifestyle accessories and clothing items by hand.
Boomers who were forced to learn these skills in home economics class are baffled by the enthusiasm.
This slow fashion movement allows young creators to opt out of fast fashion and make something distinct. The Craft Yarn Council reports that the number of knitters and crocheters aged 18 to 34 has doubled in recent years. It is a cozy revolution.
Houseplant Obsession
The seventies were defined by homes filled with ferns and spider plants, and now that green aesthetic is back in full force. Gen Z “plant parents” are filling their apartments with greenery to connect with nature and improve their mental health.
Taking care of something living gives young people a sense of responsibility and routine in a chaotic world. The National Gardening Association found that 18.3 million people became new gardeners in 2020, with a significant portion of them younger. Green thumbs are hereditary, it seems.
The Mullet Hairstyle
Business in the front and party in the back was the mantra of the eighties until it became a punchline for bad taste. Somehow, this polarizing haircut has returned to the heads of trendy celebrities and athletes, much to the horror of their parents.
Modern interpretations of the shag and mullet are edgier and often gender neutral, appealing to a generation that blurs lines. Some mistakes are destined to be repeated.
Thrift Store Shopping
Buying used clothes was once a necessity for those on a tight budget, but now it is a badge of honor for the eco-conscious. Boomers who grew up wearing hand-me-downs find it funny that used clothing is now often more expensive than new items.
The thrill of the hunt has turned dusty charity shops into trendy boutiques. This shift is driven by a desire for sustainability and a rejection of mass-produced cookie-cutter clothing.
Birkenstocks
The footwear of choice for hippies and hikers has become the staple shoe for high schoolers and college students everywhere. Wearing sandals was once the ultimate fashion faux pas committed by embarrassing dads on vacation. Now it is a legitimate style choice that prioritizes comfort above all else.
Boomers are vindicated knowing that their most comfortable shoes have finally been accepted by the fashion elite. The ugly shoe trend has proven that practicality will eventually win over aesthetics, given enough time. Comfort is the one thing that never goes out of style.
Y2K Butterfly Clips
The late nineties and early thousands had a very specific aesthetic involving glitter and tiny plastic clips in the hair. Gen Z has adopted this look wholesale, mining Millennials’ childhood photos for beauty inspiration. Boomers watching this trend cycle are realizing that the turn of the millennium is now considered vintage.
It is a playful and colorful way to accessorize that brings a sense of childhood whimsy to adult fashion. Fashion retailers have stocked up on these plastic accessories to meet the surging demand. Nostalgia creates a market for even the smallest items.
Key Takeaway
Trends are circular, and what goes around will inevitably come back around with a slightly modern twist. Boomers can sit back and enjoy the show, knowing that their old favorites are being appreciated by a whole new audience.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
Disclosure: This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.
20 Odd American Traditions That Confuse the Rest of the World
20 Odd American Traditions That Confuse the Rest of the World
It’s no surprise that cultures worldwide have their own unique customs and traditions, but some of America’s most beloved habits can seem downright strange to outsiders.
Many American traditions may seem odd or even bizarre to people from other countries. Here are twenty of the strangest American traditions that confuse the rest of the world.
20 of the Worst American Tourist Attractions, Ranked in Order
20 of the Worst American Tourist Attractions, Ranked in Order
If you’ve found yourself here, it’s likely because you’re on a noble quest for the worst of the worst—the crème de la crème of the most underwhelming and downright disappointing tourist traps America offers. Maybe you’re looking to avoid common pitfalls, or perhaps just a connoisseur of the hilariously bad.
Whatever the reason, here is a list that’s sure to entertain, if not educate. Hold onto the hats and explore the ranking, in sequential order, of the 20 worst American tourist attractions.
