# The (Hideous) Return of Shoulder Pads In Fashion By Bianca | Published 2007-08-09 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-hideous-return-of-shoulder-pads References: [trendhunter](http://www.trendhunter.com/bianca) I remember teasing my mom about her shoulder pads back in the '90s. My sister and I would break into hysterical laughing fits when she would get dressed up and slip on little blouses or jackets with enormous padded bumps typical of the masculine look that was in vogue at the time. We couldn't handle it. Now big designers like [Gucci](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-famiglia-collection), [Maison Martin Margiela](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/replica-suit) and Karen Walker are taking their hand at reviving this ultra-unflattering look. It looks like the beastly fashion could be making a come-back, and this is one fashion trend I will NOT raid my mother's closet for. Yes, I stole her waist belts and leopard-print pumps, but there is no way I'm going to slink my body into one of those heinous tops. This decade has been a decade of old-trend-revival. There have been no significant new looks. We've had the return of retro, gone from bell bottoms to skinny jeans in the last decade. We've seen the return of polka dots, bug-eyed sunglasses, cut-off sweat shirts a la Flash Dance and more. What's next, neon and denim? It's time for the designers to start getting creative and pumping out some new looks - no more recyling designs from the past! ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 55% | Activity: 22% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Life](https://www.trendhunter.com/life) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Revival of Retro Fashion:** There is an opportunity for designers to create a new fashion trend rather than reviving old ones such as shoulder pads. - **Innovative Fashion Designs:** Designers can capitalize on the need for fresh and modern designs in the fashion industry. - **Comfort Is Key Fashion Style:** Consumers are looking for comfortable and practical clothing that is still stylish, providing an opening for innovative designers to create fresh looks without relying on previous designs. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Fashion Industry:** Fashion industry professionals need to keep up with the changing consumer tastes and demands, creating innovative designs to respond to new expectations as the industry evolves. - **Retail Industry:** Retailers need to stock up on innovative fashion designs that incorporate consumer preferences and anticipate future trends to make it big in the industry. - **Manufacturing Industry:** Manufacturers in the fashion industry have the opportunity to produce clothing that responds to consumers' demands for quality, affordability and comfort, while still keeping up with the latest fashion trends. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Revived Nostalgic Puffer Jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iconic-puffer-jacket.md) - [Flattering Retro Oversized Denim](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jnco.md) - [Pattern-Heavy Fashion Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/needles-new-collection.md) - [Resurging Quilted-Denim Handbags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coach-tabby-shoulder-bag.md) - [Wild Animal-Decorated Gowns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/schiaparelli-lion-head.md) - [Nostalgic Fragrance Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iconic-90s-looks.md) - [Retrospective Chic Fashion Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prefall-2026-collection.md) - [Chic Statement Eyewear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/specsavers-eyewear.md) - [Archetypal Fashion Debuts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-famiglia-collection.md)