12 Trends from 1998 That Are Currently Taking Over Gen Z TikTok

Nostalgia is the new cool. Gen Z has turned TikTok into a time machine, reviving late-’90s trends with fresh edits, ironic humor, and aesthetic remixes. What once defined 1998’s pop culture is now being reimagined through filters, thrift hauls, and dance challenges. From fashion staples to forgotten gadgets, these throwbacks prove that everything old eventually becomes new again. Here are 12 late ’90s throwbacks that are making a comeback on TikTok:

1. VHS Filters

TikTok edits drenched in grainy VHS-style filters instantly transport viewers back to the late ’90s, mimicking the look of home videos recorded on large video cameras. The soft blur, static lines, and muted color palette give modern clips a retro cinematic vibe, making everyday moments feel like lost footage from 1998. Creators use these filters for nostalgic storytelling, whether they are staging family memories, remixing dance trends, or layering ironic humor over the aesthetic of days gone by.

2. Butterfly Clips

Those colorful plastic hair accessories that once filled teen bedrooms and drugstore aisles are fluttering back into style. Gen Z creators embrace butterfly clips as playful accents to Y2K-inspired hairstyles, often stacking them in rows or scattering them across braids. Paired with pastel makeup and soft grunge outfits, they capture the innocence of late-’90s fashion while adding a wink of irony that feels unmistakably TikTok.

3. Baggy Jeans

Oversized denim, a cornerstone of 1998 streetwear, has returned as a TikTok fashion statement. Teens and young adults style baggy jeans with crop tops, oversized hoodies, or vintage band tees, echoing the skater aesthetic that defined mall culture and MTV. The exaggerated silhouette, once rebellious, now feels like a rejection of fast-fashion minimalism in favor of something looser, freer and unapologetically nostalgic.

4. Tamagotchis

Digital pets are back, and TikTok is buzzing with Tamagotchi nostalgia. Creators show off their collections, swap tips on keeping their pixelated companions “alive,” or joke about the stress of constant care. The tiny devices, once a source of playground drama, now serve as props for comedic skits and ironic commentary on digital dependence. Their revival proves that even the most peculiar accessories can find new life when filtered through Gen Z humor.

5. Platform Sneakers

Chunky footwear like Skechers and Buffalo platforms dominated the late ’90s and are now flashing across TikTok dance videos. Celebrated as both ironic and genuinely stylish, these sky‑high sneakers embody the boldness of Y2K fashion. Whether paired with Spice Girls-inspired outfits or thrifted streetwear, platform sneakers signal confidence and nostalgia, reminding viewers that fashion is cyclical, and sometimes bigger really is better.

6. Glitter Makeup

Shimmery eyeshadow and body glitter, once a staple of teen magazines and drugstore aisles in 1998, have resurfaced in TikTok’s “festival glam” tutorials. Tiktok creators dust glitter across eyelids, cheekbones, and shoulders, channeling the carefree sparkle of late-’90s pop stars. The look is both nostalgic and aspirational, a reminder of the era when glitter was less about delicacy and more about unapologetic fun.

7. Mini Backpacks

Tiny backpacks, especially leather or nylon ones, are trending again as both fashion statements and practical accessories. TikTokers flaunt thrifted finds with captions like “straight out of 1998,” styling them with oversized jackets or slip dresses. Once the go-to bag for teens juggling CDs and lip gloss, mini backpacks now serve as ironic props and functional fashion, bridging a gap between utility and nostalgia.

8. Rollerblading

Videos of Gen Z cruising on rollerblades, often set to retro pop tracks, are a direct nod to late-’90s weekend culture. Rollerblading, once a suburban pastime, has been reimagined as a TikTok aesthetic, blending athleticism with vintage vibes. Whether filmed in neon-lit rinks or sun-soaked streets, these clips capture the carefree energy of a generation rediscovering the joy of wheels.

9. CD Players & Discman Challenges

Creators ironically carry around Discmans, syncing them to modern playlists and staging “Discman challenges” where they attempt to jog or dance without skipping tracks. Part parody, part genuine appreciation, these videos highlight the tactile charm of CDs:  the buttons, the spinning discs, the hiss of headphones. In an era of streaming, the Discman revival feels like a playful reminder of how far music culture has evolved.

10. Rave-Inspired Outfits

TikTok creators are reviving the late-’90s rave aesthetic: neon crop tops, mesh shirts, wide-legged pants, and glow-stick accessories. These outfits channel the underground club culture of 1998, blending bold colors with DIY flair. On TikTok, they’re often paired with electronic beats or retro remixes, turning everyday fashion into a playful nod to the era’s dance floor energy.

11. Mood Rings

Color-changing mood rings, once a staple of mall kiosks, are back as accessories. TikTokers use them in skits about “reading vibes” or incorporate them into witchy aesthetics, blending nostalgia with mysticism. Their revival is less about scientific accuracy and more about playful symbolism, a way to wear your mood on your finger while tapping into the whimsical spirit of 1998.

12. Beaded Phone Charms

Though phones have evolved, the charm trend is alive again. Gen Z attaches beaded strings to smartphones, echoing the DIY craze of 1998 when teens customized flip phones with accessories. On TikTok, these charms are celebrated as both fashion statements and nostalgic callbacks, blending handmade creativity with digital culture. They prove that even in a hyper-connected world, small details can carry big emotional weight.

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