Fashion trends that Americans love and hate the most

In late 2023, a YouGov survey took a snapshot of America's most loved and hated fashion trends. Although opinions varied quite a bit from generations to genders, these are the fashion trends that people felt strongest about...

Yes, this controversial yet comfy trend got more love than hate from the Americans polled. That’s right, 37% said they liked or loved the trend, while just 12% said they disliked or hated it. Overall, women liked it more than men!

That’s right, this 80s-90s trend of those strange sock-like things that warm the ankles during a workout are a form of athleisure that a lot more people dislike compared to like. These strange pieces of material are even more disliked than crocs, tube tops, or chokers.

Photo: Konstantin Mishchenko/ Pexels

Comfy, fun, and romantic, long skirts win the approval of 37% of Americans and are only hated by 5%. People who say they follow fashion like them more than those who don’t but there is a big contrast between approval from men and women. Just 21% of men are into them, but 53% of women like them.

Even though this has been gaining traction with celebs and designers in recent years, Americans aren’t convinced. These revealing garments are hated or disliked by 38% of those surveyed. Can you guess which gender likes them more? Yep.. men are much more into them than women, with only 17% of gals approve.

Ha! Despite the numerous magazine columns saying those stretchy skinny jeans were out of style, Americans are holding strong to their love of these often-flattering pants that pair well with boots. In fact, 38% like or love them, while 35% say they are over the trend.

Photo: Liza Summer / Pexels

While they may squish and squeeze body parts in a way that is generally viewed as “most appealing,” there’s a lot of hate for these famously uncomfortable (and even dangerous) garments. While women understandably like them even less than men, just 30% of men viewed them positively.

Groovy, baby! These 70s-style pants, which are also generally flattering, have won a place back in the hearts of Americans. And for those who follow fashion closely, they are even cooler. While they can be for both sexes, they are also preferred by women.

Although fashionistas may say that Y2K style is making a comeback, people still generally hate this trend that was popular with celebs like Paris Hilton back then. Some celebs have been jumping on the “comeback” wagon, but they stand mostly alone with their well-ventilated hats.

These highly practical garments can also be highly fashionable. Well, that’s according to 39% of Americans. They do, however, still get some hate– with 25% opposed to the trend. And again, women like them more than men, who generally tend to be less enthusiastic about any fashion trend.

Photo: Kabé Rossi/ Pexels

While these are often described as “love or hate,” these practical bags that require no arms are mostly hated. That’s right, 38% of Americans view them negatively, like just 24% are team f a n n y pack! As you may guess, the younger generations are much more accepting of these bags.

Photo: Johnny Edgardo Guzman/Pexels

With the dawn of fast fashion, the world’s landfills are awash with discarded clothing. Recycled fabric is a way to reduce waste and make people feel better about their fashion choices. And it’s not even polarizing, just 11% said they don’t like or hate it.

The Spice Girls made them big in the 90s and they were a staple in the 1970s, but today, they are quite loathed. That’s right, 46% of people hate or dislike this trend — double the number that are into them.

They’re warm, comfy, and conservative. While there are some haters, this is one of the trends where there is the most agreement between both men and women and those under and over 45. Steve Jobs was a true visionary.

Another emerging trend, this fun headwear just hasn’t won popular acceptance yet. While 22% of people said they liked them, a lot more said they hated them. While the sexes tended to agree that they are lame, 18-44-year-olds are a lot more open to them.

Another classic style of jeans, this list goes to show that there’s not only one correct kind of pant to wear. In fact, the trendier wide-leg pants aren't even on the most-loved list. This style is much more beloved by the older demographic, however.

Photo: Anna Shvets / Pexels

The mullet of the fashion world, this combo of business in the front, casual in the back is just not cool anymore. Well, at least that’s according to 46% of haters versus just 20% of people who are still into it.

Invented to allow women the freedom to run easily in a skirt, these slinky numbers, popularized in the 1960s, still get a lot of love. Yep, 48% of people like them… and, unsurprisingly, that number is much higher among men than women. Wonder why!

These romantic flowing sleeves are loved by some designers, but again, people just aren't convinced. More than half (54%) are opposed to the trend, with the most haters among men, those who don’t follow fashion, and the older group.

They're comfy, they have a lot of pockets, and they are loved by 45% of Americans. Indeed, they are loved by men and women, the young and old, and the fashion-forward and those who are not. Just 14% of Americans say they don’t like them.

This super preppy trend is perhaps most associated with rich frat boys wearing polos, preferably Lacoste shirts, is another 80s and 2000s trend that is not missed. Of course, there are still 16% of holdout fans, but the vast majority of people aren’t into it.

This trend has been around for a long time, but it remains beloved. They are attractive and warm in the cold winter days. They get the approval of both men and women as well as over and under 45s.

Another trend that Gen Z has been trying to revive, this much-hated trend associated with Birkenstocks and weirdos is no surprise down this far. It gets one of the strongest negative reactions, though 16% of people still like them, mostly among those under 45.

They’re comfy… and dare we say rather classy? This fashion choice is liked or loved by 53% of Americans. However, they are rather polarizing between the sexes. A whopping 66% of women approve, while just 38% of men do. In fact, leggings are women’s number one favorite trend!

This one is a bit surprising, but yes, people really hate footwear that mimics, or is made of, silver or gold. This once-popular trend is now generally seen as tacky among all groups of Americans.

A foundational garment in any wardrobe today, these short jackets can be worn by both men and women, perhaps helping account for their popularity. Did you know they were originally known as flight jackets and created by the US army clothing board to keep WWI pilots warm in the open-air early fighter planes?

A staple of 80s fashion, these pads to make one’s shoulders look bigger are loathed by 59% of Americans. Too bad for lovers of vintage fashion… though they are often removable.

Another fairly classic trend, these get the approval of 59% of Americans. In fact, they are the most beloved trend by those who say they follow fashion trends... But of course, they win approval consistently across the board.

Did you know these were also invented by the US army for fighter pilots jumping out of planes? Just kidding! These strange and generally unflattering pants play little practical purpose other than making someone look cool in the mid-80s. In actuality, they are named parachutes for the nylon material generally used to make them.

While these soft, cozy and usually plaid shirts may be more associated with Canucks up north, they are the most loved garment in America too! A whopping 63% of Americans like or love these shirts, also associated with hipsters and lumberjacks, while a mere 8% said they hate or dislike them!

Photo: Lucas Bordião / Pexels

Pull up those pants, young man! If for no other reason than the fact that 77% of Americans say they hate or dislike them. In fact, 54% use the word hate!! Women, people who don’t follow fashion and those older than 45 particularly disapprove. That's right, only 3% of over-45s will defend you!

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