Many stores specialize in fashion from different decades in addition to retro clothes appearing in the mainstream chains. The UK is in the middle of a nostalgic return to 1950s style winter coats, with big collars and bold check patterns. There is also interest from time to time in poodle skirts and Bermuda shorts from that era.

The 1960s is a decade that still has a big influence today, especially on music and fashion items. Tie-dyed shirts have brought back fond memories of the psychedelic era. There is also a trend for customizing one's jeans, which was another hallmark of the decade. Not much denim was on show, after the jeans were covered in patches and other forms of decoration. Rock bands and peace signs were the usual themes and they are once again, being worn very skintight. The greatest symbol of the 1960s was probably the mini skirt and this too has made a little comeback in retro clothes, much to the delight of the male of the species.

1970s fashion is popular too, if only to wear at the many theme parties from that time. The disco boom brought in lots of glitz as people danced under the disco lights with glitter and spandex. Short dresses were all the rage, often worn with calf length boots known as Go Go boots. These were in leather or vinyl and were often white. There are many retro clothes shops with this sort of gear, in addition to Afro wigs and feather boas. An attempt was made to bring back hot pants but it didn't really catch on a second time.

The 1980s was the time of big hair and shoulder pads. The bouffant hair do's have already returned to some salons, so maybe the big shouldered power suits will follow. Re-runs of Dallas and Dynasty will encourage a revival. The Mullet hairstyle was another popular trend but no one seems in a hurry to bring that one back. Whatever fad comes and goes, there will always be a market for niche and retro clothes. Wallowing in nostalgia is big business.