A teen movie made plaid skirts essential, a sitcom haircut became the most requested in America, and the PlayStation and a new Windows changed tech forever.
This guide rounds up what was popular in 1995, from what people wore and played with to what they watched and listened to. Use it to settle a nostalgia debate, write trivia for a 90s party, or plan a 1995-themed birthday or reunion.
Quick answer
In 1995, the biggest trends were plaid skirt suits from Clueless, the layered "Rachel" haircut, Toy Story, the PlayStation and Windows 95, Air Max sneakers, Beanie Babies, and songs like "Gangsta's Paradise" and "Waterfalls".
1995 at a glance
| Category | Biggest in 1995 |
|---|---|
| Hit movie | Toy Story |
| Teen movie | Clueless |
| Hair | The layered "Rachel" cut |
| Tech | Windows 95 and PlayStation |
| Song everyone knew | "Gangsta's Paradise" |
| Sneaker | Air Max 95 |
Fashion trends of 1995
Here is what people were wearing in 1995. For the full decade, see 90s fashion trends.
Plaid skirt suits
Thanks to a July teen comedy.
Knee socks and Mary Janes
Preppy staples.
Slip dresses
Minimalism continued.
The "Rachel" cut
Layered, bouncy hair.
Air Max sneakers
A 1995 classic.
Chokers and tiny backpacks
Must-have accessories.
Popular toys and games in 1995
The toy aisle in 1995 looked like this. More in our list of popular 90s toys.
Beanie Babies
Collecting gained steam.
Jumanji board game
Movie tie-in.
Treasure-hunt toy cars
Rare collectible cars began in 1995.
Sega Saturn and PlayStation
The 32-bit war began.
Virtual Boy
Nintendo's red 3D experiment.
Technology in 1995
- Windows 95 launched on August 24, 1995.
- The PlayStation launched in North America in September.
- eBay was founded and online shopping began to grow.
See every gadget of the decade in 90s tech gadgets and every console in 90s video game consoles.
Popular movies of 1995
| Movie | US release |
|---|---|
| Toy Story | November |
| Clueless | July |
| Apollo 13 | June |
| Jumanji | December |
| Casper | May |
| Braveheart | May |
TV shows of 1995
| Show | Premiere / big year |
|---|---|
| Pinky and the Brain | September 1995 |
| Sailor Moon (US) | September 1995 |
| Timon & Pumbaa | September 1995 |
| Xena: Warrior Princess | September 1995 |
| Kids' WB launches | September 1995 |
| The Drew Carey Show | September 1995 |
For cartoons specifically, see 90s cartoons.
Popular songs of 1995
| Song | Artist |
|---|---|
| Gangsta's Paradise | Coolio featuring L.V. |
| Waterfalls | TLC |
| Kiss from a Rose | Seal |
| Fantasy | Mariah Carey |
| Creep | TLC |
| Wonderwall | Oasis |
Build a full playlist with our 90s party songs.
Big moments of 1995
- Toy Story became the first fully computer-animated feature film.
- Windows 95 launched with huge publicity.
- The internet started reaching ordinary homes.
Fun fact: Toy Story (November 1995) was the first feature-length film made entirely with computer animation.
Throw a 1995 themed party
1995 party checklist
- A playlist of 1995 hits
- Posters from Toy Story and Clueless
- A dress code inspired by plaid skirt suits
- Trivia about 1995
- Toys from 1995 as decorations or prizes
- Disposable cameras
The story of 1995
In 1995, a teen comedy set in Beverly Hills made yellow plaid skirt suits and knee socks the definition of style, while a layered, bouncy haircut from a hit sitcom became the most requested cut in American salons. Air-cushioned sneakers with bold designs became streetwear classics.
Technology had one of its biggest years. A new computer operating system launched in August with huge publicity, Sony's console arrived in North America in September, and an online auction site was founded. For many families, 1995 was the year the internet arrived at home.
Animation history was made in November when the first fully computer-animated feature film opened in theaters, featuring a cowboy doll and a space ranger. On TV, two lab mice plotting world domination got their own show, and a Japanese anime about magical girls reached US audiences.
A 1995 party is perfect for preppy plaid, sitcom-inspired hairstyles and a playlist of the year's smooth R&B and alternative hits.
Conclusion
1995 was the year of Toy Story, Clueless, The layered "Rachel" cut. Rewind one more year to what was popular in 1994, or fast-forward to what was popular in 1996.
Frequently asked questions
What was popular in 1995?
In 1995, the biggest trends were plaid skirt suits from Clueless, the layered "Rachel" haircut, Toy Story, the PlayStation and Windows 95, Air Max sneakers, Beanie Babies, and songs like "Gangsta's Paradise" and "Waterfalls".
What was the biggest movie of 1995?
Some of the biggest movies of 1995 were Toy Story, Clueless, Apollo 13.
What toys were popular in 1995?
Popular toys and games in 1995 included Beanie Babies, Jumanji board game, Treasure-hunt toy cars, Sega Saturn and PlayStation, Virtual Boy.
What songs were popular in 1995?
Popular songs in 1995 included "Gangsta's Paradise" (Coolio featuring L.V.), "Waterfalls" (TLC), "Kiss from a Rose" (Seal), "Fantasy" (Mariah Carey), "Creep" (TLC).
What TV shows started in 1995?
Shows that premiered or became hits in 1995 include Pinky and the Brain, Sailor Moon (US), Timon & Pumbaa, Xena: Warrior Princess, Kids' WB launches.
What did people wear in 1995?
Fashion in 1995 included plaid skirt suits, knee socks and mary janes, slip dresses, the "rachel" cut, air max sneakers. See our 90s fashion trends guide for more.
How do I throw a 1995 themed party?
Use the songs, movies and toys from 1995 on this page: a 1995 playlist, movie posters, era snacks and trivia about the year. Our 90s party ideas guide has a full plan.