The fleeting nature of microtrends has become rampant through the use of social media, creating surges of popularity that quickly fade. The trend cycle has been moving faster and faster due to the rising consumerism of fast fashion as well as internet microtrends. The newest microtrend, already taking 2024 by storm has been coined “eclectic grandpa” by Pinterest. 

The Eclectic grandpa style draws inspiration from grandpaesque idiosyncracies by combining textures and patterns with comfy silhouettes. This trend has taken over the internet with the hashtag #eclecticgrandpa having over 6.2 million views on TikTok and is still growing in popularity.

 At first glance, this funky and comfortable style may seem like it could be fun to experiment with but this passing trend has a greater impact than most people realize. 

According to TheRoundup.org, on average a single U.S. consumer wastes 112 lbs of clothing every year and this is only growing with the increase of microtrends. 

The eclectic grandpa aesthetic is goaded by the older generations who cultivated it throughout their lives, bringing both a sense of uniqueness and confidence to their outfits. Many outfits that fit under the eclectic grandpa style can be found at thrift and other second-hand stores. However, the people on social media following this trend aren’t sourcing their pieces second-hand. They are posting TikToks saying they sourced their clothes from fast fashion stores. 

Instead of wearing clothes their grandparents would have worn, people are buying cheap colorful sweaters and plastic loafers from brands like Shein that they will quickly discard after this trend isn’t considered trendy anymore. 

According to GQ, Even if the people participating in this trend take their barely worn clothes to a thrift store only between 10% and 30% of clothes brought to consignment shops are recycled and the rest are either shipped overseas or thrown away. 

People participating in this trend unsustainably are not only producing unnecessary waste but are also not achieving the style they are seeking to emulate. A real “eclectic grandpa” has taken most of his life to curate his classic clothing collection. This is what gives the outfits a sense of uniqueness, these grandpas have perfected their style and this trend won’t give its participants the real look they’re going for if those who participate curate their outfits from fast fashion shops. 

The true way to find your style is through trial and error, which takes time. All of these “eclectic grandpa” lookbooks will only make participants look just like everyone else participating in the trend.

There’s nothing wrong with trying to take inspiration from others when finding your style. The issue arises when people are creating waste and not seeking originality.  

Societal pressure continues to push microtrends through social media, prohibiting easily influenced individuals from finding their style. Awareness of this issue is the first step in breaking free of societal constraints, leading to personal expression through unique clothing.