5 Outrageous Accessories That Were Once the Height of Innovation
Back in the 20th century, people weren’t shy about experimenting with new ideas, even if it meant raising a few eyebrows along the way. Some of these inventions feel laughably impractical now, while others seem oddly clever, just not built to last. Either way, they’re a glimpse into a world where innovation had no rules and practicality wasn’t always part of the equation.
Umbrella Hats Keeping Heads Dry
Whoever thought of attaching an umbrella to a headband had their priorities straight—stay dry, look silly. These contraptions were all about keeping your hands free during a downpour, and honestly, they worked. But they also left you wandering around with a tiny parasol teetering on your head, which probably made you a walking punchline.
Baby Holder Suits to Make Parenting Easier
In the 1930s, someone decided that strapping babies directly to their bodies—like human kangaroos—was the future of parenting. These suits had built-in pockets for carrying infants, freeing up parents to go about their day. It was a noble effort to make life easier, but it came with a price: the outfits were bulky and awkward, and you couldn’t exactly blend into a crowd.
TV Glasses Brought Shows Anywhere
Long before smartphones or tablets, there were TV glasses. These clunky contraptions strapped a small screen right in front of your eyes, giving you a portable viewing experience—if you could deal with the weight on your face and the blurry picture. They didn’t stick around for long, but they paved the way for the VR headsets we see today.
Multi-Purpose Inflatable Jackets
These jackets were part outerwear, part emergency gear. A quick tug of a cord, and you’d puff up like a human life preserver, ready to float in any body of water. For adventurers or anyone prone to falling off docks, they were practical. But once inflated, the wearer looked less like a stylish outdoorsman and more like a cartoon character.
Nose-Shaping Masks That Promised Perfection
In the 1940s, there was no shortage of questionable beauty products, but nose-shaping masks might take the crown. These contraptions promised to mold your nose into a more “ideal” shape through sheer force. If you could deal with the discomfort and looking like a sci-fi villain for hours on end, you might believe it was worth it.
