Best of the Worst: The Hottest Quarantine Trends

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By Christiana Corporon

Have you experienced an unexplainable craving for banana bread in the last six months? Or a sudden urge to invest in athleisure? If you answered yes, you may be experiencing the side effects of quarantine.

With little-to-nothing to do, quarantine is a time for creativity, self reflection, and of course, online shopping. Stir craziness aside, quarantine quite possibly brought out some of the hottest trends of 2020. Although many states have begun to lift their restrictions and stay at home orders, these trends don’t seem to be dying just yet, with more on the come up. Here’s a look at some of the hottest trends of quarantine.

THE TWO B’s. BAKING. MORE SPECIFICALLY, BANANA BREAD.

The quarantine fifteen was real. There were recipes galore being advertised on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and especially TikTok. Whether you were a newbie baker or master chef, there was something for everyone. The initial appeal of these recipes came from their simplicity and minimal ingredients involved. In terms of popularity however, banana bread won by a landslide. Banana bread embodies the concept of comfort food, a feeling and taste many of us were craving in the midst of our quarantines.

AT HOME WORKOUTS

With the closures of most gyms and boutique fitness chains throughout quarantine, many fitness pros took to Instagram live or Zoom for quick, COVID friendly workouts for their followers.

I’m sure you’re all familiar with the name Chloe Ting by now. If not, Chloe Ting is one of the many Youtube fitness gurus who skyrocketed in popularity as a result of quarantine. Ting is mainly known for her series of videos such as the “Two Week Shred Challenge.” These series of multiple ten-to-fifteen minute videos have brought astonishing results, as featured on her channel. As of today, the first episode of her Two Week Shred Challenge has upwards of 110 million views.

Other big name brands like Peloton offered thirty day free trials in order to accommodate fitness junkies during quarantine. The thirty day free trial includes a bike delivery and setup along with a pickup and full refund at the end of the thirty days if you decide to not continue. Peloton also gained immense popularity through their digital app. For an easier, more affordable option, at $12.99 a month, the app offers all access to over ten different types of classes including yoga, running, and strength, no bike or equipment needed.

TIKTOK

This one should come as no surprise. TikTok has arguably become one of the most popular social media platforms over the last year, skyrocketing over the last couple of months. Between the catchy dances, the Trader Joe’s grocery hacks, and the weirdly specific tarot card readings, it’s almost impossible to not fall down the TikTok rabbit hole. TikTok is not only the perfect place to find quick and easy snack ideas, but it also offers a platform for people to express themselves and find a sense of community during a time that perpetuated loneliness. Whether that be through choreographing a quick dance, singing an original song, or showing off your new clothes, TikTok is fairly easy to use and offers a creative space for everyone.

ATHLEISURE

With the world of online shopping at our fingertips, quarantine brought out some of our favorite fashion trends of 2020. With nowhere to go, the appeal of hoodies and sweatpants or just workout clothes in general, was unmatched.

Not only did these become staple items for many during quarantine, they also doubled as perhaps an arts and crafts activity. Tie dying has gained immense popularity over the last few months. With just a few simple items, you can transform your ordinary sweatsuit into an affordable, trendy, and colorful set.

Fashionable and comfy, biker shorts have taken the fashion world by storm. While biker shorts typically are intended and made for cycling, they have recently become so much more. Biker shorts, essentially cut off leggings, can be styled with a cute shirt or oversized hoodie, making them a staple item for many, including myself. While certain well known brands can be on the pricier side, Amazon offers a variety of stylish and affordable dupes.

While these trends only scratch the surface of quarantine, they were arguably some of the best of the worst times. What were some of your quarantine favorites? Comment down below!