MEMORIES:

Olivia Newton-John wore one in the video to her song “Physical.” Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon had one in terry cloth, as did Dire Straits singer/guitarist Mark Knopfler along with his matching wristbands. The 80s aerobics craze had everybody wearing headbands.

 

The athletic reason for wearing them (if you needed an athletic reason) was to keep sweat from dripping into your eyes during a workout. The terry cloth band worn around the forehead absorbed excess sweat, while becoming a fashion statement at both the roller rink and the basketball court.

 

Men would generally wear the traditional terry cloth style, or in the case of heavy metal fans, a printed handkerchief rolled up and tied around the head, was substituted. Women would often be seen with fancy braided bands which included shiny gold metallic cord. This was a perfect accompaniment to a side ponytail, cutoff sweatshirt, and legwarmers – both at the gym and at the supermarket.