The Checkout is Klarna’s global, annual summary of the year through the lens of our purchases.
Looking at what shoppers checked out this year, one theme was clear:
Blasts from the past across fashion, technology, and culture made for feel-good throwbacks from every era. And history is closer than you might think. Thanks to the digital age, our cultural memory is shorter than ever. Former favorites are coming back en vogue even faster than before.
From velour track pants to wired headphones, this was a year when things from recent memory became classics: 2022 gave the past a place in the present. Some of these items became trends this year because of the people who loved them the first time around (hello, ‘90s kids), others came to the fore with a distinct Gen-Z spin.
“Against the backdrop of a changing world, people have been escaping to more comfortable territories as the antidote to everyday life. Looking at this year’s trending items, it’s clear that people have been turning to products that remind them of happier, more carefree times.”
–Agus ‘@thealgorythm’ Panzoni, Trend expert.
01
Aesthetics and practicalities have driven the popularity of vintage tech items. Whether you’re anti-screentime or pro-model street style, Bluetooth accessories were out and old-fashioned gadgets (think 1985… or 2008) were in.
From wired headphones to the triumphant return of the boombox, it's time to start digging through the boxes under your bed and the storage room at your parents’ home to uncover old tech treasures that still do the job, with style.
“Digital overload and privacy fears have people moving backwards towards past products.”
“Digital overload and privacy fears have people moving backwards towards past products that appeared to be less intrusive and more reliable and tech that encourages true human connection. And the hype is real. Throughout the year, vintage tech has been given an it-factor as seen on celebrities like Bella Hadid and Lily-Rose Depp.”
–Agus ‘@thealgorythm’ Panzoni, Trend expert.
Top trending items.
The top trending items are based on online sales increases in 2022, compared to an average month in 2021.
02
Y2K focuses on early-’00s aesthetics and is probably the most prominent trend in 2022 that embodies our need for nostalgia.
The trend has influenced us from head to toe and pushed us to revisit items from the last 20 years that some of us never thought we’d wear again, ranging from trucker hats to velour tracksuits.
“Y2K embodies everything good about the 2000s for those who experienced it and serves as a modern symbol of happier times for younger generations.”
“The Y2K trend is the ultimate expression of how our purchases have been driven by nostalgia this year. During turmoil times, consumer needs shift significantly towards escapism and products that remind them of happier, more carefree times. Y2K embodies everything good about the 2000s for those who experienced it and serves as a modern symbol of happier times for younger generations.”
–Agus ‘@thealgorythm’ Panzoni, Trend expert.
Top trending items.
The top trending items are based on online sales increases in 2022, compared to an average month in 2021.
03
Feminine trends crossed cultures and genders in 2022, with a particular focus on lighthearted expressions of femininity like Barbiecore, Bimbocore, and Balletcore.
“In contrast to the early 2000s, hyperfemininity in 2022 is more inclusive.”
“The trend of hyperfemininity is closely tied to the Y2K aesthetic. But in contrast to the early 2000s, hyperfemininity in 2022 is more inclusive. Today there’s size-inclusive brands now offering girly clothing, as well as more influencers of all sizes and ethnicities embracing the aesthetic.”
–Agus ‘@thealgorythm’ Panzoni, Trend expert.
Top trending items.
The top trending items are based on online sales increases in 2022, compared to an average month in 2021.
04
With roots in ‘80, ‘90s, and ‘00s youth movements and musical genres like Goth, Grunge, and Pop-punk, counter culture took a chilling turn this year.
Fueled by influences like the Whimsigoth community on TikTok, the Kravis wedding, and Eddie Munson, counterculture with a goth flavor took the world by storm in 2022.
“Gen Z are looking for forms of music and aesthetics that revolt against cultural norms.”
“Though this trend is nostalgic to older generations, it’s mainly led by Gen Z. Although they’re too young to have experienced these influences before, they are a generation that characterise themselves as changemakers rather than adherents to the status quo. Gen Z are looking for forms of music and aesthetics that revolt against cultural norms to define their multi-faceted and bold personality which can explain this upswing in counter culture.”
–Agus ‘@thealgorythm’ Panzoni, Trend expert.
Top trending items.
The top trending items are based on online sales increases in 2022, compared to an average month in 2021.
05
Our inner viscounts and duchesses emerged this year as Victorian- and Regency-era styles took center stage.
The Regencycore trend proves that, in 2022, many of us have embraced a touch of ‘fauxstalgia’: a sense of longing for eras that we did not experience.
“It's gaining traction among people keen to escape the daily grind and reclaim some elegance and whimsy that was lost during lockdowns.”
“A grand escape from our current humdrum reality, it's gaining traction among people keen to escape the daily grind and reclaim some elegance and whimsy that was lost during lockdowns. This trend has also be seen in popular culture this year: key examples are the Bridgerton series and the coquette community on TikTok.”
–Agus ‘@thealgorythm’ Panzoni, Trend expert.
Top trending items.
The top trending items are based on online sales increases in 2022, compared to an average month in 2021.
About Klarna’s Shopping Index
Klarna's Shopping Index is calculated based on the number of items sold and reflects the true trends regardless of sales growth in the category. The information is from online purchases with Klarna in the US, UK, Germany, Sweden, Netherlands, Austria, Spain, France, Italy, Norway and Finland 2021 to September 2022.
© Klarna 2022