A Resounding Return: Over-Ear Headphones Are Back

Lately, over-ear headphones have been all the rage, but weren’t they completely out just a few years ago?

This recent fad has become popular through the social networking platform, TikTok. Influencers have been promoting the new Apple product, Airpod Max, which has grabbed the attention of young adults, college students, and gym-goers. Even celebrities have jumped in on the fun. Dua Lipa, Timothée Chalamet, Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, and others have shown their approval for the new Apple product by adding the accessory to their everyday outfits, which has also caught the attention of fans around the world.

The 2016 “first generation” Airpods featured a wireless earbud look, completely taking the wired headphones of the 2000s out of style. Apple continued to evolve this look, making the Airpod Pros. The Airpod Pros were even made to be noise canceling, which catered to the public’s desire to be totally enveloped in their music and drown their surroundings out.

However, Apple recently made a jump from the small, unnoticeable look to make the new Airpod Max large and prominent. 

The reason the over-ear look is back may be that it brings us back to a more “retro” look and makes us think of a simpler time, providing a sense of nostalgia. In the 1970s-1990s, the over-ear look was extremely popular, and it seems that it is coming back along with other trends such as bellbottoms and flannels.

We have recently seen street grunge styles brought back by Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber, so maybe these bulky headphones are the new way to accessorize your everyday outfit.

 It is also possible that it is a statement of wealth and class, given the price of the Airpod Max is about $550, while Airpod Pros are just about $250. 

The price increase might also be the reasoning as to why the recent fad hasn’t hit high school students yet. Usually, teens are all about staying up to date on the most recent trends, but it seems as though most are sticking to their Airpod Pros. The Airpod Max does seem to be on trend for a popular graduation gift, given the number of college students who got them last year when they came out.

Here at Lipscomb, it is clear the headphone craze has hit the University, with students wearing them all around campus. However, the Academy has yet to adopt the trend.

With these old styles and fads coming and leaving constantly, it’s going to be interesting to see how long this one lasts, especially since the younger generation isn’t picking up on it.