Six models wearing plus-size shoulder tank t-shirts.

The Great Shoulder Pad Renaissance Is Here

For those who wish they could go back to the 1980s and live out their wildest Dirty Dancing, shoulder-pad-wearing fantasies, you’re in luck. While we haven’t quite developed a time machine, the sartorial world is doing their own kind of time travel in the form of plus-size shoulder pad tees. For some, this nod to the ’80s is a welcome addition to our collections of throwback and vintage-filled closets. For others, though, it might feel like fashion has gone a bit too far back. Didn’t we at some point collectively decide that shoulder pads were a major faux pas? The answer is yes—but all trends come back around sooner or later. So embrace it! You might just find you actually love wearing shoulder pads.

If you’re a bit skeptical, though, we get it. Shoulder pads aren’t necessarily the first thing most of us picture when we think about trendy pieces we want in our wardrobes. Thankfully, tees are an easy stepping stone. We’re not asking you to wear a tulle dress fitted with shoulder pads—just some casual tanks that play well with your high-waisted denim (another beloved vintage trend) or favorite midi skirt.

Frankly, styling shoulder pad tees is so easy. There’s no need to reject them just because the shoulders are a bit full, folks! Think of these tops as the next phase past puffy sleeves. We all got on board with that trend, and this is just one step further. Try a casual tee for weekends, then add a few bolder tanks into your workwear or date night ensembles. Before you know, it you won’t even remember why you were scared to try this trend in the first place.

Of course, once you decide to give this fun ’80s trend a go, all there’s left to do is shop a few. We’ve gone ahead and rounded up all the cutest plus-size shoulder pad tees available right now—so what are you waiting for? Even if you end up deciding the trend isn’t for you, you can always create a fun Halloween costume or two. Best case scenario, though, you’ll find yourself with a new favorite vintage look.

Here at Unruly, we’re committed to featuring plus-size pieces we genuinely love and want to share with you. We’re connected to an affiliate revenue program, which means we might make a small commission when you buy products through our shopping guides. This in no way affects the pieces we choose to feature, and it never will. (Confused? We’d love to answer any questions you have about this. Email us at beunrulyinfo@gmail.com!)

1. Strong Shoulder Tank

A model wearing a plus-size shoulder pad tank.

shop the look — $55 from Good American


2. Plus-Size Shoulder Pad Tee

A model wearing a plus-size shoulder pad tank.

shop the look — $11.98 from ShoeDazzle


3. Shoulder Pad to the Bone Jersey Tank Top

A model wearing a plus-size shoulder pad tank.

shop the look — $18 from Nasty Gal


4. Plus-Size Gray Shoulder Pad T-Shirt

A model wearing a plus-size shoulder pad tank.

shop the look — $13 from Missguided


5. A New Day Exaggerated Shoulder Tank

A model wearing a plus-size shoulder pad tank.

shop the look — $10 from Target


6. Strong Shoulder Tank in Taupe

A model wearing a plus-size shoulder pad tank.

shop the look — $55 from Good American


7. A New Day Exaggerated Shoulder Tank

A model wearing a plus-size shoulder pad tank.

shop the look — $10 from Target


8. Drama Shoulder Tee

A model wearing a plus-size shoulder pad tank.

shop the look — $39.95 from ELOQUII


9. Strong Shoulder Tank in White

A model wearing a plus-size shoulder pad tank.

shop the look — $55 from Good American


10. Drama Shoulder Tee

A model wearing a plus-size shoulder pad tank.

shop the look — $39.95 from ELOQUII


11. Mock Neck Power Bodysuit

A model wearing a plus-size shoulder pad tank.

shop the look — $95 from Good American


12. Chip On Your Shoulder Padded Tank

A model wearing a plus-size shoulder pad tank.

shop the look — $14 from Nasty Gal


13. A New Day Exaggerated Shoulder Tank

A model wearing a plus-size shoulder pad tank.

shop the look — $10 from Target


14. Striped Drama Shoulder Tee

A model wearing a plus-size shoulder pad tank.

shop the look — $54.95 from ELOQUII


15. Plus-Size Stripe Shoulder Pad Sleeveless T-Shirt

A model wearing a plus-size shoulder pad tank.

shop the look — $10 from Boohoo


16. Yours Shoulder Pad Bodysuit

A model wearing a plus-size shoulder pad tank.

shop the look — $29 from ASOS


17. Drama Shoulder Tee

A model wearing a plus-size shoulder pad tank.

shop the look — $39.95 from ELOQUII


18. Strong Shoulder Tank

A model wearing a plus-size shoulder pad tank.

shop the look — $55 from Good American


19. Plus-Size Shoulder Pad T-Shirt

A model wearing a plus-size shoulder pad tank.

shop the look — $10 from Boohoo


20. Mock Neck Power Bodysuit

A model wearing a plus-size shoulder pad tank.

shop the look — $95 from Good American


21. Outrageous Fortune Sleeveless Bodysuit With Shoulder Pads

A model wearing a plus-size shoulder pad tank.

shop the look — $14.45 from ASOS


22. Plus-Size Shoulder Pad Tunic Top

A model wearing a plus-size shoulder pad tank.

shop the look — $12 from Boohoo


23. Mock Neck Power Bodysuit

A model wearing a plus-size shoulder pad tank.

shop the look — $95 from Good American


24. A New Day Exaggerated Shoulder Tank

A model wearing a plus-size shoulder pad tank.

shop the look — $10 from Target


25. Plus-Size Black Shoulder Pad T-Shirt

A model wearing a plus-size shoulder pad tank.

shop the look — $13 from Missguided