Kidcore
aka Rainbowcore, Childhood Nostalgia
"Childhood forever"
Nostalgic celebration of childhood through rainbow colors, primary patterns, and 90s/2000s kid culture.
Atmosphere
The sensory world of Kidcore
Playgrounds, toy aisles, Saturday morning cartoons, juice boxes
Philosophy
Adulting is optional, nostalgia is comfort, color is joy
Who Lives Here
The character archetypes that embody Kidcore
The Forever Kid
The Nostalgic
The Collector
What It Rejects
Kidcore exists in opposition to:
Adult seriousness
Muted colors
Growing up
Daily Rituals
The practices and behaviors that define this way of living
Toy collecting
Cartoon marathons
Playground visits
Rainbow everything
Origin
Emerged on TikTok 2020 during pandemic as escapist nostalgia for carefree childhood.
Era
2020-Present
Regions
Online, Global youth
Trend Score
Key Elements
Key Garments
- •Overalls
- •Primary colors
- •Character tees
- •Light-up shoes
- •Colorful accessories
- •Rainbow patterns
- •Cartoon prints
Silhouettes
- •Playful
- •Oversized
- •Comfortable
Color Palette
Crayon box palette of childhood
Primary Colors
Secondary Colors
Accent Colors
Key Brands
Materials
Cultural Context
Pandemic escapism, nostalgia culture, rejecting adult responsibilities