NEW YORK, NY.- The 1990s: a decade marked by bright neon splashes, memorable music, and quirky pop culture that continues to captivate us. Whether you were a 90s kid or a curious onlooker from another generation, there's much to appreciate about the era that introduced us to everything from grunge to game-changing sitcoms.
So, grab a Capri Sun, pop a Fresh Prince of Bel-Air VHS into the VCR, slap on some neon bracelets, and let’s get nostalgic! Join us on a journey to a time of distinct fashion statements and schoolyard essentials as we explore the ultimate symbols of 90s school chic—those iconic school folders.
Animals
Wide-eyed baby polar bears, breaching whales, playful porpoises, bright flamingos, and other cute animals adorned some of the trendiest 90s school folders.
Colorful
You know you’re in the 90s when you see designs full of bright neons, dynamic shapes, and shiny metallics. Every folder was a total blast from the past, screaming with colors that were all that and a bag of chips.
Cartoons
Not even pizza, bossy cousins, or masked villains could prevent 90s kids from watching their favorite cartoons–Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Rugrats, or Scooby Doo. No one could agree on the best Ninja Turtle or their favorite of the “meddling kids,” but everyone hated Angelica.
Wrestling
The former World Wrestling Federation was all the rage thanks to 1990s favorites like Jake the Snake and The Undertaker. The WWF scene was totally gnarly, with fans geeking out over every smackdown.
No Rules
The No Rules brand and its tough, sports-themed designs were popular with 1990s daredevils. Surfing with sharks, scoring touchdowns with wildcats, checking polar bears, and outserving iguanas were all par for the course with No Rules fans.
Lisa Frank
Anyone who’s never heard of Lisa Frank can talk to the hand! This artist’s bright, stylized illustrations were popular on folders, binders, and other school supplies. Whimsical folders with happy dolphins, frolicking horses, flying unicorns, and adorable rainbow-colored kittens were the ultimate in 90s cool. It’s no wonder her designs have seen a resurgence in the last few decades.
Monsters & Aliens
Gruesome monsters from the Goosebumps book series and strange aliens with glowing spaceships were total favorites of 1990s horror fans. Reading was certainly a scream for R.L. Stine fans. It’s obvious why Stine was dubbed the Stephen King of children’s literature.
Power Rangers
What kid didn’t want to join five teenagers with attitude to defend Earth from evil aliens? The Power Rangers were the jam–duh! Rita Repulsa was no match for the rangers, Zordon, or their fans.
Bands & Musicians
The New Kids on the Block rocked the radio waves and cassette players of the early 1990s, starting with their single “Step by Step.” And Britney Spears topped the charts in the later years of the decade, beginning with her breakout hit, “Baby One More Time.” Which 90s pop star was your favorite?
Fantasy
Princesses, castles, unicorns, and other mythical creatures brought epic vibes to countless 90s folders. These dreamlike illustrations may have been inspired by popular animated films from the decade, such as “Quest for Camelot,” “The Swan Princess,” and “Thumbelina.”
Cars
Kids throughout the 90s drove Hot Wheels sales with their miniature car collections and caused a nationwide shortage thanks to the company’s Bonus Car promotion in 1996. It was a rad time for car enthusiasts, with kids and adults alike freaking out over the coolest rides of the decade.
Elusive 90s Folders We’re Searching For
Pop Culture: Collectors and those stoked for the final decade of the 20th century all have their favorite memorabilia. Here are some other 1990s-themed folders we’d love to find! Let us know in the comments if you uncover any of these classics.
● Cabbage Patch Kids
● My Little Pony
● Transformers
● Trolls
● The Spice Girls
● The Simpsons
● Beverly Hills 90210
● Jurassic Park
● Beanie Babies
Design Styles: We’ve covered everyone’s favorite toys, TV shows, music, brands, and artists. We’d also love to see folders representing the decade’s design styles. Drop a comment and let us know if you find them! These styles include:
● Grunge: Gridless designs, torn or shredded paper, deformed structures and textures. Usually mixed analog and digital design elements like a boss.
● Minimalism: Emphasized simplicity, clean lines, and a chill, less is more approach.
● Pop Culture: Featured well-known icons and references complemented by various gradients and patterns.
● Techno-Futurism: Sleek and futuristic, inspired by technology and science fiction. Used metallics, neon colors, and digitally-inspired imagery.
While the 90s folders are a fun blast from the past, at Company Folders, Inc., they focus on creating practical and stylish pocket folders for today’s educational needs, offering a variety of custom designs—including ones for school spirit, recruitment, student orientations, and more.
For inspiration, browse their
school-specific custom folders and start customizing your pocket folder today.
