The aesthetic oscillates between idealized, utopian visions of the past and dystopian, decaying representations of the future.

Outrun, also known as synthwave, is another aesthetic that overlaps with vaporwave. Both share neon colors and retro-futuristic elements, but outrun is more focused on high-energy, 1980s-inspired car culture and synth music, often featuring sleek sports cars and nighttime cityscapes.

Vaporwave often critiques consumer culture by repurposing commercial imagery and advertising slogans.

Vaporwave explores the blurring lines between reality and virtuality, often creating a sense of disconnection or artificiality.

Influences from Japanese pop culture, anime, and consumer products are prevalent. It is common to create collages from various digital resources such as old computer assets, memes, and other internet artifacts. There is often an underlying sense of melancholy or irony, reflecting on the ephemeral nature of trends and the passage of time.

Images often blend elements of reality and fantasy, creating dreamlike or disorienting scenes. There is a heavy emphasis on retro technology and media, such as old computer interfaces, VHS tapes, and early 3D graphics.