As a means to promote awareness and deliver a message, silicone wristbands have been proving themselves effective in the past decade. These simple and unobtrusive bands allow charitable organizations to give supporters a relatively easy way to spread their message. But there’s a reason why they’re not going away anytime soon.
Compared to older ribbons and charity pins, silicone wholesale wristbands are also perceived as more hip and trendy. And on top of that, they are easily personalized to incorporate custom messages and statements.
Today, you can even have customized silicone bracelets especially made for you or for your organization. But their increasing makes you wonder where exactly did they come from, anyway?
Battling Cancer with Bracelets
The gel bracelet’s popularity in championing causes is directly linked to their use by the Livestrong Foundation. The organization first used yellow gel bracelets in 2004 as a means to promote cancer awareness. But was founder Lance Armstrong’s participation in that year’s Tour de France helped popularize it even more.
It should be noted that the idea behind them actually goes years and even decades back. In the 1990s, red ribbons were used widely as a symbol of solidarity in the fight against AIDS. This was in turn based on the yellow ribbons traditionally used to welcome homecoming US military servicemen. No matter where the idea originally began, we can still thank the Livestrong Foundation for popularizing silicone wristbands to the levels we still see today.
Beyond Fighting for Causes
Indeed, gel bracelets aren’t going away anytime soon. One of the secrets to their longevity is how they let supporters declare for a cause or an organization. And they do this without limiting their wearer’s wardrobe choices.
Meanwhile, the use of silicone and other tough compounds helps the wristbands last and look good for a long time. These aren’t like the old ribbons which would start to get worn down and ratty after a few weeks. These days, schools and universities have used them as a way to help students find their team spirit during athletic events. Politicians have used them as a way to improve their overall recognition with the masses.
Corporations have even started using wristbands as a way to leverage their brand. A notable example here is how Nike has also introduced a bestselling line of silicone bracelets.
Expression as a Fashion Statement
Above all else, wristbands’ continuing popularity is a testament to their simple style, durable quality, and effectiveness as a means of self-expression. And because they are quite cheap to make and are easily personalized, you can even have a few of them made with your own designs. This is definitely a trend that is sure to stay a while longer.
