Silicone wristbands were one of the come-from-nowhere trends that seemed to spring up overnight. What was essentially a cheap way to produce branded identification bands turned into a way to fashionably express political, social, and cultural alignments.Celebrities, activists and politicians caught on to the trend and began to attach their particular causes to wristbands of a certain color. Fund raisers started to buy the bands in bulk and pass them out at events as part of their campaigns. These specific bands became known as ‘awareness bracelets’.
The actual production of the wristbands is incredibly simple and cost effective. Considering they are nothing more than loops of silicone with no fasteners or moving parts, they can be manufactured in bulk for almost nothing.
Originally, production was limited to only different colors. A company could choose to make bands in their trademarked color, or a cause could choose a unique color that would not be commonly replicated. These bands were very popular, even for those not aware that there was any meaning behind their use.
It was not long before different processes like embossing and silk screening began to add a new depth to the seemingly small accessory. Instead of just a color; words, logos and images could be printed on the silicone.
Surprisingly, this did not increase the production costs much, and the wristbands remained very popular.
Today, you can find almost everyone wearing a silicone wristband at some point. Even television newscasters wear awareness bracelets while reporting the news from time to time. Young children wear them because they are brightly colored and durable.
The low production and customization costs are allowing the industry to enjoy success selling, what are usually wholesale quantities, to average consumers. They are being ordered and customized for events like weddings or birthdays. Small businesses are using them as promotional items. Large venues are providing them as identification tags that double as memorabilia.
Production of the bracelets is moving at a record pace. Sales are increasing steadily. What might have seemed like an innocent fad some years ago has really turned out to be a staple of the modern wardrobe. The silicone wristband is here to stay.
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