The trend of silicone wristbands seems to be going away. But is that the case? Clark Swihart's explanation of why custom silicone bracelets are no longer a trend but a mainstay is very convincing.
Craze for Awareness Bracelets
With the release of his yellow "LIVESTRONG" wristbands, Lance Armstrong started the silicone wristband craze. Since then, millions of people all over the world have found a new and effective way to support their favourite causes. Today, these silicone bracelets come in almost every colour you can think of, and each one does its part to raise awareness for a wide range of diseases and causes. What does the future hold for this new trend that is sweeping our society (and many others around the world)?
Trendy Fashion
Even though silicone wristbands have become very popular, it is hard to say that they are the height of style. Even though they look cool, it's important to remember that they are made of rubber. People don't wear their awareness bracelets to the ball or senior prom very often. But this doesn't mean that these wristbands are "out of style" either. Silicone wristbands have, in fact, become a "fashion trend." By definition, a fad is "a short-lived fashion...something that a lot of people get excited about for a short period of time." Silicone bracelets have been enthusiastically embraced by a lot of people. But how short will this trend of wearing awareness bracelets last?
From Trend to Staple
Simple market analysis shows us that the silicone wristband industry is split in two. Retail sales are starting to slow down, but manufacturers are still making a record number of silicone bracelets with no end in sight. How could this be? Simple. The trend is going out of style, but in its place is a new, effective, and cheap mainstay: the custom silicone wristband. Silicone bracelets have already been shown to be a good way to raise money. Now, their fully customised cousins are proving to be even more effective at reaching a wide range of smaller causes, and they are making a big push into corporate promotions and trade shows. Small non-profits, large corporations, and everything in between are using custom silicone wristbands as a powerful way to spread their message, promote their brand, and let people know about new products or even new businesses. Is the key ring a passing fad? Is the coffee mug, pen, calendar, mouse pad, or T-shirt a trend? No, these things aren't going anywhere. As well, custom silicone wristbands will be around for a long time. Custom bracelets are more than just a way to spread the word or raise money. They are moving advertisements. We are social creatures, so it is in our nature to share free things with almost everyone we meet. If we bought a custom silicone wristband to support our local sports team, church youth group, or favourite small charity, it's usually in our nature to tell other people about it.
In conclusion
In the end, all kinds of organisations, big and small, can and will use custom silicone wristbands. They are a cheap and very effective marketing tool that gives word-of-mouth advertising and viral marketing a fun new twist. Organizations are starting to realise that they can reach dozens of potential customers with each fully customised wristband they send to their target market for just a few pennies. Local schools, churches, and small non-profit groups also know how important it is to boost school spirit or spread their message while also raising money. So, don't expect the trend of silicone bracelets to end any time soon. Custom silicone wristbands are not only here to stay, but you can expect to see even more of them as everyone from small local churches to huge corporate conglomerates jump on board. Since there are an infinite number of ways to mix and match colours, messages, designs, and even sizes, creative people everywhere will want to use the power of the custom silicone wristband.
