Rubber Bracelets Have Moved Beyond Fad To Fixture

Rubber bracelets have been a part of pop culture since 2004. They have become a standard way of raising awareness of social causes and raising funds to support those causes. They’ve been used to promote just about every cause under the sun.



All things considered, rubber bracelets are truly a phenomenon in their own right, a pop fad that came to stay, a Rubik’s Cube that kept spinning, a Pet Rock that didn’t get sent back to the pound. So how have they earned their keep for so many years, remaining a fixture of the fundraising and promotional scene?



Part of the reason for the longevity of rubber bracelets could be the fact that they started out as a celebrity project. Professional cyclist Lance Armstrong and Nike introduced the now-classic yellow bracelet in 2004, and it quickly became a phenomenon. Fellow cyclists started wearing them, then other athletes, and finally they became a must-have item for the general public.



The yellow rubber bracelets have a personal meaning for Armstrong. A cancer survivor himself, Armstrong introduced the Livestrong wristbands to increase awareness and raise money for cancer research. Many people wear them to support loved ones coping with the disease, or, like Armstrong, to celebrate their own victory over it.



Like the yellow bands, the wearers of other colors of wristbands often have a personal stake in the causes they represent. Friends and family of U.S. military personnel deployed overseas often wear rubber bracelets to show their support for their loved ones.



Incidentally, it’s worth noting that the vast majority of "rubber bracelets" sold today are not rubber at all, but instead are made of 100-percent medical grade silicone. But because the term rubber bracelets is a common reference point, the name endures.



The rapid success of the yellow wristbands soon inspired other organizations to introduce their own rubber bracelets in different colors. Just like the Livestrong bands, these newer rubber bracelets were instrumental in raising significant amounts of money for their organizations and increasing awareness of the causes they represented.



Rubber bracelets also are popular among sports fans of all ages. Many people wear them to support favorite school or professional teams. Rubber bracelets can be ordered in just about any school or team colors desired.



The key to the success of rubber bracelets in fundraising is low cost of production. Selling for as little as $1 each – as the Livestrong bands do – rubber bracelets are highly profitable because they cost so little to create. It’s possible to sell them at low enough prices that virtually anyone who wants one can buy it, but the profits still add up fast.



Because rubber bracelets cost so little to produce, they also can be great giveaway items for business promotions. Businesses can give away rubber bracelets by the hundreds to promote new products, brands or services. They also make great giveaways at trade shows to promote brand awareness.



Rubber bracelets have demonstrated their staying power over the years as versatile promotional, awareness and fundraising items. They can help support just about any cause, organization or business.