“Boobies,” “Balance” and “Bandz” are just a few of the trendy bracelets covering the wrists of not only college students, but athletes, parents, and students of all ages.
Since 2004, it was not out of the ordinary to see at least five people a day wearing the famous “Livestrong” bracelet. A simple wristband made out of a silicone gel type material created to help a cause. Today, similar bracelets have also caught the attention of the public.
The Keep a Breast Foundation is a non-profit organization that has created a clever way to raise money and awareness about breast cancer. The not-so-subtle phrase “I heart boobies” is embedded into a rubber band, which can be seen on the wrists of many students.
Zumiez store manager, Johnny Pearson, explained that at first they did not have enough “I heart boobies” bracelets in stock.
“Every age wears them and it’s for a good cause,” said Pearson. “Kids like them because it is a popular trend even if they don’t know what it means.”
At first glance, the bands seem inappropriate, but once the negative connotation is cleared, most people want to learn exactly what this cause is about and then participate.
Watching any professional sports games today, it is common to see athletes wearing similar bands on their wrists varying in different colors. This trend has made its way outside of professional sports and into the lives of everyday people whether they play sports or not.
Sales associate Stephanie Rodriguez from Finish Line knows how quickly these bracelets sell out at this athletics store.
“A lot of athletes buy them,” said Rodriquez. “But they get sold because it’s really about what’s in.”
Power Balance bracelets are silicone wristbands that raise money for Ovarian Cancer Research. Not only do they raise money and awareness, but they also are thought to improve the overall balance of the body.
The bracelets continue to gain popularity, although controversy has recently developed on whether or not the bracelets actually enhance strength, flexibility or balance.
Even though the phenomenon of Silly Bandz started in elementary schools, the trend of this silicone bracelet has spread through out high schools and now colleges. The colored bands are thin and look like ordinary rubber bands when placed on the wrist, however when pulled off the wrist they configure into various shapes.
The shapes can be as complex as Snow White, Spiderman or even a Saint’s logo. This simple idea has transformed into a million dollar company because they can fit to an individuals specific liking.
Fads come in and out of popularity every season it seems. Patrick Sayer, a kinesiology major at Moorpark College, remembers trends that were popular throughout his life.
“Its like Pokemon and pogs, those used to be the fad,” said Sayer. “Now it’s wrist bands, Vans and flannel shirts.”
