Plastic Bracelets: What Are They And Why Wear Them?

what are the plastic bracelets called

Plastic bracelets, also known as lanyards, gimp, or boondoggle, are a fun and creative way to express oneself. They are commonly used for promotional and fundraising purposes, brand building, and raising awareness for important causes. These bracelets are made from plastic strips or threads and come in various colors, sizes, and types. They are inexpensive, lightweight, and highly customizable, making them perfect for events and marketing campaigns. Whether it's a private party, a retail promotion, or a large-scale fundraiser, plastic bracelets offer a unique and affordable way to spread a message or celebrate an occasion.

Characteristics Values
Names Lanyards, Gimp, Rexlace, Scoubidou, Craftlace, Scoobies, Boondoggle
Origin France, 1950s
Composition Flat, multicolored plastic strips or supple, round, hollow plasticized PVC tubes
Uses Bracelets, keychains, friendship bands, trinkets, keychains, lanyards, etc.
Techniques Cobra stitch, super cobra, Chinese staircase, super-16, square stitch, box stitch, helical arrangement
Popularity Fad in the late 1950s, returned to fashion in various countries in the 1980s, and again in 2004-2005

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Plastic bracelets with beads

Another type of plastic bracelet is the gel bracelet (or jelly bracelet), which is often made from silicone. They usually have a rectangular or circular cross-section and come in various colours. They have been trendy in waves throughout the Western world and elsewhere since the 1980s.

Silicone bracelets or wristbands are also popular for demonstrating support for a cause or charitable organisation. These wristbands are often seen as trendier than traditional charity pins and are used in fundraising efforts due to their low cost of manufacturing.

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Gel bracelets

The silicone wristband first became popular in 2004 with the Livestrong yellow band, set up by American cyclist Lance Armstrong to raise awareness of cancer. Subsequently, a larger, 1-inch (25 mm) wide variety became popular in 2007, with musical groups selling them to young concert-goers. The wristbands are often seen by young people as trendier than traditional charity pins, and they have also become a popular and inexpensive fundraising tool.

During a resurgence in popularity in 2003, gel bracelets became the subject of a widespread urban legend linking them to a supposed sex game, explaining their popularity among young teenagers. They were subsequently dubbed "sex bracelets" or "shag bands". According to rumours, people who wore the jewellery implied that they were willing to engage in various acts with whoever pulled them from their wrists, with the acts ranging from hugging to kissing to sexual intercourse, determined by the bracelet's colour. Similar stories circulated widely in Brazil during the 2009/2010 summer, where the bracelets were referred to as "pulseiras do sexo".

Despite the media reports and moral panic surrounding the "sex bracelet" rumours, folklorist Barbara Mikkelson of snopes.com suggests that there is likely little truth behind these stories. At least one type of gel bracelet, the "MY Single Band", was specifically designed to advertise the wearer's relationship status, but it received largely critical responses.

Plastic's Role: Humans' Friend or Foe?

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Rubber wristbands

One company that manufactures these wristbands, 24HourWristbands.com, was founded in 2006 and has delivered over 100 million wristbands worldwide. The company has expanded its product line to include other promotional items such as yard signs, lanyards, temporary tattoos, and t-shirts. They take pride in offering low prices, dependable customer service, and customisation options for their clients.

Custom rubber wristbands can be a cost-effective way for organisations to promote their brand or message. They are a versatile product that can be tailored to specific needs, whether it's a simple design or a more intricate one. This makes them accessible to a wide range of groups, from large companies to small local organisations, allowing them to effectively spread awareness about their cause or business.

The popularity of rubber wristbands as promotional items can be attributed to their functionality and visibility. They serve as a mobile advertisement, with the potential to reach a wide audience wherever the wearer goes. The wristbands are also often associated with specific causes or campaigns, becoming symbols of support and unity, which further adds to their appeal.

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Bracelets with logos

Plastic bracelets are often used as promotional items, with companies adding their logos, text, or designs. These bracelets are typically made of silicone or PVC and can be customised with various colours, fonts, and layouts. Some companies offer additional services such as custom packaging, warehousing, and distribution.

Creating a logo for a bracelet business or a specific bracelet design can be an important aspect of branding and marketing. A logo can communicate a brand's story, values, and style through the use of colour, shape, and other design elements. It can help potential customers understand the product and remember the brand.

Several online platforms offer bracelet logo makers, allowing users to create unique and professional logos. These logo makers provide customisation options, including colours, fonts, symbols, and shapes. Users can also choose from various bracelet-related icons, such as chains, charms, beads, or bangles, to create a logo that resonates with their target audience.

Once a logo is designed, it can be downloaded and used across marketing materials, including websites, social media profiles, business cards, and product packaging. This consistent use of the logo helps establish a brand's identity and makes it recognisable to customers.

Overall, bracelets with logos can be an effective way to promote a brand, product, or message, and customisation options allow for a unique and memorable design.

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Bracelets as 'sex coupons'

In the 1970s, pull tabs from aluminium cans and labels from beer bottles were considered "sex coupons". The bearer of these items could present them to a girl, and she would be obligated to sleep with him. In the 1990s, similar rumours emerged surrounding plastic items, including gel bracelets. These bracelets, also known as "jelly bracelets", are made from silicone and come in a variety of colours. They have been popular in waves throughout the Western world and elsewhere since the 1980s.

During a resurgence in popularity in 2003, these gel bracelets became the subject of a widespread urban legend linking them to a supposed sex game, explaining their popularity among young teenagers. They were subsequently dubbed "sex bracelets". According to these rumours, wearing these bracelets implied that the wearer was willing to engage in various acts with whoever pulled them from their wrists. The acts ranged from hugging to kissing to sexual intercourse and were determined by the bracelet's colour. For example, purple might be associated with kissing, red with lap dancing, and black with intercourse.

Similar stories circulated widely in Brazil during the 2009/2010 summer, where the bracelets were referred to as "pulseiras do sexo". In one incident, a 13-year-old girl was raped by three teenage boys after one of them snatched her bracelet. The police stated that the crime was motivated by the use of sex bracelets.

In a game called "snap", if a boy breaks a jelly bracelet off a girl's wrist, he gets a "sexual coupon" for that act. This game has caused concern among parents and has even led to some schools banning the bracelets. Folklorist Barbara Mikkelson of snopes.com believes that there is likely little truth to these stories, and most teenagers who contact her site express shock and disappointment that so many have believed them.

Frequently asked questions

They are called Scoubidou (Craftlace, scoobies, lanyard, gimp, or boondoggle).

Scoubidou is made from commercially supplied plastic strips or tubes.

The plastic tubes used for Scoubidou are usually about 80 centimetres in length.

Key chains, friendship bands, and other trinkets are most commonly woven from Scoubidou, although more complicated shapes and figures can also be created.

The cobra stitch (or snake stitch) and the square stitch are two examples of stitches used in Scoubidou.

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