Silicone Bracelets

International soccer players wear them.  Baseball teams wear them.  Cyclists wear them.  Everyday adults, teens, and children wear them.  Silicone bracelets have broken into fashion awareness and can be found everywhere.  Companies like Nike and Reebok use them for advertising and even local schools use them for school spirit.  These bracelets are so common place that they can be found at every turn; and are cool to boot.

Silicone bracelets are most often made of 100 percent silicone.  Occasionally they will have traces of latex, but that is not common.  They are stronger than rubber and are relatively hard to tear.  Slightly flexible, silicone is the perfect material for bracelets as it is easy to slip over the hand.  Most often, these bracelets are created by molding the silicone into shape.  This increases durability by eliminating seams or the need to adhere the ends together. 

Manufacturers also use silicone to make key chains or finger rings that can be customized.  They are similarly manufactured as the bracelets.  Also available are USB jump drives which clip around the wrist and look like a bracelet.

The bracelets can be ordered generically, with nothing custom on them.  However, they can easily be customized for any need.  Most often phrases are debossed onto the silicone, giving the letters, numbers or image a "sunken in" look.  The debossing can even be filled with color to make it stand out from the bracelet.  Similarly, phrases can be laser engraved on the bracelet, meaning it is added after the bracelet has been molded.  Oppositely, the customization can be embossed.  Embossing raises the image from the bracelet, similar to a bank or credit card.  Some companies also offer color filling for this technique, although it is not as widespread.  Finally, the personalization can be screen printed.  This is when the images are printed onto the silicone wristbands.  It is possible for these images to be scratched off. 

Customization is usually relatively inexpensive and the more silicone bracelets that are ordered directly decrease the cost per bracelet.  It is not necessary to order large quantities, however.  Most companies offer single bracelet ordering with or without personalization.  This gives the consumer a way to keep up with the trend, but individualize it at the same time.  Unique phrases can be added in several fonts, including numerals.  In addition, many companies offer free images or clipart that can be added.  Occasionally, manufacturers will allow the buyer to upload an image of their own design. 

Silicone bracelets come in various colors and sizes.  Sizes range from multiple adult sizes (small, medium, large) to some companies carrying child sizes.  Each company generally offers a measurement for their sizes to it is easy to decide which size to order.  Frequently, companies will allow orders to have multiple sizes with the same design.  Colors are almost endless.  Each manufacturer will have their own specific color schemes, but usually they are basically the same.  Anything starting at the basics; red, white, blue, yellow, etc. will be available.  Most often, companies will also offer secondary colors; for example:  navy, maroon, forest, or kelly green.  These manufacturers generally cater to local schools and teams, thus capitalizing on the demand in their area. 

Single colors are not the only option, however.  Custom wristbands can be two toned; either one color inside and one color outside, or half the bracelet and half the bracelet.  They can also be striped with several colors.  Finally, marbleization is available.  This usually takes two colors and mingles them randomly along the bracelet.  Each option gives the consumer many opportunities to make silicone bracelets uniquely theirs. 

Popularity aside, there many reasons to use such silicone bracelets.  As previously mentioned, sporting teams and schools find these bracelets great for spirit.  Lance Armstrong's "Live Strong" line is international.  Ideas can be for much smaller groups, as well.  Things such as family reunions, memorials and fund raising can take advantage of these bracelets.  Not to mention corporate marketing, community building and party favors.  The opportunities are almost endless.