slap bracelets

The Comeback of Slap Bracelets

Slap bracelets, also known as snap bracelets, were a major fad in the late 80s and early 90s. These flexible bracelets were made of layered, spring-loaded steel covered in fabric and could be straightened out to wrap around your wrist. When you slapped the bracelet against your arm, it would snap back into its curved shape and hug your wrist. Slap bracelets were popular among kids and teenagers and came in a variety of bright, neon colors and designs.

After their initial popularity, slap bracelets faded from popularity in the mid 90s. However, in recent years these nostalgic accessories have been making a comeback. Companies like Nostalgic Express and independent sellers on Etsy are bringing back vintage-style slap bracelets that capture the classic look of the 80s and 90s. Even celebrities like Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest have been spotted wearing the nostalgic bracelets.

The History of Slap Bracelets

Slap bracelets were invented in the early 1980s by Wisconsin teacher Stuart Anders. Reportedly, Anders was fiddling with a thin steel ruler one day when he accidentally bent it and then let it slap against his wrist, causing it to wrap around his arm. Inspired, Anders began tinkering with different sheet metal prototypes until he had perfected his coiled slap bracelet design.
Anders started a company called Main Street Marketing to manufacture and sell his bracelet design. The bracelets first took off locally in Wisconsin in the mid-1980s before spreading across the country. Soon slap bracelets became a must-have fashion accessory and a staple of early 90s pop culture. At the height of their popularity, millions of slap bracelets were being sold by a variety of companies.

The Resurgence

While slap bracelets fell out fashion by the mid-90s, within the last decade the iconic bracelets have been steadily regaining popularity. The comeback seems driven both by nostalgia and retro fashion trends. With 90s styles making a return, slap bracelets fit right in.
A number of companies have capitalized on the resurgence by bringing back vintage-style slap bracelets. These bracelets replicate the classic designs with colorful, geometric patterns that will hit your nostalgia buttons.
Independent artists and jewelry makers have also started selling handmade slap bracelets on sites like Etsy. From tie-dye designs to glittery unicorns, you can find bracelets to suit your personal tastes. Even major retailers like Target and Walmart now offer modern takes on slap bracelets.
On social media, videos and memes celebrating slap bracelets have also gone viral, shared by millennials reminiscing about the accessories. The hashtag #slapbracelets yields thousands of posts on Instagram and TikTok.

Why People Love Them

Both in the past and now, slap bracelets have resonated for a few key reasons:

• Novelty Factor – The unique slapping/wrapping motion was unlike any other accessory or toy in the 80s. The bracelets brought a clever innovation that felt futuristic.
• Customization – With a huge variety of colors, patterns, and widths available, kids loved collecting and trading slap bracelets. You could really express your individual style.
• Fidget Factor – Slap bracelets gave fidgety kids something satisfying to play with on their wrists. The tactile nature made them a self-contained distraction.
• Nostalgia – For 80s/90s kids, slap bracelets represent fond childhood memories. The bracelets let people reconnect with that feeling of youthful fun.

On top of these qualities, slap bracelets also benefit from the cyclical nature of trends. As fashions from the 90s revive today, the iconic bracelets feel both nostalgic and stylish.

Safety Concerns Temporarily Stopped the Trend

Interestingly, safety issues are part of the reason slap bracelets initially faded from popularity in the 90s. Due to the metal edge inside the bracelet, there were some isolated incidents of the bracelets cutting people’s skin when slapped on forcefully. This led to many schools banning slap bracelets. While reported injuries were very rare, the safety concerns were enough to hamper demand.
Luckily, modern slap bracelets are designed with safety in mind. Many now have more securely attached fabric edges to prevent the metal from ever making contact with skin. So the bracelets today provide all the nostalgia with peace of mind. Still, gentle slapping is recommended for the safest experience.

Collecting Bracelets Can Be Addicting

With the huge variety available today, it’s tempting to start collecting slap bracelets like you may have in elementary school. Vintage bracelets from the 80s and 90s can also be great nostalgic pieces for a collection. Just check sites like eBay to snag earlier designs.
Some avid collectors even display their slap bracelets as wall art when they’re not wearing them. So if you feel yourself amassing quite a few bracelets, get creative with showing them off!

DIY Bracelets Are Also Popular

In addition to buying pre-made options, many people also enjoy making DIY slap bracelets. If you’re crafty, customizing your own bracelets can be a fun nostalgic project for a rainy day. All you need is a flexible steel ruler, some fabric, scissors, and glue.
With the right supplies, you can recreate classic bracelet designs or invent your own new patterns. Going the DIY route lets you relive childhood memories while putting your own creative spin on slap bracelets.
So if you’re feeling nostalgic for these funky 90s accessories, it’s easy to revisit the trend today. Check out the selection of vintage bracelets available or make your own custom creation. Just be careful not to get too carried away slapping once you have one on!