Silicone wristbands were first popularised in the 80s and 90s by pop stars like Madonna. These were often made of plain black or bright coloured silicone rubber, and wearers would typically fill their forearms with these small plastic bracelets. They could also be twisted around each other to create a different style.

This trend died down throughout the 90s and resurfaced in the 00s, with a new generation of pop stars taking the lead. However, it wasn’t until the 2000s that wristbands became a useful tool for promotion.

Branded silicone wristbands were made popular by public figures and celebrities such as Lance Armstrong, who used them to raise money for his cancer charity. Since then, these types of bands have been adopted by several other causes and companies.

When was silicone invented?

Silicone rubber is a type of elastomer, and it was invented in 1930 by a chemist called J.F. Hyde. This was the beginning of commercial silicone, and it can now be found everywhere, from baby’s bottles to plane window seals. It is a very versatile and durable material that can be made sticky or smooth. It’s also resistant to bacteria, which makes it suitable for medical settings.