Yes, rubber band bracelets are still popular, but in a different way than their peak "Rainbow Loom" craze. Today, they are primarily popular as customizable silicone wristbands for fundraising, awareness campaigns, and as durable promotional items. While the children's craft trend has largely passed, a 2019 comeback of Sillybandz shows how social media and nostalgia can also fuel their continued, albeit less widespread, popularity.
Current popularity
Fundraising and awareness:
Silicone and rubber wristbands are widely used by nonprofits like the American Red Cross and other organizations to raise money and awareness for various causes.
Promotional items:
Their durability, reusability, and customization make them popular for businesses as promotional giveaways.
Customization:
They are still a popular medium for personalized bracelets, including memorial bracelets or gifts.
The rise and fall of the craft craze
Past peak:
The "Rainbow Loom" craze around 2013-2014 saw children creating and trading bracelets as a major playground trend.
Decline:
The popularity of this particular craft has waned, with some sources attributing its decline to the rise of digital technology and video games among children.
Comeback:
Some nostalgia-driven trends have emerged, such as the comeback of Sillybandz in 2019, largely driven by social media influencers who grew up with them.
