Wristband
Wristbands are encircling strips worn on the wrist, made of any of a variety of materials depending on the purpose. The term can be used to refer to the bracelet-like band of a wristwatch, to the cuff or other part of a sleeve that covers the wrist, or to decorative or functional bands worn on the wrist for other reasons.
One common type of wristband are the loops of plastic or tyvek that are placed around the wrist for identification purposes (demonstrating the wearer's authorization to be at a venue, for example).
Silicone wristbands
More recently, wristbands, often made of silicone, are worn to demonstrate the wearer's support of a cause or charitable organization, similar to awareness ribbons. Such wristbands are sometimes called awareness bracelets to distinguish them from other types of wristbands.
One of the first charitable organizations to make use of silicone wristbands as a way of demonstrating support for a cause was the yellow Livestrong wristband created in 2004 by the Lance Armstrong Foundation. By early 2005, silicone wristbands became popular with many charities, such as Make Poverty History and the BBC's Beat Bullying campaign.
There is also another type of wristband called web band. It is an online version of the real wristband.
While many are purchased with the intent that some of the purchase price go to the cause in question, others are accused of being a type of slacktivism where the wearer simply puts on a show of support.
Due to their association with many charaties, these colored wristbands have become a popular clothing accessory among young people. Companies now make custom bracelets for small organizations who are trying to raise funds and/or awareness.
List of wristbands
The following table is a partial list of causes and organizations which can be supported by the wearing of wristbands, organized by the band color.
| Color | Meanings |
|---|---|
| Black |
|
| Black/White | |
| Blue |
|
| Dark Blue |
|
| Light Blue |
|
| Blue/White | |
| Camouflage | |
| Gold |
|
| Green |
|
| Dark green |
|
| Green/Blue |
|
| Lavender |
|
| Orange |
|
| Pink |
|
| Dark Pink |
|
| Purple |
|
| Rainbow |
|
| Red |
|
| Red/White/Blue | |
| Pink/Blue |
|
| White | |
| Red/Yellow |
|
| Yellow |
|
| Amber |
|
| Red/Blue/Orange |
|
| Purple/Green/Gold |
|