What Colors of Rubber Bracelets Mean

Rubber bracelets, made from discarded 0-rings or rubber bands, first became popular as part of the anti-jewelry movement. Colored rubber or "jelly bracelets" went in and out of fashion in the 1980s, 1990s and the 21st century. Whether the silly jelly sex bracelet fashion among young teens that has brought much concern from parents and educators or worn for a cause, they've returned to popularity in the 21st century. The meanings of the colors depends on a few factors, such as the type of bracelet, wording on it and what age group your in.

Rubber bracelet colors can symbolize the wearer's support for medical or social causes or a particular sports team or country. Each color has a specific meaning, and various organizations create personalized rubber bracelets to raise awareness and funds. Some rubber bracelet colors do not have a particular meaning at all; they are simply worn for fashion or fun.

Red bracelets may show support for HIV/AIDS research or raise awareness of heart disease. Orange bracelets often show support for multiple sclerosis research or antismoking campaigns. The most popular yellow bracelet is the LIVESTRONG wristband, which supports cancer research and encourages survivors, but it may also show support for troops. Green bracelets typically mean that the wearer supports environmental causes or muscular dystrophy research. Blue can represent several causes including child abuse prevention and support for prostate cancer research. Purple bracelets can signify support for research into pancreatic cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, cystic fibrosis, fibromyalgia and lupus. Pink bracelets typically show support for breast cancer research. White bracelets often show support for peace or religious issues. Black bracelets may represent mourning, prisoners of war, gang prevention, skin cancer research or counter-culture movements.

Some rubber bracelets feature more than one color or multiple colored symbols. Red, white and blue bracelets, or those with American flag emblems, may demonstrate patriotism or support for the military, or they may serve as a remembrance of 9-11. Rubber bracelets bearing the colors from flags representing other countries may show national support or identification, or they may celebrate a holiday such as wearing a bracelet bearing the Irish flag for St. Patrick’s Day. Many sports teams sell rubber bracelets with their colors and logo. Multicolored or rainbow bracelets may show support for gay pride, multiculturalism or autism research.

Many rubber bracelets also feature words to clarify their meanings. For example, pink rubber bracelets in support of breast cancer research or survivors often feature a slogan, such as “Find a Cure” or “Hope,” while pink rubber bracelets for girls may carry words like “Princess.” Orange rubber bracelets in support of MS research often carry the phrase “I Will,” while orange bracelets from the American Cancer Society bear the message “Live Free. Smoke Free.”

Many websites offer customized rubber bracelets and stock bracelets. If you want to create custom bracelets for an event or organization, match the color of the bracelet with its meaning. For example, a rubber bracelet that promotes environmental causes might be green or brown. Consider adding printed or embossed words onto the bracelets to help clarify their meanings. If your middle-school child is sporting jelly bracelets, have a talk. The child may not realize that the colors code a statement about the wearer's sex life at an age when there shouldn't yet be one. Many schools banned these bracelets, according to Snope.com.