What 1990s fad involved slap-on bracelets made of flexible steel bands covered in fabric?

The memorable 1990s trend that captivated children and teenagers involved a seemingly simple accessory: a strip of flexible steel, often derived from materials similar to a tape measure, encased in a variety of colorful fabrics or other coverings. When straightened, this band was rigid, but with a gentle slap against the wrist, it would instantly coil and wrap itself securely into a bracelet. This innovative design made it both a fun toy and a fashionable item, leading to its widespread popularity.

Known most commonly as slap bracelets, or sometimes "Slap Wraps" after the original brand name, these accessories became a ubiquitous sight in school hallways and playgrounds throughout the early 90s. Their appeal lay in the satisfying "thwack" sound they made upon snapping into place and the ease with which wearers could collect and trade them in different patterns and designs. They represented a playful form of self-expression for a generation on the cusp of childhood and adolescence (Review).

The concept for these distinctive bracelets originated with Stuart Anders, a high school teacher from Wisconsin, who first conceived the idea in 1983. He was inspired by the self-rolling nature of a steel measuring tape and envisioned a similar mechanism for a wearable item. While initially a clever novelty, the immense demand for slap bracelets also led to the proliferation of cheaper, unauthorized versions. These knock-off products sometimes featured thinner steel that could break through the fabric, creating sharp edges and posing a laceration risk. Consequently, some schools implemented bans on the bracelets due to safety concerns and their distracting nature. Despite these issues, the enduring image of the slap bracelet remains a vivid emblem of 1990s youth culture.