The Ultimate Guide to Eras Tour Bracelets: Friendship, Creativity, and Taylor Swift Magic
Introduction
If you’ve been anywhere near a Taylor Swift fan community in the past year, you’ve probably seen the colorful stacks of beaded Eras Tour bracelets—also called friendship bracelets—wrapped around wrists, traded among strangers, and displayed proudly in concert photos.
These bracelets have become a hallmark of the Taylor Swift Eras Tour experience, turning stadiums into hubs of friendship, creativity, and shared fandom. But where did this tradition come from, why has it become so popular, and how can you join in?
This guide will walk you through:
- The origins of Eras Tour friendship bracelets
- The cultural significance behind them
- Creative bracelet ideas
- Etiquette for trading
- Tips for storing and displaying your collection
1. The Origin of Eras Tour Bracelets
The Eras Tour bracelet trend traces back to a lyric in Taylor Swift’s song “You’re On Your Own, Kid” from her Midnights album:
“So make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it.”
Fans took the lyric literally, crafting beaded friendship bracelets with song titles, album names, inside jokes, and personal messages.
By the start of the Eras Tour in 2023, the tradition had exploded. Stadium entrances became mini markets of kindness, with strangers swapping bracelets as tokens of connection.
2. Why People Make Friendship Bracelets for the Eras Tour
The bracelet exchange is more than a fun craft—it’s a celebration of:
- Community: Swifties are known for their tight-knit, welcoming fanbase.
- Creativity: Each bracelet is a tiny piece of art.
- Memory-making: Every bracelet has a story—where you got it, who you met.
- Inclusivity: It’s an easy, low-cost way for everyone to join in the fun.
3. Types of Eras Tour Bracelets
A. Song Lyric Bracelets
- Featuring lyrics like “Bejeweled”, “Cruel Summer”, or “Fearless”.
- Often in colors matching the album aesthetic.
B. Album-Themed Bracelets
- Color palettes based on album eras (Red, 1989, Folklore, Midnights).
- Incorporate charms that match album themes.
C. Inside Joke Bracelets
- Referencing memes, fan theories, or notable tour moments.
- Examples: “We Are Never Getting Back Together – 22 Hat,” “Long Live.”
D. Personalized Name Bracelets
- Include your name, online handle, or a friend’s name for gifting.
4. Eras Tour Bracelet Ideas by Album
Debut (Taylor Swift) – Green, gold, acoustic guitar charms
Fearless – Gold, yellow, hearts, and sparkles
Speak Now – Purple, glitter beads, enchanted themes
Red – Red beads, scarf charms, maple leaf accents
1989 – Sky blue, seagulls, polaroid charms
Reputation – Black, snake charms, metallic silver beads
Lover – Pink, pastel rainbow, hearts, butterflies
Folklore – Grey, white, cabin or tree charms
Evermore – Brown, orange, rustic leaves
Midnights – Navy blue, moons, stars, crystals
5. How Many Bracelets Should You Bring?
There’s no official rule, but most fans bring between 20–50 bracelets to trade.
Tips:
- Bring a mix of designs to suit different tastes.
- Keep a few special ones for close friends or meaningful trades.
- Store them in a ziplock or organizer pouch for easy access.
6. Trading Etiquette at the Eras Tour
Do:
- Approach people with a smile—most fans are excited to trade.
- Compliment their bracelets before asking to swap.
- Respect if someone declines (they may be saving certain ones).
Don’t:
- Grab bracelets without permission.
- Judge designs—everyone’s craft skill level is different.
- Expect a one-for-one value exchange; it’s about connection, not competition.
7. Bracelet-Making Supplies
To make your own Eras Tour bracelets, you’ll need:
- Letter beads (A–Z sets, sometimes with hearts or stars)
- Color beads (plastic, glass, or clay)
- Elastic cord (0.5–1mm for durability)
- Charms (optional for extra flair)
- Scissors and tape for cutting and securing knots
8. Steps to Make an Eras Tour Bracelet
- Cut elastic cord a few inches longer than your wrist.
- Arrange beads in your desired pattern on a bead board or flat surface.
- String beads onto the cord.
- Tie a secure double knot and add a dab of clear nail polish for extra hold.
- Trim excess cord and enjoy your creation!
9. Unique Ideas for Standout Bracelets
- Glow-in-the-dark beads for night concerts.
- Metallic charms shaped like Taylor’s iconic items (cats, guitars, mic).
- Mixed media with tassels, fabric strips, or small bells.
- Collab bracelets made with a friend, each contributing half the beads.
10. What to Do With Eras Tour Bracelets After the Concert
- Display Frames: Arrange them in a shadow box with ticket stubs.
- Jar of Memories: Store them in a clear jar as a colorful keepsake.
- Wear Daily: Stack your favorites as everyday accessories.
- Gift Forward: Pass them on to friends or fans who couldn’t attend.
11. The Cultural Impact of Eras Tour Bracelets
The friendship bracelet tradition has:
- Strengthened the Swiftie community globally.
- Inspired fans of other artists to start similar exchanges.
- Shown how fan culture can be both creative and generous.
It’s a phenomenon that blends crafting, music, and social connection in a way that few fandom traditions achieve.
12. Buying vs. Making Bracelets
Making:
- Personal and unique
- Cost-effective
- Customizable to match your style
Buying:
- Convenient if you lack time or supplies
- Professional-quality designs
- Often sold in themed sets
Etsy and small fan-run shops offer pre-made Eras Tour bracelet packs.
13. Taylor Swift’s Response to the Trend
While Taylor hasn’t officially endorsed the bracelet exchange as an official part of the tour, she’s been seen smiling and interacting with fans wearing them—and it’s clear she’s aware of the lyric’s real-world impact.
14. Tips for First-Time Bracelet Traders
- Don’t be shy—everyone’s there to have fun.
- Make a few bracelets with popular song titles to start conversations.
- Keep your trading kit lightweight; you’ll be on your feet for hours.
15. Final Thoughts
The Eras Tour bracelets tradition has become one of the most heartwarming parts of the Taylor Swift concert experience. They’re more than beads on a string—they’re symbols of shared joy, music, and community.
Whether you handcraft dozens in your favorite era’s colors or trade just a few special ones, the act of giving and receiving these bracelets will stay with you long after the final encore.
References & Further Reading
- taylorswift.com – Official Taylor Swift news and tour updates
- billboard.com – Coverage of Eras Tour fan culture
- rollingstone.com – Music industry features and artist profiles
- etonline.com – Entertainment news and concert coverage
- people.com – Celebrity style and event reporting
- variety.com – Arts and entertainment industry news
- nytimes.com – Cultural trend analysis
- pinterest.com – Bracelet design inspiration
- etsy.com – Handmade Eras Tour bracelet sellers
- buzzfeed.com – Fan experience stories and listicles
