Friendship bracelets are a must summer accessory thanks to Taylor Swift (2024)

It’s hard to remember a time when Taylor Swift’s Eras tour didn’t exist. I mean, what was our FYP and IG feeds full of before? My personal scrolling sessions currently exclusively revolve around the pop icon – which TTPD songs have made it onto the European leg of the tour? And more importantly (for the Cosmo fashion team at least), what are Swifties wearing to the concerts?!

After attending a recent show in Paris, our Site Director Anna was amazed at the sheer amount of personalised outfits that were created by fans. In her own words: “a lot of 'SWIFTY BY MARRIAGE' 'SWIFTY DAD' shirts” apparently! Obsessed.

But the real trend, of course, has been the making and swapping of beaded friendship bracelets. Yep, our girl Tay has only gone and brought back the jewellery of our pre-pubescent years. And you know what? We’re not even mad about it.

Thanks to the catchy lyric “So make the friendship bracelets. Take the moment and taste it” that features in Swift’s Midnights hit “You’re On Your Own Kid”, loyal fans have taken the advice quite literally, and are now showing up to the Eras tour with their arms full of colourful beaded bracelets.

The best (and low-key cutest) part about this friendship bracelet trend is that concert-goers are all trading bracelets. Yep, if you’re lucky enough to attend one of Tay Swift’s iconic stage shows, you won’t leave empty handed. Expect to meet your besties in the queue or mosh-pit (when you’re screaming out Bad Blood at the top of your voice) and exchange precious customised friendship bracelets back and forth.

Here at Cosmo, we have seriously deep-dived into this cute trend. A) Because who didn’t love scouring the OG haven that was Claire’s Accessories back in the day to find the cutest beaded style, and B) Obvs we’re massive Swifties over here.

So, if you’ve got your Eras tickets ready or just wanna know more about the nostalgic jewellery renaissance, we’ve got the low-down of all the need-to-know deets, plus exactly where to buy the best products below. You’re so welcome.

How do you make a Taylor Swift friendship bracelet?

Not feeling super creative? Fear not folks, the internet is your friend and is flooded with TikToks and tutorials on how to make your very own friendship bracelet in time for the tour. There’s even colour combos dedicated to specific Eras and songs. So, not matter if you’re rocking a T-shirt and fedora in support of 1989, or if you’re a Speak Now girlie in a voluminous purple dress, there’s something for everyone.

Whether you’re going all-out on an intricate beaded design or simply sticking to album name styles, there’s a lil’ inspiration vid out there for ya. And if you’re really scrimped for time you can even buy ready-made versions without anyone even knowing – that’s the beauty of this crafty trend.

When did the friendship bracelet trend start?

The song You’re On You’re Own Kid features on Taylor Swift’s 2022 Midnights album. The Eras Tour was announced just weeks after the star’s new tracks dropped – much to fans absolute glee. Then the Swiftie community did its thing, taking to social media to say they would be swapping friendship bracelets at the concert, and two years on we’re still being just as cute.

Now you’re all clued up on our fave jewellery trend, you’ve got time to brush up on your singing (peek a look at the latest set-list here) before Taylor Swift comes to the UK in June. There’s only a Fortnight to go – how apt!