The NewJeans Effect: Sports Headbands Become The Hottest Summer Accessory
The resurgence and reinterpretation of 90s and 2000s fashion continues with NewJeans bringing back this sporty accessory
In a captivating revival, the fashion world has embraced trends inspired by the 90s and 2000s, with low-rise pants and tube tops making a triumphant return. Alongside these nostalgic staples, hair accessories such as bandanas, hair clips, and especially headbands, have surged in popularity.
The understated style of the elastic headband has captured the zeitgeist on platforms like TikTok and Pinterest. Styling tutorials have amassed hundreds of thousands of views, while Stylight Insights reports a staggering 114% increase in searches for “headband” over the past year.
Headbands offer practicality and an instant style upgrade, even on less-than-perfect hair days. Fashion icons like NewJeans, Bella Hadid, Nicola Peltz Beckham, and Hailey Bieber have all embraced this versatile accessory.
The Evolution of Headbands
Throughout history, headbands have undergone remarkable transformations in both form and function. From the laurel wreaths of ancient Greece to the feathered headbands of the 1920s flappers, and from the vibrant scarves of the hippie movement to the athletic staples of 1970s aerobics, headbands have consistently mirrored cultural and fashion shifts.
In the 1950s, the advent of stretch fabrics and simplified hairstyles spurred a return to monochromatic, streamlined headbands. The wide black headband gained iconic status when Brigitte Bardot donned it in Jean-Luc Godard's 1963 film Contempt, juxtaposing rustic charm with intellectual sophistication and the classic "blonde" allure of French cinema.
The 1980s marked the headband’s transformation into a symbol of an active lifestyle, as sports and aerobics surged in popularity. Figures like Jane Fonda and aspirational yuppies helped cement the headband’s dual role as both a fashion accessory and an emblem of physical vitality.
From the minimalist chic of the 1990s, embodied by stars like Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and characters in films like Clueless, to today’s quiet luxury, headbands continue to exude effortless elegance. Modern muses like Irina Shayk, Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, and Laura Harrier perpetuate and elevate this understated accessory.
“The higher you go in the luxury stratosphere, the simpler it feels,” muses Daniel Roseberry, creative director of Schiaparelli, reflecting on the Fall/Winter 2023 collection. His minimalist designs underscore how basic accessories like headbands have become synonymous with luxury and sophistication, fitting seamlessly into the aesthetic of shows like Succession.
A New Breeze from NewJeans
The global K-pop sensation NewJeans has invigorated this dynamic trend, spotlighting sporty headbands in the teaser poster for their fan meeting "Bunnies Camp" in Tokyo. All five members donned "all-white" ensembles paired with large, color-coordinated sport headbands, evoking a youthful, dynamic vibe with a hint of 90s hip-hop flair.
NewJeans’ styling includes shirts, jackets, oversized shirts, and T-shirts, often mixed and matched with oversized pants, creating a distinctive and unique look.
Additionally, aespa’s Winter has frequently showcased her affinity for sports headbands during stage performances, further cementing the accessory’s place in contemporary fashion.
Styling Tips for Headbands
For a striking style, consider these tips:
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To reveal your forehead, arrange your hair and tuck the longer strands behind your ears. Place the headband around your neck and wear it backwards, positioning it at the junction of your forehead and hairline. This technique partially covers your ears, creating a smaller face appearance. Finally, push the top part of your hair forward for a loose, relaxed look.
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To correct face shape, tie a bun on both sides of your cheeks, place a headband around your neck, and cross the two buns on top of your head. Release the buns for soft, natural hair framing your cheeks, achieving a slim face silhouette.
