The Must-Have Accessory For Taylor Swift’s Canadian Tour: Friendship Bracelets on Etsy

As Taylor Swift’s Canadian tour dates approach, Swifties are diving into a new “Era” with friendship bracelets! These cherished accessories have become iconic in the fan community, and Etsy is leading the trend with handmade, personalized designs. Searches for friendship bracelets on Etsy have surged, making it the go-to destination for unique keepsakes. We spoke with Etsy Trend Expert Dayna Isom Johnson to uncover how this trend is transforming Etsy and capturing Swifties’ hearts. —Noa Nichol

Can you tell us more about how Etsy has responded to the surge in demand for friendship bracelets with Taylor Swift’s tour approaching? What trends are you noticing in designs and personalization?

Our community of sellers has risen to the occasion by creating unique friendship bracelets that capture the spirit of the Eras tour, allowing fans to express themselves and bring a piece of the experience into their everyday lives. Many bracelets are personalized with charms, colors, and even lyrics that reflect different “Eras,” from pastels for Lover to bold reds for Red. We’ve noticed a rise in personalization options, with fans adding custom messages or initials to make each bracelet truly unique. Since the friendship bracelet trend took off, Etsy has seen a surge in demand, with searches for friendship bracelets up 8.8% year-over-year and friendship bracelet kits spiking by 42.6%—all within the last nine months, showing just how meaningful these items are for fans gearing up for the tour.

What are some standout stories you’ve heard from Etsy sellers who are creating these friendship bracelets? How has this trend impacted their businesses and sales?

We’ve heard incredible stories from sellers. Several have been making hundreds of bracelets each day and earning tens of thousands of dollars in sales (one seller even called it her “Roman Empire”). We’ve also heard from sellers that the demand has allowed them to connect with other fans and reach new audiences. This year to date, Etsy has recorded nearly US$7 million in friendship bracelet GMS (gross merchandise sales).

Etsy has always been a hub for handmade, unique items. How does the friendship bracelet trend align with Etsy’s mission and the creativity of its seller community?

The customization and personalization of friendship bracelets really underscore Etsy’s mission of keeping commerce human. Each bracelet isn’t just a piece of jewelry—it’s a handmade, heartfelt expression of fandom and connection, created by sellers who pour thought and artistry into their work. Unlike mass-produced items, these bracelets hold meaning that resonates deeply with fans. And the way that fans gather and trade bracelets with other fans that they are meeting for the first time is a really special moment of human connection.  

With the trend of friendship bracelets now booming, are there specific materials, charms, or colors that Swifties are gravitating towards to capture Taylor Swift’s various “Eras”?

Swifties are all about capturing their favourite of Taylor’s different “Eras” in their bracelets. We’re seeing color schemes that match each album—like deep, mystical shades for Folklore or glimmering purples for Speak Now. Charms are also a hit, from hearts and stars to letters spelling out favourite lyrics. Fans love to personalize bracelets with beads and charms that represent Taylor’s journey and each era, making the bracelets a true reflection of their connection to her music.

Friendship bracelets are often handmade and customizable, but they also capture memories for fans. How do you see Etsy’s role in fostering this connection between fans and their favourite artists?

Etsy’s role in this trend is truly special because our platform makes it easy for fans to discover items that feel uniquely personal. Friendship bracelets are more than just accessories; they’re memory-holders and symbols of connection, allowing fans to bring home a piece of the tour. Etsy’s sellers, with their incredible creativity and adaptability, offer designs that are meaningful and resonate with Swifties. This trend shows how Etsy helps fans feel closer to artists, fostering community through shared creativity.

How does Etsy stay agile to respond to fan-driven trends like this one, especially when they’re tied to big events like Taylor Swift’s tour?

Etsy’s community of small businesses is incredibly nimble, with the ability to turn trends around quicker than mass-market retailers. Our sellers are always on the pulse of culture, reacting in real-time to emerging trends in the zeitgeist. Unlike traditional retailers with long production cycles, Etsy sellers can pivot and introduce new items within hours, enabling them to tap into fan-driven trends almost immediately. This agility allows Etsy to celebrate big cultural moments like Taylor’s tour and create products that speak to fans’ desires while the excitement is at its peak.

Beyond friendship bracelets, are there other fan-driven trends or items on Etsy that you’re seeing surge with Taylor Swift’s tour dates drawing closer? What advice would you give sellers looking to tap into this trend?

Absolutely! Alongside friendship bracelets, we’ve seen a rise in other fan-driven items, from custom shirts to poetry-inspired pieces reflecting Taylor’s lyrical storytelling. For example, there was a 324% increase in searches on Etsy for poetry-related items in April this year, immediately following the release of the latest album (compared to the week before). 

What does YOUR Swiftie bracelet say?!

My friendship bracelet would be all about bright, vibrant colors. I love bringing a splash of color and personality to my outfits.