Stretchy Headbands Are Back! Yes, Like the Ones You Wore in Middle School

Written by Olivia Cefalu

Let’s face it, headbands will never fully be out of style. But they say trends always circle back around again after they’ve come and gone. We never thought the ’90s and Y2K fashion would come back but here we are rocking all of those fashions again. The big thing that’s coming back right now? Stretchy headbands. You know, like the ones you stashed in your middle school gym locker. You likely had a thick black one and you wore it with just about everything, especially to the fan section at your school’s football games. They keep popping up on our TikTok feed indirectly, so what better time to let you know the best stretchy hairbands to get ahead of this hair accessories trend?

Bella Hadid wearing a cute stretchy headband in gray | Mane Addicts
(Image Source: Getty / Marc Piasecki)

Best Stretchy Headbands

Djerf Avenue Rainbow Headband

We bet you thought we would start with a classic choice, but nope! We are obsessed with this stretchy knit headband from hair influencer It-girl Matilda Djerf’s brand. It screams clear summer skin and like you get eight hours of beauty sleep every night. It’s trendy yet a little boho.

Djerf Avenue Rainbow Headband | Mane Addicts
(Image Source: DjerfAvenue.com)

Free People My Way Soft Headband

Free People knows how to do elastic headbands. These feel chic and classic, pair well with your workout look, and are extremely soft. We love the ivory color because it complements dark hair colors as well as blondes.

Free People My Way Soft Headband | Mane Addicts
(Image Source: FreePeople.com)

Athleta Swept Up Headband

Love a sporty look? Check out this knotted headband from Athleta. It’s a great no-slip option and serves as a great sweatband. Its regular price is $18 but it’s on sale right now for only $6—score one while you can.

Athleta Swept Up Headband | Mane Addicts
(Image Source: Athleta.Gap.com)

Girlfriend Collective Lava Scrap Headband

Looking for something slightly thinner? This soft, stretchy headband is made from Girlfriend Collective’s signature float fabric. Meaning, you can have a headband as soft as your favorite leggings.

Girlfriend Collective Lava Scrap Headband | Mane Addicts
(Image Source: Girlfriend.com)

Madewell Ribbed Twisted Headband

Maybe a bow headband isn’t your thing, but what about a cute stretchy headband with a chic twist? This wide headband is super soft and it’s also really warm. We wear it on cold days when walking to the subway to cover our ears.

Madewell Ribbed Twisted Headband | Mane Addicts
(Image Source: Madewell.com)

Scünci Interlock Headwraps

Scünci is likely the headband brand you’re most familiar with. When it comes to stretchy headbands, these are definitely the best-sellers and the ones that almost everyone has owned at least once in their lifetime. These cotton headbands are classic for a reason. Plus, they come in multicolor packs aside from black too.

Scünci Interlock Headwraps | Mane Addicts
(Image Source: Walmart.com)

Goody Ouchless Comfort Headwraps

Another classic multipack, Goody headbands are popular sports headbands. They’re high quality and super affordable. They even have thin stretchy headbands with silicone slip grips.

Goody Ouchless Comfort Headwraps | Mane Addicts
(Image Source: Amazon.com)

Lululemon Fringe Fighter Headband Luxtreme

For the runner or hardcore trainer, this is a must-have headband. Your bangs will stay put and be free of sweat with this reversible headband. You can wear it wide or fold it in half if you like a thinner look.

Lululemon Fringe Fighter Headband Luxtreme | Mane Addicts
(Image Source: Shop.Lululemon.com)

Treadbands All Terrain Tieback

Another great choice for someone who’s active and on the go. The best part about Treadbands is they’re adjustable. You’ll never have to worry about it losing its stretch or fitting too loose.

Treadbands All Terrain Tieback | Mane Addicts
(Image Source: Treadbands.com)

Labelrail x Francesca Perks Wide Flat Headband

This exclusive cloud print tie dye headband is so versatile. On one hand, it looks effortlessly chic and could pair with a casual outfit or you could wear it in a more athleisure setting.

Labelrail x Francesca Perks Wide Flat Headband | Mane Addicts
(Image Source: Asos.com)