When it comes to controversial trends, neon colour shades usually top the list. They are too bold to wear every day and too bright to pass unnoticed. Neon first came into fashion in the 1980s along with the development of technologies in dyeing fabrics: the latest developments in that era allowed to experiment with the most unusual hues, including glowing neon. In the 1980s, fluorescent colours were trendy in sportswear, and the typical aerobics instructor felt obliged to put on something acid yellow or bright pink.

In 2020, neon in all its diversity became a fashion trend, and 2021 isn’t any different. We’ve noticed that garishly bright shades only continued to gain traction this year, with some of our most die-hard all-black-wearing editors finally warming up to the highlighter hues. With London Fashion Week coming up in a few weeks, we don’t doubt that neon will be illuminating the runways.

Neon is a form of self-expression, and it demands attention. Neon colours are visible in many clothing lines, including athleisure, formal attire, jewellery and accessories. The future, it seems, is bright and colourful. According to Fashion United UK, consumers are hungry for products and experiences that bring extravagance to everyday life and are moving away from the neutrals that comforted them through global lockdowns. Neons are unambiguous brights that feed into themes of unapologetic exhilaration and radical self-expression.

Not only is neon still relevant on the fashion front, but celebrities are turning the wattage up. Ashley Graham, Hailey Bieber, Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Bella Hadid have all worn electrifying neon outfits, solidifying that this trend is a thing.

For retailers, incorporating neon into your packaging can be a bold and great way to stay on top of this colour trend. Neon colour boxes could be overwhelming if your existing packaging is more neutral than daring, and you may not want to invest in a whole new packaging range. If you agree, then we recommended accessorising your existing boxes with accessories. Our customers love our wide range of fabulous grosgrain ribbons available in over 110 colours, designed to fit our extensive and unique range of slot gift boxes with changeable ribbons. These ribbons are ideal for adding a colour accent to match your brand or product colours. Also great to complement a custom printed logo on the lid of the box.

We have a range ofbright and vibrant colours that will work well to achieve the neon effect. You can also use two ribbons to create a double impact. Neon yellow and pink? Yes, please! Our personal favourites are:

• Pineapple - ​​Taking colour inspiration from the bright, vibrant and zesty Pantone colour Meadowlark.
• Jasmine Green - A fresh, bright, zesty Spring green.
• Tropic - A fresh, tropical, vibrant and pretty aqua. 
• Candy Pink - A bright, hot and vibrant 'Barbie' pink to add fun and femininity.

Love it or hate it, but neons are here to stay, and the colours are definitely turning heads. Why not incorporate it into your packaging today? Shop ourbright and vibrant ribbon colours online today.

Nicole Hines