All You Need to Know about Ribbons and Bows
We’ve all heard the saying “don’t judge a book by its cover,” but everyone is guilty of doing just that at some point or another. The aesthetic appeal of packaged goods is important from a retail perspective since products need to be appealing to customers. It’s true that custom embellishments like ribbons and bows can enhance the aesthetic appeal and give an added flair to certain products, but have you ever thought of why? Why are packages accessorized with a ribbon or bow deemed more luxurious than those without? Keep on reading to find out about the history of ribbons and bows, and how these retail packaging supplies can help your business!
The History of Ribbons and Bows
The use of ribbons to embellish packaging dates back to as early as the Neolithic period, when people wove narrow strips of cloth on small portable looms. While the historical purpose of ribbons was mainly functional, archaeologists have found some evidence to support the idea that the bands were used for decorative purposes as well. Not limited to just accessorizing packages, ribbons and bows rose to popularity and eventually became a versatile fashion accessory for men and women in the Victorian era. From bow ties to hair bows, and even jewellery, bows continued to become more and more prevalent.
How to Use Ribbon & Bows in Your Packaging
Bows and ribbons can be used to decorate a variety of items from intimates, jewellery, hair accessories, apparel, and even gift packaging. In packaging, ribbons and bows can either be used purely for their aesthetic value, or they can be used for functional purposes as well. Depending on your packaging, ribbons or bows can be used to bind parts of it together, or to simply embellish it for an added flair. Using ribbons as part of the packaging adds a personal touch to the product and gives the impression that the brands took extra care into designing their packaging. Not only does packaging with ribbons look more luxurious, but some research shows that consumers are willing to spend more on a product if the packaging appeals to them.
Materials Used for Ribbons & Bows
Ribbons and bows can be made in any colour from a variety of materials, making them extremely versatile accessories. Ribbons can be made from lace, satin, grosgrain, velvet, or taffeta, as well as in tartan, gingham patterns. Wholesale ribbons and bows are also available in sheer or metallic finishes. Because of the variety of fabrics, patterns, and finishes that bows are available in, you can find a variety of ribbons to suit your packaging. Depends on the brand and the message the brand wants to convey, companies may choose one fabric or finish over another.
Industries That Use Ribbons & Bows
Ribbons and bows are very popular in the fashion industry as well as with custom retail packaging. The garment industry uses bows to accessorize hair pieces, jewellery and to add detail to clothing pieces. Ribbons and bows are also often used to decorate the packaging of retail items like liquor packaging, cosmetics bags, watches and intimates, among others. Ribbons are also quite popular with gourmet food products, such as chocolates and treats.
Trends in Ribbon & Bows
Ribbons and bows have always been a clothing trend, but this year we’ve been seeing them more than ever. Oversized ribbons and bows were a huge trend on the 2017 bridal runway. Many designers opted to embellish their gowns with a not-so-discreet detail by adding a sizable bow to the back or side of their bridal dresses. Bows have also become trendy in off-the-runway fashion with the rise in popularity of music festival style, which promotes such accessories. The use of ribbons and bows in packaging is timeless and it is one of those trends that never quite goes our of style.
The Unique Group provides labelling and packaging solutions to various businesses around the world. Offering a wide assortment of labelling and packaging options from hangtags to wholesale bows for packaging, we use the latest technologies to produce high-quality products. Contact us today to find the perfect solution for your business.