Martina Appendino Writing

A very non-demure article on scrunchies, complete with styling tips and imagery.

Noun

Scrunchie (plural scrunchies)

1. A small elasticated ring of fabric placed around long hair to hold it in place behind the head.

Scrunchies have been taking London by storm. You can spot them on stylish girls, inside yoga studios, and along the platforms of the District Line: for every scrunchie buried in the depths of a bathroom drawer, two have been lost, never to be seen again.

Saying that an outfit isn’t complete without a scrunchie might sound like a cliché, but for my friend Char, a fashion photographer based in London (@photogsbychar), it’s a daily motto.

As you read through this article, you’ll find some of the rules she follows when selecting her pieces. How can you tell if a scrunchie is well-made? What are her favourite brands? (Just one, actually—Good Squish.)

Francesca, a stylist originally from Sydney (@francescawardd), joins the conversation to comment on a curated selection of pieces, considering colours, shapes, and how they come together.

If you want to craft a look that truly reflects your personality and taste, I recommend checking out platforms like Etsy and eBay, and exploring independent businesses. Countless small brands across Europe take custom orders and work with recycled materials. One of them is Birubutique, a small business based in Italy that accepts custom commissions—look at this waterproof scrunchie!

Char: “I wear a scrunchie every time I have my hair up; I’ve loved wearing them since I was little, I used to match them to my school uniform.

Matching your scrunchie perfectly to your outfit is just as fun in adulthood. Many stores—mainly big chains—already offer ready-made sets for a coordinated look. However, to avoid overly predictable pairings, a great alternative is to repurpose fabric scraps from home or buy some to create your own. YouTube is full of DIY tutorials to guide you through the process.

And why not make it a fun hangout with friends? A creative twist on the candle-painting trend that was all over social media for a while!

Char: “A quality scrunchie is sturdy and holds its shape. Scrunchies that have multiple layers to me scream good quality. I like a dramatic scrunchie, therefore, if one looks thin, it equals bad quality to me.”

Francesca: Above is a very pretty and soft example. I see this with thinner hair in ponytails!

Stacking scrunchies is a great solution for layering and adding dimensionality to thinner hair. For those who are budget-conscious, some profiles on Vinted or Depop occasionally sell in a bundle.

Char: “I only really buy Good Squish.. The sustainability factor is important, and since scrunchies require little fabric, many brands use leftover materials. Plus, I often shop through second-hand platforms like Vinted or Depop.”

In the higher price range, Hobul is a fantastic brand that creates scrunchies using high-quality fabric scraps.

When investing in products that fall into a higher price range than our budget usually allows, it’s important to take care of them to prevent wear and loss. Char shared with me her go-to method for keeping her favorite pieces organized.

A simple kitchen roll holder—something you can find at your next second-hand yard sale. Genius.

Francesca: Above is an easy one to find on the market. The contrast of the gingham to the overlocking stitch is great. Can work with thin and thick hair

Francesca: This is a classic. Can be added in to anyone’s hair to add a bit of colour. This mix of textures and pastel tones is very fun.

The Flower Scrunchie. A great inspo image to show to a tailor, or to replicate at home.

Francesca: I see this more as an art piece, used in photo shoots and on the red carpet.

The scrunchie is the perfect accessory, combining creativity and functionality. Its soft, voluminous shape makes it endlessly versatile—almost like a mini garment we wear daily, ready to be sewn and reinvented with our own hands.

Volume and color are the secret to a standout look. With the warmer, sunnier season ahead, I encourage you to explore second-hand marketplaces for vibrant, spring-ready finds!