Every scrunchie in the range, from plain to eye-catching

Prints and patterns worth knowing

Most of the range is decided by its print rather than by its shape. Polka dots read as neat and slightly retro; checks and plaid feel sturdier and sit well with denim; florals soften a plain top; leopard is the one print that behaves like a neutral once you own something else in brown or black. Stripes stay quiet enough for work, and lace with embroidered flowers is the dressiest of the lot.

Prints found across the scrunchie range
Polka dotEven spots, usually black and white, navy and white or red and white
Check and plaidSquared patterns in green, or red with beige
FloralScattered flowers, from small vintage prints to bolder bohemian ones
LeopardSpotted animal print in black and beige
StripeRegular navy and white or blue and white lines
LaceOpenwork or embroidered flowers, in white or sky blue
PlainSingle colours, sold singly or in coordinated sets

Plain scrunchies, the safe bet on a rushed morning

Plain models earn their place precisely because they ask nothing of the rest of the outfit. Mustard, burgundy, taupe and old pink warm up a cream jumper; grey and black disappear entirely behind dark hair. If you only keep a few, keep these.

How much hold do you actually need?

Hold comes from the elastic, not from the fabric wrapped around it. A well-covered elastic holds a bun through a working day; a wide decorative one is happier on a loose ponytail you retie now and then. Fine hair slips out of the bulkiest models, so a medium ring is the sensible choice. Thick hair, on the other hand, is exactly what curly and plush versions were made for.

When the job is to pin a single section rather than gather everything, the pearl-trimmed clips in our decorative range do it more cleanly.

Scarf scrunchies and the two loose ends

Scarf models are cut from a soft strip that ties above the elastic and leaves two ends hanging. Pull them tight and you get a bow; leave them slack and the ends move as you walk. They suit a low ponytail better than a high one, where the ends tend to fall across the face.

Novelty scrunchies and who they suit

Plush cat ears, a rabbit, a teddy bear: these are made to be noticed, and they are the ones children reach for first. The grown-up end of the range is the rigid bow and the faceted disco ball, both of which catch the light without turning the whole look into a costume. Wear one on its own and leave the busy earrings out.

For days when nothing should be tied at all, a fabric or flower headband covers the same need from the front.

Keeping the fabric and the elastic in shape

Hand wash in lukewarm water with a mild soap, then dry flat and out of direct sun so that strong colours such as red and mustard keep their depth. Anything with a plush or beaded trim should not be soaked; wipe the fabric part only. Store them flat rather than stretched over a door handle, which is what tires an elastic fastest.