2 min readfrom The Zoe Report

Hailey Bieber Wore A Zig-Zag Headband To The World Cup Final

Our take

Hailey Bieber continues to redefine modern style, and her latest look is sparking conversation. The Rhode founder recently shared a glimpse of her pre-World Cup Final ensemble, featuring a distinctly polarizing accessory: the zig-zag headband, often referred to as a comb headband. Embracing a playful yet effortlessly chic aesthetic, Bieber’s choice adds a touch of unexpected cool to an already elevated look. For more on Hailey’s penchant for unexpected evening wear, see our piece on her lingerie-inspired Dior dress and flip-flops.
Hailey Bieber Wore A Zig-Zag Headband To The World Cup Final

The resurgence of the zig-zag headband, as exemplified by Hailey Bieber’s recent appearance at the World Cup final, speaks volumes about the evolving landscape of accessible, yet undeniably chic, styling trends. It’s a surprisingly potent symbol of the moment – a playful nod to Y2K aesthetics filtered through a modern, effortless lens. While the accessory itself has been historically divisive, Bieber’s adoption of it signals a broader shift towards embracing playful experimentation, even within high-profile circles. This aligns with the relaxed, confident energy we’ve been seeing across fashion, particularly as exemplified by Bieber’s recent embrace of unexpected pairings like her lingerie-inspired Dior dress worn with flip-flops Forget Fancy Shoes—Hailey Bieber's Lingerie-Inspired Dior Dress Looks Even Better With Flip-Flops. The trend isn't about striving for perfection, but rather about a quiet assurance in personal style, a feeling that informs much of the current zeitgeist. The World Cup itself, with its global viewership and celebration of athleticism and culture, amplifies this effect, allowing for a fusion of casual and elevated aesthetics.

It’s also important to view this through the lens of “The Summer of Soccer,” a phenomenon that has permeated culture beyond just the sporting arena. The influx of global styles and influences, combined with the increased visibility of celebrities attending these events, is accelerating the adoption of trends that might otherwise remain niche. The ease with which Bieber incorporates the zig-zag headband into her look—paired with a sophisticated ensemble—reinforces the idea that even polarizing accessories can be elevated with confidence and a thoughtful approach. Consider, too, her choice of a barely-there slip dress at a recent after-party ICYMI: Hailey Bieber Just Wore a Barely-There Slip Dress to the World Cup After-Party – a testament to her ability to effortlessly blend minimalism with a touch of daring. This isn't about following fleeting trends for the sake of it, but rather about integrating elements that resonate with a personal aesthetic, and expressing oneself authentically. The recent surge in festival-inspired packing lists I’m Going to Lollapalooza for the First Time—These 20 Items Are Already Packed further highlights the desire for adaptable and expressive wardrobes.

Beyond the immediate trend, the zig-zag headband’s revival speaks to a broader desire for nostalgia, but not in a purely retro fashion. It’s a reimagining of past aesthetics through a modern lens, stripped of any overt kitsch. The accessory’s simplicity acts as a canvas, allowing the wearer’s personal style to shine through. The quiet confidence it projects is particularly compelling; it’s not a statement piece clamoring for attention, but rather a subtle detail that elevates an outfit without shouting. This aligns perfectly with the broader shift towards ‘calm luxury’ - a trend that favors understated elegance and timeless appeal over ostentatious displays of wealth. The headband becomes a symbol of this sensibility – a small, considered detail that speaks volumes about the wearer’s discerning taste.

Looking ahead, it will be interesting to observe how this seemingly minor trend influences the wider fashion landscape. Will we see further exploration of Y2K-inspired accessories, reinterpreted for a modern audience? Or will the zig-zag headband fade into the background, having served its purpose as a fleeting moment of playful experimentation? More importantly, how will the continued convergence of sport, celebrity culture, and fashion shape the trends we embrace in the coming seasons? The key, it seems, lies in embracing a sense of playful experimentation, while remaining grounded in a quiet confidence and an intentional approach to personal style – a philosophy that resonates deeply with the current cultural moment.

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This has been the Summer of Soccer. While “The Beautiful Game” has long dominated the global stage, in the U.S., the sport reached new heights in 2026, thanks almost entirely to North America’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup. And beauty and style were not immune to the football fever. Cool girls spent the season coming up with new ways to style jerseys, athletic shorts, and, in the case of one very popular style icon — Hailey Bieber — sporty hair accessories. Specifically: The love-it-or-hate-it zig-zag headband that was the ultimate “classroom to practice” accessory of the Y2K era.

Ahead of the FIFA World Cup Final, the Rhode founder shared a snap of herself wearing the polarizing accessory (also known as a comb headband) on her Instagram Stories. With glowy skin and the lengths of her strands piled into a messy bun, Bieber took an “early 2000s youth soccer practice, but make it glam” approach to her game-day beauty.

As many a millennial can attest, the stretchy headband was all the rage in the hallways and on the athletic fields of middle and high schools in the late '90s and early aughts. While its actual comfort was hotly debated (I personally vote “not”), that didn’t keep it from becoming one of the hottest looks of its time. Among its highest-profile outings: Holding back Keira Knightley’s bob in the 2002 classic Bend It Like Beckham.

@haileybieber

After the game, Mr. and Mrs. Bieber made their way to his post-World Cup after-party, where she served up another fun beauty moment: A sky-blue manicure with matching pedi, a pretty and unexpected match for her lacy, wine-red slip dress and back-thong heels. Sporty by day, club chic by night? How very Jules Paxton.

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