Y2K Cases

The early-2000s look, back again

Y2K is the look of the years around 2000: glossy finishes, colours that shift in the light, see-through jelly plastics, bold graphic prints and a playful, slightly retro feel. Fashion writers began reporting its return from 2021, and phone cases and charms became one of the easiest ways to wear it. A Y2K case suits anyone who likes a phone that looks fun rather than serious, and it is an easy way to try the look without changing anything else you wear or carry.

What the Y2K cases here are like

The Y2K cases here today include a glossy case with a laser aurora finish, whose colour shifts as it moves, in several colours, with air cushions built into all four corners to soften drops; and a soft, clear jelly case printed with a retro red cross design. They are made for iPhones across a wide spread of models, and each lists the models it fits, so choose yours from the list on the product page.

How to choose a Y2K case

• Jelly or gloss. A jelly case is soft, flexible and see-through, easy to fit and remove, and its print sits over the phone's own colour. A glossy aurora case is firmer and shows off the colour shift.
• Protection. Corner air cushions take the force of a drop where phones most often land. For more, see tough and shockproof cases.
• Clear plastic and time. Clear jelly cases yellow with sunlight and heat, and the yellow does not wash out. Keeping the phone out of hot cars and direct sun slows it.
• The full look. A Y2K case is often worn with a charm: beads, smiley faces, butterflies and stars. See Y2K phone charms and beaded phone charms.

Questions people ask about Y2K cases

What does Y2K mean?

It stands for "year 2000". As a style, it means the bright, glossy, playful fashion of the late 1990s and early 2000s: shimmering colours, see-through plastics, hearts, stars, butterflies and smiley faces.

Can I charge wirelessly through a Y2K case?

Slim jelly cases usually charge without trouble. Apple says a thick or metal case can stop or slow wireless charging, so if charging is slow, take the case off.

How do I keep a jelly case clean?

Take the phone out and wipe the case inside and out with a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. Apple's cleaning advice warns against household cleaners, solvents and abrasive cloths.

Where is the rest of the look?

Y2K style gathers cases, charms and straps in it, and cute cases and glitter cases sit well beside it.

More to look at

• Y2K phone charms
• Y2K style
• Cute cases
• Glitter cases
• Printed and pattern cases
• Guide: Phone charms and straps: the complete guide
• Guide: How to choose a phone case: the UK buying guide