What Type of Custom Lanyard Is Right for My Project?

A lanyard may look simple.

Until you start choosing the material, width, attachment, safety feature, printing method, and what needs to hang from it.

For some events, a basic lanyard and badge holder will do the job. For others, you may need a breakaway clasp, detachable buckle, badge reel, swivel hook, or custom card attached at the bottom.

The right choice depends on who will wear it, where they will use it, and what it needs to hold.

This guide will help you sort through the options.

Why Use Custom Lanyards?

Custom lanyards make identification easier while keeping your name, logo, or message visible throughout the day.

They work well for:

• Conferences

• Trade shows

• Schools and universities

• Employee identification

• Volunteer programs

• Sporting events

• Festivals

• Security teams

• Visitor badges

• Fundraisers

• Community events

Unlike many promotional items, lanyards are usually worn where other people can see them.

That makes them practical and visible at the same time.

Standard Polyester Lanyards

Polyester lanyards are one of the most common choices.

They are durable, affordable, and work well for simple logos and repeated text. The design is usually printed directly onto the surface of the material.

Best For

• Conferences

• Schools

• Employee badges

• Volunteer groups

• Large events

• Everyday identification

Polyester is a dependable option when you need a good balance of price, durability, and visibility.

Smooth Full-Color Lanyards

When your design includes several colors, small details, gradients, or changing artwork, a smooth full-color lanyard may be the better fit.

These lanyards allow the artwork to cover more of the surface and can create a cleaner, more polished appearance.

Best For

• Detailed logos

• Colorful event branding

• Universities

• Special campaigns

• Sponsor recognition

• Commemorative events

They are especially useful when the lanyard needs to match a larger event design rather than simply repeat one logo.

Woven Lanyards

Woven lanyards have the design stitched directly into the material.

This gives them a more textured appearance and helps the logo or wording hold up over repeated use.

Best For

• Employee identification

• Membership programs

• Schools

• Clubs

• Long-term use

• Simple logos and text

Woven lanyards work best with bold artwork. Very small text and detailed graphics may not reproduce as clearly as they would with a printed option.

Tubular Lanyards

Tubular lanyards are made from material that feels similar to a soft shoelace.

They are comfortable, lightweight, and often one of the more economical choices.

Best For

• Large giveaways

• Short-term events

• School programs

• Community events

• Volunteer identification

• Budget-conscious projects

They may not offer the same print detail as a flat lanyard, but they are comfortable and easy to wear.

What Width Should I Choose?

Lanyards come in several widths.

A narrow lanyard can feel light and subtle. A wider lanyard gives your logo and message more room to breathe.

Narrow Lanyards

Good for:

• Simple text

• Small logos

• Lightweight badges

• Lower-cost projects

Wider Lanyards

Good for:

• Larger logos

• More readable text

• Detailed designs

• Stronger visual impact

• Sponsor names

If the artwork feels crowded, moving to a wider lanyard can make a noticeable difference.

What Attachment Do I Need?

The attachment is the piece at the end of the lanyard that holds the badge, keys, card, or other item.

This choice matters more than people expect.

Swivel Hook

A swivel hook is a versatile option that works well with badge holders, punched cards, keys, and event credentials.

It allows the attached item to turn without twisting the lanyard.

Best For

• Name badges

• Event passes

• Keys

• Identification cards

• Volunteer credentials

Lobster-Claw Hook

A lobster-claw hook opens and closes easily and provides a secure hold.

It is useful when the attached item may need to be removed occasionally.

Best For

• Keys

• ID cards

• Small tools

• Access cards

• Reusable badges

Badge Clip

A badge clip attaches directly to a badge or plastic holder.

It keeps the badge facing forward and is a good choice when identification needs to remain easy to read.

Best For

• Employee badges

• School IDs

• Conference credentials

• Visitor passes

Split Ring

A split ring works much like a key ring.

It is simple, secure, and useful when the lanyard will hold keys or an item with a punched hole.

Best For

• Keys

• Membership cards

• Access tags

• Small equipment

Badge Reel

A badge reel lets the wearer extend an access card or ID without removing the lanyard.

This is helpful for people who regularly scan a badge, open doors, or clock in and out.

Best For

• Hospitals

• Offices

• Schools

• Security teams

• Employees with access cards

Do I Need a Breakaway Clasp?

A breakaway clasp opens when the lanyard is pulled with enough force.

It is an important feature for schools, healthcare settings, manufacturing environments, public safety teams, and other situations where safety is a concern.

Consider a Breakaway Lanyard For

• Children

• Teachers

• Healthcare workers

• Factory employees

• Security personnel

• Public-facing staff

• Active events

Some organizations require breakaway lanyards as part of their safety policy.

It is worth checking before placing the order.

What Is a Detachable Buckle?

A detachable buckle allows the lower section of the lanyard to separate from the neck strap.

The wearer can remove the badge, keys, or attached item without taking off the entire lanyard.

Useful For

• Access cards

• Keys

• Equipment

• Security credentials

• Staff who frequently scan badges

This small feature can make a lanyard much easier to use throughout the day.

Do I Need a Badge Holder?

A badge holder protects the printed card or credential and makes it easier to attach to the lanyard.

Badge holders are available in different sizes, materials, and orientations.

Vertical Badge Holders

Best for cards that are taller than they are wide.

Horizontal Badge Holders

Best for cards that are wider than they are tall.

Rigid Holders

Provide more structure and protection.

Flexible Vinyl Holders

Offer a lightweight and economical option for events.

Before choosing a holder, confirm the finished size and orientation of the badge.

A beautiful badge does not help much if it does not fit the holder.

What Should Go on the Lanyard?

The most effective lanyards usually keep the message simple.

Common choices include:

• Company logo

• School or organization name

• Event title

• Sponsor name

• Website

• Short message

• Department name

• Safety instruction

The design repeats around the strap, so long phrases can become hard to read.

A short name or logo usually works best.

One-Sided or Two-Sided Printing?

Some lanyards are printed on one side. Others can carry the design on both sides.

Two-sided printing helps keep the branding visible even when the lanyard twists during use.

That can be helpful at conferences, trade shows, and public events where appearance matters.

For simpler or lower-budget projects, one-sided printing may be enough.

What Color Should I Choose?

The lanyard color should support the artwork rather than compete with it.

Think about:

• Your logo colors

• Contrast

• Readability

• Event branding

• Staff identification

• Whether different colors represent different groups

For example, an event may use one color for staff, another for volunteers, and another for guests.

Color can do more than look good. It can help people quickly understand who is who.

Should the Badge Match the Lanyard?

Usually, yes.

The lanyard, badge, badge holder, and printed materials should feel like one coordinated system.

That does not mean everything must use the exact same color. It means the pieces should look intentional when worn together.

A coordinated set can include:

• Custom lanyard

• Printed name badge

• Event pass

• QR code

• Schedule

• Sponsor logos

• Access level

• Emergency information

The Ann Arbor Police Department example shown here combines a custom lanyard with a printed Game Day help badge and QR code.

That gives the piece more purpose than identification alone.

How Many Should I Order?

Start with the number of people who will receive one.

Then add extras.

Extras may be needed for:

• Late registrations

• New employees

• Lost lanyards

• Replacement badges

• Volunteers

• Speakers

• Vendors

• Sponsors

• Last-minute guests

For events, ordering a small overage is usually less expensive than producing a second small order later.

Which Lanyard Is Right for You?

Choose based on the setting, artwork, attachment, and how long it will be used.

If you need:

• A dependable all-purpose option: Polyester lanyard

• Detailed or colorful artwork: Full-color lanyard

• A stitched, long-lasting look: Woven lanyard

• A comfortable lower-cost option: Tubular lanyard

• Easy badge scanning: Badge reel or detachable buckle

• Added safety: Breakaway clasp

• Keys or access tags: Swivel hook, lobster clip, or split ring

• A complete event credential: Lanyard, badge holder, and printed badge

Still not sure?

That is normal. There are a surprising number of small decisions hiding inside one simple lanyard.

Need Custom Lanyards?

Dollar Bill Printing can help you choose the material, width, attachment, safety features, badge size, and printing method that fit your project.

We can also help coordinate the full package, including lanyards, name badges, event passes, QR codes, badge holders, programs, signs, and other event materials.

Tell us who will wear them, what they need to hold, and where they will be used.

We will help you narrow down the options before you order.

Fast. Flexible. Affordable. Printing Done Right.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Most Common Type of Custom Lanyard?

Polyester lanyards are one of the most common options because they are durable, affordable, and work well for many events, schools, businesses, and organizations.

What Is the Safest Type of Lanyard?

A breakaway lanyard is often the safest choice because the clasp releases when the lanyard is pulled. Requirements may vary by workplace or organization.

What Attachment Is Best for an ID Badge?

A badge clip or swivel hook works well for most identification cards. A badge reel is useful when the card must be scanned frequently.

Can Lanyards Be Printed in Full Color?

Yes. Some lanyard styles allow full-color artwork, gradients, detailed logos, and designs that cover much of the strap.

Can Dollar Bill Printing Make the Badges Too?

Yes. Dollar Bill Printing can help coordinate custom lanyards with printed name badges, event passes, badge holders, QR codes, and other event materials.