If you've been tasked with purchasing lanyards for your workplace, event, or organisation, you might be surprised by the number of options available. What seems like a simple product—a strap that holds an ID badge—actually comes in dozens of variations with different materials, attachment types, widths, and features. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed choice.
What Exactly Is a Lanyard?
Let's start with the basics. A lanyard is a cord, strap, or fabric worn around the neck, wrist, or shoulder to carry items like identification badges, keys, or small tools. The term comes from the French word "lanière," meaning strap or thong. While lanyards have been used for centuries in maritime and military contexts, their widespread adoption in workplaces is a relatively recent phenomenon driven by increased security requirements and identification needs.
Modern lanyards typically consist of three main components: the strap itself (worn around the neck), the attachment mechanism (connecting to whatever you're carrying), and often a safety breakaway feature (for emergency release). Understanding each component helps you select the right lanyard for your specific needs.
Lanyard Materials: Understanding Your Options
The material of your lanyard affects its durability, comfort, appearance, and price. Here are the most common options you'll encounter:
Polyester
Polyester is the most popular lanyard material for good reason. It's affordable, durable, and provides excellent print quality for custom branding. Polyester lanyards resist fading and can handle regular washing. They're available in both flat and tubular constructions. If you're on a budget or ordering in bulk, polyester is usually the smart choice.
Nylon
Nylon lanyards have a slightly silkier feel than polyester and are often perceived as more premium. They're extremely strong and abrasion-resistant, making them ideal for demanding environments. Nylon is also naturally water-resistant. The downside is higher cost and slightly lower print quality compared to polyester.
Polyester vs Nylon: Quick Comparison
For most workplace applications, polyester offers the best balance of quality and value. Choose nylon if you need extra durability for industrial environments or prefer a more premium feel for executive-level staff.
Tubular Polyester
Tubular lanyards have a hollow, round construction that many people find more comfortable than flat alternatives. The tubular design distributes weight more evenly around the neck and doesn't twist as readily as flat lanyards. They're a popular choice for all-day wear.
Cotton
Cotton lanyards offer a natural, soft feel and are suitable for those with sensitivity to synthetic materials. They're also a renewable resource, appealing to environmentally conscious organisations. However, cotton is less durable than synthetics, can shrink when washed, and may fade over time.
Eco-Friendly Options
Growing environmental awareness has driven the development of sustainable lanyard materials. Recycled PET lanyards are made from recycled plastic bottles, offering similar performance to standard polyester with lower environmental impact. Bamboo fibre lanyards provide a renewable alternative with unique aesthetics. Cork lanyards offer another eco-friendly option with distinctive appearance.
Understanding Lanyard Widths
Lanyards come in various widths, typically measured in millimetres or fractions of an inch. The most common widths are:
- 10mm (3/8"): Narrow and lightweight, suitable for light items like single keys or USB drives
- 15mm (5/8"): Standard width, good balance of comfort and practicality for ID badges
- 20mm (3/4"): Medium width, provides more space for printing and better weight distribution
- 25mm (1"): Wide format, maximum branding space, ideal for promotional use
For everyday ID badge use, 15-20mm widths are most popular. Wider lanyards are often chosen when brand visibility is a priority, while narrower options suit applications where the lanyard should be less conspicuous.
Attachment Types Explained
The attachment at the end of your lanyard determines what you can carry and how it connects. Here are the main options:
Swivel Hook
The most common attachment type. A metal hook with a swivel joint that prevents the lanyard from twisting. Available in various sizes to accommodate different badge holes or clip sizes. Choose larger hooks for durability in demanding environments.
Bulldog Clip
A spring-loaded clip (like a clothespin) that grips directly onto cards, badges, or fabric. Bulldog clips provide a secure hold and can accommodate thicker cards or multiple items. However, repeated use may eventually bend or damage the clip.
Key Takeaway
Match your attachment type to what you're carrying. Swivel hooks work with slotted badges, bulldog clips grip solid cards, and badge reels are ideal for frequent scanning applications.
Badge Reel (Retractable)
A retractable cord attached to the lanyard allows you to extend your badge for scanning or swiping without removing the lanyard. Badge reels are essential for workers who frequently scan access cards. They typically extend 60-90cm and automatically retract when released.
Card Holder
Some lanyards include a built-in rigid or vinyl card holder that protects and displays ID cards. This is convenient for environments where badge visibility is important, though it limits flexibility if you change badges frequently.
Split Ring
A simple metal ring (like a key ring) attached to the lanyard. Ideal for carrying keys or items with their own attachment mechanisms. Less common for ID badge applications.
Cell Phone Loop
A small loop designed to attach to mobile phone cases or devices. Useful for keeping phones accessible at events or in specific work applications.
Safety Features You Should Know About
Safety features can be critical depending on your work environment. Don't overlook these important options:
Breakaway Clasp
The most important safety feature. Breakaway clasps release under pressure (typically 2.5-4kg of force), preventing strangulation if the lanyard gets caught. Required in many Australian workplaces, including healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Available as single (at back of neck) or double (neck and near badge) configurations.
Safety First
If your workplace involves machinery, patient care, working with children, or any environment where entanglement is possible, breakaway lanyards are not optional—they're essential. Check with your WHS officer about specific requirements.
Reflective Material
For outdoor workers, particularly those in construction, roadwork, or security, reflective lanyards increase visibility in low-light conditions. Some lanyards feature reflective strips woven into the material, while others use high-visibility colours.
Antimicrobial Treatment
Healthcare facilities and food service environments may benefit from lanyards treated with antimicrobial agents. These treatments help inhibit bacterial growth on the lanyard surface, supporting infection control protocols.
Choosing Lanyards for Specific Purposes
Different environments have different requirements. Here's a quick guide to matching lanyards with common use cases:
Corporate Office
Focus on professional appearance and comfort for all-day wear. A 15-20mm polyester or nylon lanyard with a swivel hook and single breakaway is the standard choice. Consider company colours or custom printing for brand consistency.
Events and Conferences
Visibility and branding are priorities. Wider lanyards (20-25mm) with vibrant colours and large print areas work well. Durability is less critical than appearance. Consider including name badge holders for easier networking.
Healthcare
Safety, hygiene, and quick release are paramount. Choose antimicrobial materials with reliable breakaway mechanisms. Retractable badge reels are useful for frequent access card scanning. Consider colour-coding for different departments or roles.
Education
Breakaway features are mandatory for staff working with children. Choose durable materials that withstand daily wear. Bright colours can help identify staff, while different colours might distinguish teachers from visitors.
Industrial/Construction
Durability and visibility are key. High-visibility colours and reflective materials improve safety. Heavy-duty hardware resists the demands of physical work. Dual breakaway systems provide maximum protection.
Ordering Considerations
When you're ready to purchase, keep these factors in mind:
- Quantity: Bulk orders typically offer significant per-unit savings. Order extras for new employees, replacements, and visitors.
- Lead time: Custom printed lanyards may require several weeks for production. Plain lanyards are usually available for faster delivery.
- Samples: For large orders, request samples to verify colour, quality, and comfort before committing.
- Consistency: If you're reordering, keep records of specifications to ensure consistency across batches.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lanyard comes down to understanding your specific needs and matching them with the available options. Consider your environment, safety requirements, branding goals, and budget. A few minutes of research upfront can save significant frustration and expense later.
For most Australian workplaces, a 15-20mm polyester lanyard with a breakaway clasp and swivel hook provides an excellent balance of safety, functionality, and value. From there, you can customise based on your specific requirements—whether that's adding retractable reels for access control, upgrading to nylon for durability, or incorporating custom branding for professional appearance.