While they may prove highly useful as ID laces, lanyards can also serve different uses – all you have to do is alter their designs and attachments. You can customize lanyards for your business, to match them with your event wristbands if you’re hosting a conference, and even for personal use; with a selection of different materials, a wide array of colors, and your personal choice of message or text, you can truly personalize a lanyard for whatever purpose you may want.
Adding a different attachment to the end of the lanyard is essential in the customization of its purpose. Rings are ideal for more permanent items like keys – those that you need to access conveniently, even on short notice. Hooks and clips can be used for removable tools, cards, and badges, among others. You can also attach a breakaway clasp to your lanyard for instances when you need to lend or transfer an item that you usually keep close to you, like a USB flash drive.
You can also shorten a lanyard’s length to suit your purpose. For example, instead of just using it as a necklace, you can instead make it a wrist strap or adjust it to accommodate children wearing the lanyard.
Once you’ve decided on where and how you’ll use them, it’s time to choose the actual materials you’ll be using for your lanyards.
Nylon lanyards are smooth and have a shine to them that helps them stand out. They also have a finer texture, so nylon is the best choice if you want to print multi-colored, highly detailed logos and typography onto your lanyard.
Nylon is also thicker than most materials used for lanyards, which contributes to a lanyard’s durability; this also means that nylon lanyards can be used as straps for heavier loads like a DSLR camera, or use it for your outdoor activities like organizing your camping gear. Finally, its smooth surface reduces the chances of snagging on jagged or sharp edges, again adding to its longer life.
If you want an even longer-lasting lanyard, try woven lanyards. However, since the technique used to create these is similar to embroidery, you’ll sacrifice a bit of detail in your logos and fonts, as complex designs will appear pixelated in this type of lanyard.
On the plus side, since the weaving process makes the cloth thicker, woven lanyards are also tough cookies. Depending on the attachment, you can use woven lanyards to keep big, weighty gear organized and within arms reach. Some examples for woven lanyard usage are camera and cellphone straps, and garage and construction tool holders, like Swiss Knives or Leatherman Pocket Tools.
For those looking for a cheaper alternative that doesn’t scrimp on quality, you can opt for polyester lanyards. They’re lightweight, durable, and comfortable to wear even for longer periods, which is why polyester lanyards are ideal for events, schools, and offices to hold IDs, RFID access cards, and business cards among others. Attach a badge reel to the end to make it even easier to use.
You can also use these lanyards as giveaways for events. They’re easy to produce and very affordable, which means you won’t have to spend too much for a high-quality item to promote your event.
Quality and durability married with cost-efficiency – tubular lanyards are made for those looking for bang-for-your buck items. These are lightweight lanyards that are slightly stretchable as they’re made from loosely stitched polyester thread. They’re ideal for holding lightweight items such as IDs, keys, passports, credit cards, or even keys and USB sticks.
Lanyards are highly adaptable items – just because you’ve been used to seeing them slung around one’s neck as an ID lace means you can’t use them for anything else. Evaluate the event or situation carefully and you’ll most likely see a creative use for the humble lanyard.
