Skip to content
One of the first things you'll need to think about when you're choosing a lanyard is the material and there’s more to choose from than you might realise. In this blog, we'll look at the five most popular lanyard materials and introduce you to some surprising new entrants to the personalised lanyards' market that are predicted to be big in 2022.
- Polyester lanyards
Polyester is our most popular lanyard material and that trend looks set to continue this year. It’s cost-effective, durable, and when it comes to personalising it with your own design, you can choose from two different print methods.
- Screen-printed lanyards have a flat, ribbed feel to them and a matte finish.
- Dye sublimation is a type of heat transfer and has a smoother, silkier finish.
If you want to print on both sides of your lanyard, we recommend choosing dye sublimated lanyards. Capable of producing picture-quality detail in full colour, this type of print method is suitable for complex designs.
Polyester lanyards at a glance
- Cost-effective
- Pantone-matching available
- Durable
- Compatible with all fittings
- Comfortable to wear
- Washable
- Flat weave nylon
This material has a smooth ribbed appearance that feels silky, and if you choose to have it personalised, you can expect your logo to have a glossy finish. We recommend using spot-colour printing for really vibrant colours that help you stand out from the crowd.
These lanyards don't just look impressive, they're also strong. Nylon is washable, durable, and has a long shelf-life – this a material that justifies its price tag.
Flat weave nylon at a glace
- Smooth, glossy finish
- Durable and washable
- Can be printed on both sides
- Pantone matching available
- Ideal for spot-colour printing
- Compatible with a range of fittings
- Eco-friendly materials
Our collective impact on the environment is a concern for clients and their end users, which is why eco-friendly materials are expected to be big in 2022.
And because you choose to prioritise protecting the planet, doesn't mean you have to compromise on functionality or style. At Only Lanyards, you can choose from:
- recycled PET made from recycled plastic bottles
- bamboo fibre personalised lanyards (UK)
PET feels and looks similar to flat weave polyester, whereas bamboo is softer. Both can be pantone-matched and screen-printed with your logo/design.
Eco-friendly materials at a glance
- Made from eco-friendly materials
- Washable
- Durable
- Compatible with a range of fittings
- Pantone matching available
- Tubular lanyards
Tubular lanyards offer something a bit different to really help you cut through the noise.
They're made from a loose-stitched polyester that is formed into a tube, a bit like a shoelace or a boot lace. Tubular lanyards have a stretchy feel to them that other lanyard materials don't have, and because the material is thick, they are also strong.
There are no edges to a tubular lanyard, so they don't rub or aggravate the skin. This makes them comfortable to wear – ideal if they're intended to be worn all day.
This type of material is best suited to bold logos, and we recommend using a one-colour print to get the most out of your design. Tubular lanyards are not suitable for all types of logos, so if we think there's a material better suited to your branding, we'll let you know.
Tubular lanyards at a glance
- Stretchy material
- Suitable for bold logos and text
- Robust and durable
- Pantone matching available
- Comfortable to wear
- Compatible with a range of fittings
- Woven lanyards
Woven lanyards are perhaps the most hard-wearing of all lanyard materials. Rather than being dyed or printed, your logo/design is permanently embroidered into the fabric, so it's guaranteed not to rub off or fade over time – even after it has been washed!
This type of custom lanyard (UK) looks and feels more up-market than most other materials, and you can expect its superior finish to elevate the look of your logo.
With a woven lanyard, you are restricted to a two-colour logo with a single-colour background. To maintain its definition, we recommend using only one side of the lanyard and opting for a blank backing to hide the stitching on the reverse side.
Woven lanyards at a glance
- Superior look and feel
- Washable
- Guaranteed not to fade
- Compatible with a variety of fittings
- Strong and hard-wearing
- Can be pantone matched
What's new in personalised lanyards?
This year, designer lanyards are expected to be big, and when it comes to choosing a material, you have plenty of options. Just some of the materials we provide include:
- glitter lanyards
- hi-vis reflective lanyards
- multi-colour cord
- frayed denim
- rhinestone-studded lanyards
- soft PVC
- glow-in-the-dark lanyards
If you want to reflect the fun-side of your brand's personality or you're organising an event that calls for something a bit different, then these custom lanyards (UK) are ideal.
You can also choose from specialist clips and attachments to suit your end user. From wine glass holders, to hand sanitiser and lip balm, we can supply a range of products.
How to order lanyard samples
To help you decide between the different lanyard materials, we can send you samples of some of the things we've produced for other customers. We can't supply them with your logo on, but we can send you an electronic proof so you can see exactly what your lanyard would look like with your design printed on it.
To order your free samples, send us a message using our web enquiry form or call our friendly team. We don't expect you to be an expect in choosing the right material for your lanyard, which is why we have industry experts on-hand to help.
The bottom line on material trends
There is a lanyard material to suit every purpose and budget – whether you want something cost-effective, impressive-looking, or comfortable to wear.
We offer an extensive range of personalised lanyards in different materials, and what we don't already stock, we can source for you. We're ready and waiting to help you choose a winning lanyard for your business.