Types of Lanyards Explained: Styles, Safety, and More
Types of Lanyards Explained: Styles, Safety, and More
If you've ever searched for a lanyard, you've probably realised there are more types than you'd expect. Whether you're looking for something practical, professional, or personalised, knowing the different types of lanyards can help you choose the right one for your needs.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common types of lanyards, compare retractable vs traditional designs, and answer frequently asked questions like “What is a VIP lanyard?” and “What is the best type of lanyard?”
Retractable vs Traditional Lanyards
One of the most common questions is whether to go for a retractable lanyard or a standard clip lanyard.
Traditional lanyards are usually made of polyester or nylon and worn around the neck. They’re great for holding ID badges, keys, and access cards. They’re simple, cost-effective, and widely used in schools, offices, and events.
Retractable lanyards, on the other hand, include a retractable badge reel that allows the attached item, like an ID card or key, to extend and retract with ease. These are especially handy if you need to scan or tap your badge multiple times a day.
So, if you're constantly swiping in and out of secured doors or tapping access points, a retractable lanyard might be more convenient.
What Are the Two Types of Lanyards?
Generally speaking, lanyards fall into two broad categories:
- Stadard lanyards: These are the most popular and come in a range of styles. You can get them flat, round, woven, printed, and even personalised with a logo.
- Retractable lanyards: As mentioned above, these come with a built-in badge reel or clip and are ideal for jobs that require quick access to IDs or tools.
Depending on the context, some people also consider wrist lanyards and belt clip lanyards as additional types, often used for keys, tools, or access cards in more active environments.
What Is a Retractable Lanyard?
A retractable lanyard is designed with a reel mechanism that allows the attached item, such as a badge, key, or card, to extend outward and return automatically. This makes it practical for people in fast-paced environments like hospitals, offices, warehouses, or security roles.
Retractable lanyards are sometimes referred to as badge reels or self-retracting lanyards, and they’re often paired with a belt clip or neck strap for extra flexibility
What Is the Difference Between a Retractable Lanyard and a Lanyard?
The key difference is in functionality:
- A standard lanyard is simply a strap that holds an item around your neck.
- A retractable lanyard has a reel mechanism built in, allowing the attached item to extend and retract easily.
Both serve the same basic purpose—carrying small items like ID cards or keys—but retractable lanyards offer added ease of access, especially for people on the move.
What Is the Lifespan of a Self-Retracting Lanyard?
The lifespan of a self-retracting lanyard depends on the quality of the reel and how frequently it's used. High-quality retractable lanyards can last for thousands of pulls—often months or even years—if used properly. Cheaper versions might wear out more quickly, especially if they’re used constantly or under heavy loads.
If you're purchasing for workplace use, especially in healthcare or security, it’s worth investing in a more durable option.
What Is a VIP Lanyard?
A VIP lanyard is typically used at events, festivals, concerts, or conferences to identify guests with special access. These lanyards often come in eye-catching colours or printed designs and may include a lanyard with a card holder to display credentials like "VIP", "Press", or "Backstage Access".
They’re both functional and part of the event experience, often designed to match branding or provide a memorable takeaway for guests.
What Is the Best Type of Lanyard?
The best lanyard depends entirely on your needs:
- For ID cards in an office or school: Go with a neck lanyard with card holder.
- For high-activity jobs like nurses or security staff: Choose a retractable lanyard with a badge reel.
- For events and branding: Use a custom lanyard or printed lanyard with your logo.
- For accessibility and inclusion: Consider coloured lanyards like the sunflower lanyard or rainbow lanyard, depending on the message or purpose.
Comfort, durability, and convenience should all be factored in when deciding.
Whether you're attending a festival, managing an office, or working in a busy hospital, there’s a lanyard that fits your exact need. Understanding the different types of lanyards. From traditional to retractable, standard to VIP, we will help you choose the best solution for your everyday use.
And if you're buying for a team or event, don’t forget that custom lanyards and personalised lanyards with logos are a great way to blend practicality with branding.
For advice or to enquire, call us on 0333 7000 123, or contact our friendly team of experts here!