A polyester lanyard is the workhorse of event credentialing: a smooth or woven polyester strap that holds a badge, clips to a holder, and takes printing cleanly. It is the most common lanyard material because it balances cost, durability, and print quality, whether you order it blank or fully custom printed. This guide covers the difference between blank and printed options, the recycled alternative, and how to pick a width, attachment, and print method.
Blank polyester lanyards vs. custom printed lanyards
The first decision is whether the lanyard needs your branding on it. Both start from the same polyester strap; the difference is what goes on the surface.
- Blank polyester lanyards: A solid-color strap with no printing. They ship fastest, cost the least, and suit last-minute orders, internal events, or any event where the badge does the talking. Browse blank lanyards.
- Custom printed lanyards: Your logo, event name, or artwork repeated along the strap, so every attendee becomes a moving piece of signage. Worth it when brand visibility, sponsor placement, or a polished look matters. Browse custom printed lanyards.
Recycled (rPET) lanyards
Recycled lanyards are made from rPET, a polyester spun from recycled plastic bottles. They print and wear like standard polyester, so you get the same durability and color without the virgin-plastic footprint. If your event carries sustainability messaging, an rPET lanyard is an easy, visible way to back it up, and it pairs naturally with recyclable badge holders and eco-friendly badge stock. See the full range of sustainable event products.
Widths and attachments
Width is mostly an aesthetic and print-area choice; the attachment is a functional one. Wider straps give printing more room and feel more substantial, while the attachment decides how the badge hangs and how easily it comes off.
| Width | Best for |
|---|---|
| 5/8 inch | Everyday events on a budget; clean look with a single line of text. |
| 3/4 inch | The default for most conferences; room for a logo plus text. |
| 1 inch | Sponsor branding, photographic artwork, or a premium feel. |
Common attachments include the bulldog clip (grips most badge holders), the swivel hook (rotates so the badge always faces forward), and the split ring (for keys or non-badge credentials). For attendee safety, a breakaway connector at the back of the neck lets the lanyard release under pressure.
Printing methods for custom lanyards
How your artwork gets onto the strap affects both the look and the price:
- Dye-sublimation: Full-color, edge-to-edge printing that can carry gradients and photographic artwork. Best for detailed logos or multi-color designs.
- Silkscreen: Solid spot colors pressed onto the strap. Economical and crisp for simple one- or two-color logos.
- Hot-stamp: A foil imprint, usually metallic. A budget-friendly option for a single-color mark.
How to choose
- Tight timeline or budget: A blank polyester lanyard in a brand-adjacent color.
- Brand or sponsor visibility: A custom printed lanyard, dye-sublimated if the artwork is detailed.
- Sustainability goals: An rPET recycled lanyard, printed or blank.
- Heavier badges or holders: Step up to 3/4 inch or 1 inch so the strap carries the weight comfortably.
Keep reading
- Multi-day event logistics: how to plan a multi-day conference
- Sustainable event products: badges, lanyards, and holders
- Order a free sample pack of badges, lanyards, and holders
Whether you need a blank polyester lanyard by Friday or a fully custom printed run for a flagship conference, the right strap makes every badge easier to wear and harder to lose.
Browse custom lanyards Get a sample pack
Frequently asked questions
What is a polyester lanyard?
A polyester lanyard is a strap made from polyester fabric that holds a badge or credential around the neck. Polyester is the most common lanyard material because it is durable, affordable, and takes printing cleanly, which makes it suitable for both blank and fully custom printed lanyards.
What is the difference between blank and custom printed lanyards?
Blank lanyards are a solid color with no printing; they ship fastest and cost the least, which suits last-minute or budget-conscious events. Custom printed lanyards carry your logo, event name, or artwork repeated along the strap, turning every attendee into visible branding. Both use the same polyester base, so the difference is the printed surface, not the strap itself.
Are recycled lanyards as durable as regular polyester?
Yes. Recycled lanyards are made from rPET, a polyester spun from recycled plastic bottles, and they print and wear like standard polyester. You get the same durability and color while reducing the virgin-plastic footprint, which is why they pair well with events that carry sustainability messaging.
What lanyard width should I choose?
A 5/8 inch strap suits everyday events and a single line of text, 3/4 inch is the default for most conferences and fits a logo plus text, and 1 inch gives the most room for sponsor branding or photographic artwork. Step up to a wider strap when the badge or holder is heavier so the lanyard carries the weight comfortably.
What printing methods work on polyester lanyards?
Dye-sublimation prints full-color, edge-to-edge artwork including gradients and photos; silkscreen presses solid spot colors and is economical for simple one- or two-color logos; and hot-stamp applies a foil imprint for a single-color mark. Choose based on how detailed and colorful your artwork is.