Over time, the lanyard has proven to be a very useful accessory that serve a variety of purposes. It can hold onto your ID cards and car keys, while at the same time being a cheap and efficient means of promoting a brand or business. Lanyards are wildly popular for this reason and, naturally, have different types to fulfil a wide range of needs.
So, if you are on a search for lanyards, this is something to consider: the type of lanyard you use depends heavily on your specific needs and preferences.
To get you started, here are a few common types of lanyards and their uses:
Standard Lanyard
This is is a simple type of lanyard that is commonly used for carrying ID badges, keys or other small objects. It typically consists of a strip of fabric worn around the neck that is made from different materials – case in point: nylon lanyards and polyester lanyards. The fabric strip is usually flat, with a clip – sometimes a bulldog clip – at the end.
Some key features of a standard lanyards:
- Attachment: Standard lanyards usually have a metal clip or other similar lanyard attachment at the end. This attachment can be used to hold items such as keys, USB drives or other small tools.
- Length: Standard lanyards are typically long enough to comfortably hang around the neck or wrap around the wrist. The length can vary, but a common length is around 36 inches (91 cm).
- Material: The lanyard material is often made of durable and lightweight synthetic fibers like nylon or polyester. These materials are chosen for their strength, flexibility, and resistance to wear and tear
Retractable Lanyard
A retractable lanyard, sometimes called a retractable badge holder, is a type of lanyard uses a mechanism designed to retract and extend the attached item. This type of lanyard is commonly used for carrying small items that need to be easily accessible for use without removal from the lanyard.
Here are some key characteristics of a retractable lanyard:
- Retractable Mechanism: The most distinctive feature of this type of lanyard is its retractable reel. This mechanism allows the attached item to be extended away from the body when needed and then easily retracted back to its original position.
- Attachment: The retractable reel is often attached to a lanyard strap that can be worn around the neck or clipped to a belt loop or pocket. The retractable reel is typically made of plastic or metal.
- Cord Length: The length of the retractable cord can vary, but it is usually long enough to allow the attached item to be used without detachment from the lanyard. Common cord lengths range from about 18 to 36 inches (45 to 91 cm).
Breakaway Lanyard
The breakaway lanyard has a safety feature that breaks the lanyard apart easily when pulled forcefully. This feature is intended to enhance safety by reducing the risk of injury or choking if the lanyard becomes entangled or caught on an object. Breakaway lanyards are often used in environments where safety is a priority, such as schools, healthcare facilities, factories, and places where machinery is operated.
Key features and characteristics of breakaway lanyards include:
- Breakaway Clasp: The primary feature of a breakaway lanyard is the breakaway clasp located at the back of the wearer’s neck. This clasp is designed to release when a sudden or excessive force is applied, allowing the lanyard to detach from the wearer’s neck.
- Safety: The breakaway feature helps prevent accidents by reducing the risk of choking or injury if the lanyard gets caught on something or tugged forcefully. This is especially important in situations where the lanyard could become entangled in machinery or equipment.
- Materials: Breakaway lanyards are typically made from durable materials like nylon or polyester, similar to most other lanyards. The clasp itself, however, is often made of plastic or other lightweight yet durable materials.
Fashion Lanyards
These lanyards are designed with decorative elements and are often used as a stylish accessory. They combine functionality with style, often incorporating decorative elements and unique designs. The outcome is often aesthetically far-ranging, from beaded lanyards to woven lanyards, and even sunflower lanyards.
While standard lanyards are typically simple and utilitarian, fashion lanyards are intended to be more visually appealing. Wearing lanyards of this kind is indeed a fashion statement.
Some key features include:
- Design: Fashion lanyards come in a wide variety of designs and patterns. They may feature beads, charms, sequins or other decorative elements that make them stand out as a fashion accessory.
- Materials: The choice of materials often contributes to the overall aesthetic of the lanyard. From the beaded lanyard to the woven lanyard, the range of fashionable options here are quite numerous.
- Decoration: Some fashion lanyards include embellishments like crystals, gemstones, rhinestones, embroidery etc. All of them intended to make these accessories visually appealing ato those that wear lanyards.
Utility Lanyards
These are designed to serve specific functional purposes beyond simply carrying identification badges or keys. These lanyards are equipped with features that cater to various practical needs, making them suitable for specific activities or professions.
They typically have different attachments that can hold tools, electronic devices and water bottles, among other things.
Key features and characteristics of utility lanyards include:
- Specialized Attachments: Utility lanyards often have attachments that are tailored to specific tasks or tools. These attachments can include holders, clips, pockets or even straps that securely hold tools, electronic devices or other such accessories.
- Durability: Utility lanyards are typically constructed from durable materials – such as heavy-duty nylon or reinforced polyester – to withstand the demands of specific tasks or environments.
- Customization: While utility lanyards prioritize functionality, some options still allow for customization, such as adding logos, text or choosing specific colors. Custom lanyards are always a smart choice to adapt a utility lanyard to your particular needs.
When choosing lanyards, it is important to consider such factors as use, comfort and durability. You’ll never go wrong doing this.
If you have specific requirements or preferences, you can find a wide variety of lanyards available for purchase online.
Happy looking!