As popular and widely-used as lanyards are, there aren’t that many specifications – or restrictions – on how they can be designed. Take for instance the question of how long a lanyard should be. Sometimes it serves the wearer better to have a longer lanyard, sometimes the shorter the lanyard, the better.
What matters most in this scenario are your personal preferences and what you intend to use the lanyard for.
Which begs the question: What are lanyards typically used for?
What is a Lanyard Used For?
A lanyard is a simple cord or strap typically worn around the neck or across the chest. It’s main purpose is to hold and display items such as ID badges, keys, access cards and the like. More than anything else, lanyards offer the convenience of keeping essential items readily available, while also freeing up the wearer’s hands.
Most lanyards can be used in a variety of settings, including conferences, trade shows and healthcare facilities, with the goal of helping identify individuals and grant ease of access to secure areas or equipment. In addition to all of this, lanyards are great for promotional purposes, especially when customized with your brand or logo of choice.
How Long Should a Lanyard Be?
As always, the length of a lanyard varies depending on its intended use and the personal preferences of the wearer. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are a few things to consider nonetheless:
Standard Lanyard Length
The standard length of lanyards is usually around 36 inches (91 cm) in total length, with the lanyard hole size being around 0.75mm – you can determine these dimensions yourself by wrapping a measuring tape around your neck. This length is ideal because it means the lanyard can be hung down your neck comfortably. It makes the lanyard perfectly suited for holding ID badges, keys, access cards and other such small, essential items. It offers just enough length for easy visibility and accessibility without being too cumbersome.
Customization also plays a key role when determining the length of your lanyards. Different settings or preferences – personal or organizational – may require variations. For instance, some individuals or organizations may prefer shorter lanyards for a neater appearance, while others might opt for longer ones to facilitate quick and effortless badge scanning.
Badge or ID Lanyard
Getting the appropriate length for a lanyard is especially important when it comes to badge and ID lanyards. This is because getting the length right ensures practicality and comfort. Lanyards of this kind are designed primarily to hold identification badges, access cards, keys and other small items and so their ideal length is typically on the shorter side.
The shorter length of ID badge lanyards minimizes the risk of the ID swinging or tangling while worn. This is what makes them such a popular choice for workplaces, conferences or events where quick and efficient access to identification is essential. More than this, a shorter lanyard is less likely to interfere with daily activities or become tangled in equipment or machinery. This is particularly important in industrial and work settings.
Safety and Breakaway Lanyards
Safety and breakaway lanyards are designed with a primary focus on safety in mind, especially in environments where there may be a risk of lanyard entanglement. These lanyards feature a breakaway clasp – or lanyard clip – that releases wen pulled with force. What this does is it reduces the risk of injuries in situations where the lanyard could become caught or snagged. Generally speaking, safety and breakaway lanyards are shorter when compared to standard lanyards.
When selecting a safety or breakaway lanyard, it is crucial to ensure that it meets safety standards and regulations for your specific industry. Your choice of lanyard length should align with the hazard prevention measures in that work environment. This is important to ensure maximum safety and minimize the risk of accidents or injuries.
Custom Length
You can also opt for a custom lanyard sizes or length based on your specific needs and preferences. While some people might prefer longer lanyards that allow them swipe an access card without taking them off the lanyard, others might prefer shorter lanyards that keep their items closer to their body. It all depends.
Custom-length lanyards offer you the flexibility to tailor the lanyard’s dimensions to your specific needs, preferences, and use cases. The decision to opt for a custom length depends on various factors, including the intended use, wearer comfort, and functionality.
Consider Personal Comfort
Ultimately, the length of the lanyard should be comfortable for you to wear. That is what matters the most. It should hang at a length that is convenient for your intended use without causing discomfort or inconvenience over a stretch of time.
The right lanyard size or length in this context does, of course, vary from person to person, depending on body proportions and individual preferences. Lanyards that are too short may cause unnecessary strain on the neck and shoulders, leading to discomfort or even pain. On the other hand, overly long lanyards can be bothersome, as they may dangle excessively or get caught on objects. It is always important to pick what style of lanyards works best for you.