Printed vs Woven Lanyards: Which Do I Need?
When choosing a custom lanyard, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to go with printed lanyards or woven lanyards. They might seem similar at first glance, but there are big differences in how they’re made, how they look, and what they cost. This guide breaks it down in simple terms so you can make the right choice for your needs.
What Are Printed Lanyards?
Printed lanyards are made from flat polyester or satin-style polyester and decorated with your logo, text, or design using ink. There are two common methods:
Screen Printing: Best for bold, simple designs with 1–2 colours.
Dye Sublimation: Ideal for full-colour or photographic artwork, offering edge-to-edge coverage.
Printed lanyards are versatile and work well for most applications, from ID holders to promotional giveaways.
Key features:
Clear, sharp logos
Works with complex artwork or gradients
Faster production for bulk orders
Lower cost for high volumes
What Are Woven Lanyards?
Woven lanyards are made differently. Instead of printing, your design is stitched directly into the fabric using threads—like embroidery. This gives a textured finish that feels more permanent and durable.
However, woven lanyards can’t handle complex logos or fine text. Simple artwork with strong contrast works best.
Key features:
Extremely durable — won’t fade or rub off
Ideal for bold text or single-colour logos
Looks high quality and long-lasting
Slightly more premium feel
Comparison:
| Feature | Printed Lanyards | Woven Lanyards |
|---|---|---|
| Design Detail | High — suitable for logos, gradients, photos | Low — best for simple logos and bold text |
| Finish | Smooth, flat surface | Textured, stitched finish |
| Colour Options | Full-colour options available | Limited to 1–2 colours per design |
| Durability | Very good for most uses | Excellent — design won’t fade |
| Turnaround Time | Fast — great for bulk printing | Slightly longer due to weaving process |
Which One Should You Choose?
Ask yourself a few questions:
Is your logo detailed or colourful?
Go with a printed lanyard (especially dye-sub).Do you need a premium, long-lasting look?
Woven lanyards are the better option for durability.Is budget a concern?
Printed lanyards tend to be more cost-effective, especially for large quantities.Are you buying for staff or long-term use?
Woven may offer better value over time due to the stitched-in design.
Use Case Examples
| Use Case | Recommended Style |
|---|---|
| One-day event or trade show | Printed (screen or dye-sub) |
| Corporate staff ID | Woven or printed |
| Charity giveaway | Printed (tubular or flat) |
| Security or access control | Woven |
| Colourful branding | Dye-sublimated printed |